KiwiLink Vanuatu
KiwiLink has been working in Vanuatu since 1982. Over the years KiwiLink has established strong relationships with local communities and pastors.
The exact date of the Churches of Christ starting is unclear but a number of Ni-Vanuatu people return from Queensland in 1900-1902 and went back to Ambae, Pentecost and Maewo and shared their faith following becoming Christians in Australia. Australian Churches of Christ sent a number missionaries over in the early part of 20th century. NZ mission work started in force in 1962 when Dr David Coulter and his wife Anne and Heather Middlemiss went to Nduindui Hospital. At the same time Jean Delaney went to Ranmawat Hospital. The Australian Churches of Christ provided the building expertise. Dr Coulter visited medical centres on three islands and began the training of nurses. Building work was carried out by Philip and Alice Strawbridge and Ron Laing in 1964-65 at Nduindui hospital. Teachers have gone as well. Kathryn Rees (was a member of Rutherford St Church of Christ – now Unite church) and taught at Ranwadi High School in late 1970’s. In 1981 Ron Bergman went to Banmatmat Bible College to build a new home for the Principal. This began an over 30 year association of taking building and encouragement teams into Vanuatu. Throughout these years Ron was supported by the Overseas Mission Board, Alan Tear as Treasurer and the subsequent committees. Ron is now 80 years of age, and still goes over to visit however a new Management Committee was formed in 2013. The legacy that Ron has left with us, is strong relationships and rapport with local people. This has facilitated an easy transition for the new team to build relationships with the Ni-Van communities. |
" Strength through Partnership "