Adults: Evening Worships & Sabbath Worship Services on 14 January

Pr Glenn Townend – President, South Pacific Division

Pastor Glenn has worked as a pastor, chaplain, conference president, union president and currently serves his second term as the SPD president after being re-elected at the recent Session Conference in St Louis. Born in Port Pirie, South Australia, he spent part of his childhood in Papua New Guinea and various parts of Australia. He is married to Pamela and they have three adult children and five ‘and a half’ grandchildren. Other than spending time with his family, his passions are growing disciple-makers, church planting, cycling and gardening.

Adults: Morning Programs & Sabbath Worship Service on 7 January

Dr Wendy Jackson – Head of School / Senior Lecturer (Avondale Seminary)

Wendy is the Head of the Avondale Seminary, a senior lecturer in Theology, and a commissioned pastor. She lectures in a range of theology, Christian history, and New Testament subjects.

Although born in NSW, Wendy spent most of her childhood and young adult years in New Zealand. Prior to her theological studies, Wendy worked as a Paediatrician subspecializing in endocrinology. She subsequently responded to God’s calling on her life, completing a Master of Divinity and a PhD in Systematic and Historical Theology at Andrews University. Her current research interests include ecclesiology, discipleship, Christian history, and Adventist identity. In her spare time Wendy loves reading, traveling, birding, and exploring the outdoors with camera in hand.

Youth (18+ years old)

Pr Sarah-Jane Riley – Church Pastor and Discipleship Director for South New Zealand Conference

When I was 10 years old I was introduced to this concept of God and ever since life has been a series of unexpected events.  There have been hills and valleys, tears and laughter, loss and gain, even love and heartbreak.  I have known God and I have also done everything I could to escape what it is to be known by God.  Through it all one thing has remained true – even when I gave up on Him, He never gave up on me.  I am humbled by the forgiveness I have become all too familiar with and feel blessed to know true grace and acceptance.  After all my disobedience and rejection God then did what didn’t make sense – He called me into ministry and chose to use my mess to bring Him glory.  I have come to know that in life & ministry nothing transforms and connects me more than the gifts of whanau (family), karakia (prayer) and God’s Word.  I cannot wait to see how God is going to show up at NNZ Big Camp 2023!

High School (13-17 years old)

Mrs Maranatha Fidow – Administrative Assistant for ADRA New Zealand

My name is Maranatha Fidow, I am 36 years old, born and bred in Auckland City. I’ve been married for 14 years to my loving and supportive husband Tafa Fidow (TYJ). We have 3 beautiful children that keep us on our toes – Summer (13yrs), Nature (11yrs)  & River (10yrs) and 1 pet bunny – Dusty (1yr). I currently work as Administrative Assistant for ADRA NZ alongside an amazing team who are doing life-changing things out in the community, here in NZ, and overseas. I’m also humbled to be part of a group of courageous young people that dared to churchplant during a pandemic. 18 months on and God has blessed The Fields Church based in Lynnfield, Auckland – Thank You Lord! A few of my passions include eating, drinking Koko Samoa (ask me about this), spending time with family, and most importantly – helping young people activate their Kingdom Potential to accept and express the Heart of The Father.

Juniors (10-12 years old)

Michaela (Miki) Truscott

Hi my name is Michaela but everyone calls me Miki. I have always loved children’s ministry, as a teenager I started leading kids Sabbath Schools in my local church and continued this throughout my theology degree. In 2018 I graduated from Avondale College and began working at Avondale College church in 2019 as an intern pastor working in the kids and families space. I loved my time at College Church and being able to learn and grow in the world of kids ministry. In 2022 I have begun working as a school chaplain which is legit the best job ever. I love being able to spend my days sharing Jesus with students from pre-school all the way through to senior school. I’m so excited to be attending Big Camp 2023 and sharing our amazing God with your kids!

Primary (7-9 years old)

Pr Ama Pahulu –South Auckland SDA Primary (SASDA)

‘Amalani, also known as Pr Ama, was born, and raised in Tonga and moved to New Zealand with his family in 2005.  Amalani grew up as an Adventist whose late father served as a Pastor for the Tonga and Niue mission for many years. He now lives in South Auckland serving as a full-time chaplain for the South Auckland SDA Primary school and the Balmoral SDA primary school. ‘Amalani enjoys food, gospel music, good company and connecting with God and others. He loves writing kid’s songs, kid’s stories and is passionate about helping kids find God using their gifts and talents. ‘Amalani’s favourite saying is “In a world where you can be anything, be kind”.  He believes that Godly kindness can help lead many people, especially kids, to understand our heavenly father better.