Neil Joll - Director
Founding Board member with a background in Church Mission Committees, Eldership, Pastoral Care, Children’s Ministries and Small Group leadership. Neil has been visiting the Philippines on short term visits for over 30 years. Married to Alison.
Neil says.... The first time I visited the Philippines in 1993, the material poverty impacted me greatly. I felt guilty when returning home to New Zealand. To think I could buy and pay for anything I wanted from the supermarket without question, shook me to the core. The lives in the Philippines that touched me were those who often went without food and couldn’t afford their daily necessities. It wasn’t until 2005 that I returned and still that awkward gap was there. The next visit in 2008 was the turning point for me. I had to respond to what I believed was the call of God on my life. That call was to 'Reach out and make a difference to one at a time with the Love of God.' This involves developing partnerships and from there identifying the real needs of the people by listening to them. I have come to cherish the opportunities to visit my Filipino friends and to assist them in any way that the Lord leads me. To pray for them, to talk with them, encourage them and to resource them in their service for the Lord. On each successive visit, I see the material poverty of so many contrasted with the spiritual richness of a few but I also note the desire for the Word of God in the lives of my friends and spiritual family. This challenges me in many ways. I am spurred on by their desire to proclaim the true gospel of Jesus Christ in a land where the Bible is often misinterpreted. My passion to share this vision, that the Lord has given me, is constantly on my mind. I pray that as you view the content of this web site, you will be challenged also. That you will take up the call and partner with us for God’s glory and the testimony of the work of Christ to redeem a people for Himself. 
Joanne Cooke - Finance
Founding Board member – Currently attending Golden Sands Baptist Church, Papamoa. I have served in Children’s Ministries and Small Groups in Hamilton, Rotorua & Tauranga. Married to Rob.
Joanne says... I have visited the Philippines 4 times since 2002 and each time I have learned from them and been inspired by their community culture. I am privileged to be an original board member and have seen Starfish Ministries develop their partnerships, as a board we continue to seek God in all our decisions. My husband and I part sponsor one of our Christian workers, we are encouraged by their passion and love for God and their community. 
Kylie Brown
Board member since 2025 and daughter of Neil Joll. Kylie is and has been the Children and Families Pastor at Lifezone Church since 2012. Kylie has been on several mission trips beginning in 2016 and co-led a team with Neil in January 2025. Married to Graham, with two teenage/young adult daughters, Aimee and Eden.
Kylie says…. It has been a very special privilege to witness the growth and impact of this ministry - something God originally placed on my father Neil’s heart - as I’ve grown up. My own family has been sponsoring students for several years, and it has been wonderful to see these young students flourish, supported both financially and spiritually. Many who have completed the program are now employed, supporting their families, and actively serving in their local churches. I’ve had the honour of participating in multiple visits with SFM teams, including a recent trip where I co-led a team alongside my father and joined by one of my daughters. These experiences have deepened my love for the Filipino people, and it has been incredibly special to meet our sponsored students in person and form lasting friendships with some of them. I am truly grateful to now serve on the SFM board. I pray that I can contribute meaningfully as the ministry continues to grow, and that, guided by God’s love and direction, we may continue to serve the beautiful people of the Philippines with compassion and purpose. Vertical Divider
|
John Moodie - Marketing, IT
Board member since 2013, small group leader, involved with ESL ministry, and previously in youth leadership. Has been an avid supporter (with his wife Phoebe) of the ministry and partners. John has also been on several mission trips to the Philippines.
John says... I have been visiting the Philippines since 2005 and have learnt so much as a result. It is great to be able to continue our relationships and partnerships formed from those trips through Starfish. It is a great privilege to serve on the board and to be involved in supporting and encouraging others where there is a need. We have many resources in NZ which God has blessed us with which we want to use for His purposes and for His glory. 
Shane Wildermoth - Philippines Liaison
Board member since 2010 and previously involved as the Board’s consultant. Shane has served as a full time missionary for 25 years in the Philippines. Currently serving as Associate Pastor at Te Awamutu Bible Church. Married to Rene (Filipino).
Shane says.... I went to the Philippines in 1985 on a three year term but ended up staying there for 24 years. My main ministry was Church planting amongst all classes of people but for the last 5 years of my ministry, I was pastoring a church in Quezon City. I am passionate about the Filipino people and the faith they express in daily life amidst difficulties that we do not understand in the western world. I am also passionate about providing opportunities for Filipinos to get ahead, both spiritually, emotionally and physically. Being involved in Starfish has provided this opportunity and I love seeing the amazing passion for the Gospel that the Filipinos have when they come to know the Lord Jesus Christ. 
Andrew Yoon
Board member since 2022 and previously involved as an Auckland Representative of SFM. Andrew has been serving at a Korean Church in Auckland as a Sunday school and Youth group teacher and in small group Leadership. Andrew has been on several mission trips to the Philippines since 2013. Married to Hayley and have three lovely children, Caleb, Esther and Samuel.
Andrew says…. It was a miracle that I have been contacted by SFM via Christian Network Newsletter email at work. That email has changed my life and led me to visit the Philippines multiple times with SFM mission teams. I have learnt and connected with wonderful Filipino friends from each trip. I thought I went to the Philippines to give something that I have but I always received much more from my Filipino friends than what I could give to them. It is such a blessing to be part of the SFM mission team. It is a great privilege to serve on the board and continuously support and encourage our brothers and sisters in the Philippines through SFM. |