After living and serving for most of the last 25 years in South-East Asia, 2018 saw my family and I returning to New Zealand. My husband Adam, twins Sophie and Samuel and youngest daughter Tobey and I have enjoyed South Island hospitality as we have been busy re-establishing ourselves in North Canterbury and being welcomed back to Papanui Baptist Church. 

My time serving overseas saw me gain extensive experience in community development, working with several local and international NGOs. This experience in turn has grown a passion for seeing people deepen their understanding of God and of who they are in Christ. It has given me a passion to see injustices transformed; seeing God move through his people to bring ‘rightness’ or righteousness into wrong situations. 

Being able to journey with people as they move deeper into their own understanding of these things as God reveals His Mission and our place in that mission is very exciting.

Papanui Baptist has been a part of my whole life! Being brought up in this encouraging, affirming family has been incredible. It’s a privilege to work here, especially because I get to do what I love! My main role is to facilitate our youth group, Y@P, but also to continue developing connections between our wider church body and our youth.

A huge passion of mine is getting alongside young people to help Jesus reveal His love for them, and the worth He has placed on their lives. A big part of my story was (and still is) this revelation for myself; so I know the value that this has, firsthand.

In my spare time I play canoe polo and/or football, and in general am a little sport-mad. I also love Lego and watching Marvel movies. Feel free to flick me an email to say gidday!