Our Missionaries
Overseas Missionaries
Bernie & Sylvia Kay
We are a kiwi couple who have been living on the mission field since the early 2000’s. We are normally based in YWAM Kona, but are currently in New Zealand awaiting visas. We head up the Oral Bible and Jesus Movie Translation programs with people groups who do not have the bible in their native language.
Josh & Laura Wilson
We were both raised in NZ, and we have 5 kids under 9 years old. We have been with an organization in Brazil called 'With Open Arms' for over 7 years, meaning 4 of the kids were born here in Brazil. The ministry has expanded from initially being a shelter for street children / children at risk into community evangelism, discipleship, and also a Christian school.
Ernest & Courtney Sirefwe
We are the Sirefwe family, based in the Kavango Region of Namibia. We lead a non-profit organization that works with 70+ children from underserved communities. Our aim is to provide quality education with a Christ-centered foundation.
Jared & Joyce Waipouri
We live in Vanuatu serving in a mission called V2 Life associated with YWAM. Our focus is on the evangelism of Vanuatu and the development of a school Teouma Christian Academy for local children unable to access quality education.
Matt & Cora Dawson
We are a Kiwi, French, American family in full time missions for over 25 years. Our roots are in YWAM and we run a ministry called Restoring Connections with branches in New Zealand, the USA, and France. We develop programs that support people in healing and strengthening their most important relationships, and then helping others do the same. Currently based in France.
Local Missionaries
James & Kate Dixon
We are part of YWAM Furnace in Tauranga, whose vision is “to equip the Body of Christ in enjoyable prayer and effective mission.” We lead the Furnace Prayer Room, teach and train students, lead worship, and host the Furnace podcast—providing practical tools and encouragement for believers to live missionally.
Thelma Dingle
I attended a YWAM Family Ministry DTS in 2004 which transformed my life. When my husband Richard passed away 2022, I felt the Lord call me back to missions which I have done by staffing counselling schools and taking students on outreaches to Fiji and Vanuatu. I love seeing lives transformed by the Lord. My heart is for the Pacific Islands.
Steven Verwey
I am from the state of Washington. I am on staff with YWAM Pacific Reach in Tauranga, where I spend the majority of my time discipling young folks that come from all around the globe by creating a safe and engaging space where they can get to know Jesus, have their lives transformed by Him, and be ready to go out into all the world to be disciple makers themselves.
Michael and Leah Lefebvre
We are a family of 4 originally from Canada but now residing in Tauranga. Michael serves with YWAM and Restoring Connections in filmmaking, podcasting and mentorship ministries focused on telling stories that move people toward the Heart of God.
Andrew & Sarah Davis
We are a family of 5 from the USA living in Ohauiti, serving with YWAM Ships Aotearoa and YWAM Furnace. Andrew leads community outreaches and connects with churches and medical professionals to help bring practical care and the gospel to communities in need.
Nathaniel and Alicia Baldock
We are a Kiwi/Canadian family, recently returned to New Zealand from YWAM Kona. We have been full time missionaries with YWAM for about 20 years. Nathaniel serves on a number of international missions initiatives focused on strategic city and nation ‘Great Commission’ projects.