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!

Born in England, I immigrated to NZ as a teenager and spent my high school years in sunny Motueka. I’m married to a Korean man and we have two children, both born during our time living in South Korea. I have a Bachelor of Ministries from Laidlaw College, but have spent much of my working life in administration and education roles. Having served as the Office Administrator here in 2019-20, I’m enjoying the opportunities I have to connect with the children and families in this role and look forward to helping children grow in the knowledge of God and in their confidence that they are loved and of infinite value. Of course, part of that involves having a lot of fun together too!

I enjoy connecting with people from different cultures, Korean pop music and variety shows and spending time with my children (albeit having our moments!). As a family, we have a heart for mission and are hoping to head to Cambodia to serve with OMF in the future. I’d love to hear from you if you have any questions or feedback about our children and families.

I started as Church Manager in October 2020.
My husband and I have been attending Papanui Baptist Church for the past six years and feel very much a member of the church family.  We felt welcome the moment we stepped into the building one fine sunny Sunday.
I spent my childhood in the North Island, moving to the South Island from Tauranga in 2021.  We have two adult children and a darling wee grandson.
Most of my working career has been in sales and largely looking after relationships with Key Clients.  The role I now have as Church Manager is certainly rewarding, varied and at times, challenging.  I get great satisfaction in making a difference in any way I can, whether it be for the church building, the church family, or the community.

I am truly blessed to have the opportunity to serve God in this way.