Our Story

“Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.”
1 Cor 1:22-24

Tom

I first went to Vanuatu in 2002-03 when I worked in community development, leading project teams and travelling from village to village. When I became a Christian in 2004 after reading the Bible, I immediately wanted to go back to Vanuatu, this time to serve Jesus. I then taught primary school for three years, studied at Trinity Theological College, and worked as an associate pastor before heading back to Vanuatu.

In Vanuatu (2013-2021), I taught theology and biblical studies and served as Dean of Studies at Enefa Ministry Training Center, lectured in theology at Talua Theological Training Institute, directed mission to the unreached on Tanna, preached in villages, spoke at conferences, planted a church, facilitated curriculum development, wrote policies, established an electronic ministry, ministered pastorally, and managed building projects. All this has helped me to understand the cultural context of Vanuatu and the worldview of its people.

I am now ministering to Vanuatu from Australia. This involves developing curriculum, teaching via zoom and visits, and running an electronic ministry via the web in collaboration with two of my former students in Vanuatu.

You can read Tom’s full Curriculum Vitae here.

“I want to know Christ – yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.”
Phi 3:10-11

Margaret

I was blessed to grow up in a Christian family and with many friends who taught me about God. In high school and at university, my appreciation of his amazing grace grew and I wanted to serve him with my life.

I loved visiting Kyrgyzstan on a short mission trip in 2003, learning about its culture, seeing a new part of God’s world, and meeting wonderful missionaries.

I was excited when Tom wanted to teach the Bible in Vanuatu and I was able to support his work there in different ways – home-schooling our children and building relationships in the community. I loved our 9 years there; as I strived to build up others in their faith, I was also encouraged by them.

While I miss Vanuatu, I am happy to serve wherever I am. Here in Perth, I edit Tom’s accreditation and policy documents, manage our household, and I hope to start work to cover the kid’s school fees.