Marina Shannon is Youth Pastor at Orewa Community Church (OCC), and at last year’s CCCNZ Auckland Regional Summit she brought along Martin Vorster (pictured) from the youth group.
Martin was able to chat with Scholarships Enabler Liz Hodge at the Summit, and in 2025 he began studying toward a Diploma in Christian Studies at Pathways Bible College, supported with an internship gift from Lichfield Lands.
The course means Martin is involved in a supervised internship (practical work placement) at his home church, as well as studying Bible college courses in intensive blocks throughout the year at Pathways Bible College in Pāpāmoa, Tauranga.
Martin recently sent us an encouraging update saying how grateful he is to us and Lichfield Lands for the scholarship and how much he is enjoying the block courses at Pathways. He writes:
“The first part of the initial block course felt a bit strange at first, since it was my first time following a schedule that didn’t look anything like school. But the great thing is, I quickly settled in and made friends…
“Heading into the first week of ministry (after block week), I was a bit unsure how to start, but by the second week, I found my rhythm. Just a couple of weeks ago, I was back at Pathways for another awesome time…
“My ministry placement at Orewa Community Church (OCC) has been going really well. I’ve been leading youth quite a bit and recently started MCing services. OCC has been growing, so we’ve launched evening services to make space for more people. I’ll also be leading communion soon—very exciting! Plus, I’m a leader at Easter Camp this year, and I’m looking forward to heading down to Tōtara Springs.”
Marina says Martin’s placement at OCC has been going very well, and comments, “Martin is a billboard for what it means to be a servant-hearted leader. Martin does not seek the limelight but truly leads by example”.
We’re so encouraged to hear about servant-hearted leadership and Martin’s passion for theology.
Why not come along to a Regional Summit near you and bring someone like Martin with you? You never know how they might be encouraged to serve, learn and grow... find dates and rego details below.
