We are a small group of everyday kiwis wanting to reach out and partner with others in making a difference to one at a time, particularly in the Philippines at the moment.
our vision
“Reaching out and making a difference to one at a time – with the love of God”
The key philosophy of the ministry is that mission has a threefold approach – that all of our work incorporates three equally important aspects and all must be present in everything we do – Prayer, Communication and Funding.
The key philosophy of the ministry is that mission has a threefold approach – that all of our work incorporates three equally important aspects and all must be present in everything we do – Prayer, Communication and Funding.
our board
Neil Joll
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 nearly 25 years. Married to Alison.
Neil says....
I have spent most of my life in two mission focused churches. In 1993 the Lord led me to the Philippines. Little did I know it, but this became the seed of His call on my life to serve him there. I returned to the Philippines in 2005 and again in 2008.
When I returned home from the 2008 trip, the seed sprouted and two others joined with me to commence this ministry. The Lord has called me to serve Him, and to fulfill His plans. He has enabled me to reach out to His people – I must be faithful.
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.
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 nearly 25 years. Married to Alison.
Neil says....
I have spent most of my life in two mission focused churches. In 1993 the Lord led me to the Philippines. Little did I know it, but this became the seed of His call on my life to serve him there. I returned to the Philippines in 2005 and again in 2008.
When I returned home from the 2008 trip, the seed sprouted and two others joined with me to commence this ministry. The Lord has called me to serve Him, and to fulfill His plans. He has enabled me to reach out to His people – I must be faithful.
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.
Shane Wildermoth
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.
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.
Joanne Cooke
Founding Board member – Missions board member Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Tauranga. Joanne has served in Children’s Ministries and Small Groups in Hamilton, Rotorua & Tauranga. Married to Rob.
Joanne says...
I have visited the Philippines 3 times since 2002 and am always inspired by their community culture. I am privileged to be an original board member and have seen Starfish Ministries develop partnerships and continue to seek God in all our decisions. My husband and I sponsor several children, we love to see how the little we give can make such a difference in the lives of others.
Founding Board member – Missions board member Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Tauranga. Joanne has served in Children’s Ministries and Small Groups in Hamilton, Rotorua & Tauranga. Married to Rob.
Joanne says...
I have visited the Philippines 3 times since 2002 and am always inspired by their community culture. I am privileged to be an original board member and have seen Starfish Ministries develop partnerships and continue to seek God in all our decisions. My husband and I sponsor several children, we love to see how the little we give can make such a difference in the lives of others.
John Moodie
Board member since mid-2013, small group leader, involved in youth leadership and has been an avid supporter (with his wife Phoebe) of the Ministry & 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.
Board member since mid-2013, small group leader, involved in youth leadership and has been an avid supporter (with his wife Phoebe) of the Ministry & 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.