David & Meike Buetow (OJC Germany)
Life in OJC continues to go well, but one thing as an organisation that we have been wrestling with, is how do we reach young people. A strong focus on the work here was on those leaving high school and doing a year of voluntary service (Freiwillige Soziale Jahr or FSJ in German). The number of young adults for this has been declining over the years, and with/after COVID many people have felt they have lost too much time already and are not taking their “gap year”, but are heading direct in further studies or vocational training. With that we have been many changes to our FSJ program over this past year, and have also brought a new idea of having a “Time Out Now” program aimed at people from 20 to 30 years old who want to take a break from their studies or work life and join in our community life and work with the vision to foster passion and resilience and strengthen faith to equip you for your place in work and society.
Ashley & Gillian Crampton (Fiji)
The call and challenge of Fiji is very much to the fore and has not waivered over the many years. In our twilight years of life, we thank God for His faithfulness and daily strength as we work alongside the poor and needy, socio-economically deprived and endeavouring to be the hands of Jesus to them. Though many have little, they give much, expressing appreciation and gratefulness. May something we say ignite a flame within and the Holy Spirit will enlighten them of the need to trust and follow Jesus.
Andrew & Margaret Marriott (MotiVate)
As we experience major shifts happening globally, our missions focus has shifted further towards equipping and resourcing indigenous Christian leaders. They are passionate about Church-planting, Christian Education, Leadership training and effective discipleship, but lack the funds and resources necessary to complete the work. As Director of MotiVate - the New Zealand office for MV International – Andrew is responsible for raising prayer, resources and financial support from among New Zealand supporters.I’m afraid we don’t currently have any ‘open’ trips coming up in the next 12 months (ie trips that are not already co-ordinated for other churches or groups) – but will update you as plans emerge, or would be willing to organise a vision/mission trip for any interested in an area that we already operate in.
Carl & Kathy Most (Cuba)
As Cuba has moved from crisis to collapse, we have been strategically used by the Lord to encourage, mentor, and support the pastoral families we've partnered with over the past 10 years. We regularly serve the Cuban churches in their family camps, retreats, women’s conferences, and leadership training workshops. Occasionally, we bring in others interested in learning about and participating in the work with the Cuban people and Church. Similarly to how God is using us in Cuba, our work with Beginning of the Rest has us coming alongside cross cultural missionaries who are needing a space to slow down, be still, process and seek the Lord with regard to on the field struggles, unmet expectations, transitions and traumas.
Stephen & Raewyn Pattemore (Bible Society NZ)
Stephen and Raewyn Pattemore retired as missionaries to the Urak Lawoi’ people of South Thailand. The new church grew to independence with its own leadership. They continue to work with Ethim, the Bible translator, on the final touches to the whole Bible in the tribal language. They also make occasional visits to encourage the Christians. Stephen retired as a Translation Consultant for the Bible Societies. He continues to support a few projects in Thailand and Papua New Guinea on contract.
Carrie & Tim Toehemotu (Massey University)
We are the Toehemotus. We love God and people, working in several different areas to show God’s love to our local community and beyond. Carrie is Auckland City Leader for International Student Ministries of New Zealand. She cares for teams working with international students across the city, while she is serves Massey University Chaplaincy, providing care for staff and students with a special emphasis on international and recent graduates. Carrie also serves as chaplain for the New Zealand Police for North Shore, Rodney and South Kaipara. Tim trains and works with different church teams in the Street Van ministry, caring for the homeless population with blankets, sustenance, encouragement and prayer. Tim also engages conversations about God in community, small churches and nursing home environments. Tim also serves on the Massey Albany Chaplaincy team.
Karl & Amy Udy (Tandem Ministries)
We live in a digital world. The increasing influence of digital technology has changed so many areas of our lives and work, and it is changing mission work too. Karl is leading Digital Strategies for Tandem Ministries, providing direction to help Tandem function effectively in this digital age, and helping Tandem create and adopt the best tools, resources, and strategies to help us make disciples in this generation and beyond.
Shaan & Bianca Yen (Student Life Ministries)
E'Tim (Thailand)
Pastor Ngadiman & Suyati (Indonesia)
