The TSCF team grows

Rosie makes it official

Rosie Sim’s introduction to student ministry came through her now-husband and Dunedin staff worker Simon Sim. However stepping into the role of staff worker herself, nearly two years after their marriage, has been 25 years in the making.

She came to faith early in life, growing up in a Christian family and in a church community. But Rosie said that she struggled to own a faith that at times felt more like an inheritance than a relationship.

“Thankfully, I was surrounded by people who helped me express my doubts, worked through my questions, shared my burdens and pointed me back to Jesus when other options and interests seemed so much more appealing,” Rosie said. “I want to be that person for students coming to Dunedin, whether they are like me, figuring out what a practical and personal faith looks like in the ‘real world,’ or if they are still in need of that first introduction to Jesus.”

Rosie was born in Dunedin and wants to prove to new students that it isn’t “just some grungy student town” but a place to learn, grow and connect. And also—“a place for some pretty awesome cafes, beaches and bush tracks.”

As a registered nurse, Rosie will continue to work two days a week in Dunedin Hospital. Rosie and Simon have joined James and Jen Allaway living in The Quarters, TSCF’s student community of four adjoining houses. The opportunities there for hospitality and late-night chats particularly appeal to Rosie.

She and Simon share an interest in stories, whether in book, movie or video game form: “It comes in handy when connecting not just to students with pop culture references but to the greater story of the gospel,” Rosie said.

 

Wellington office welcomes back a familiar face

Nigel Pollock, TSCF’s National Director, has been reunited with one of his first Personal Assistants. Sarah Stark worked with Nigel and as TSCF’s Communications Manager in 2006. Since then, she and her husband have had three children.

At the end of 2017, the TSCF team farewelled Shani Vaughan-Broome after two years in the PA role and this summer Sarah has stepped back into it.

“She clearly feels that ten years of childcare have added value in preparing her for working with me again,” Nigel said.

“I’m thrilled to be serving TSCF,” Sarah said. “I firmly believe in the truth of the gospel and in the importance of nurturing and growing communities of faith. I love that this is at the heart of what TSCF is about.”

Sarah’s first connection with TSCF was as an English and linguistics student at Otago University.

 

Waikato team doubles

Nadine Liddle has joined Nick Goodwin in TSCF’s ministry to students at Waikato University and Wintec.

The international American came to New Zealand in 2011 when she married Bruce, a Kiwi widower with four children. She has been involved in mentoring students from Capernwray Bible School, and prior to living in New Zealand worked in ministry full time.

Nadine recalls hearing the words “You do it!” when, as a student, she cried out to God to send someone to her university in 1992 to support students and lead them in studying the Bible.

“As a relatively new Christian, I was hungry for God and saw a great need. The Lord called me to meet that need,” she said. That ministry is continuing all these years later.

In 2000 Nadine pioneered a university group for a church in Venezuela, then worked with Students For Christ in Spain from 2001 to 2011.

“My passion is to see students come to Christ, grow in the Lord and fulfil the call he has on their futures,” she said.

 

Student leader joins TSCF board

Annelise Chan is the newest addition to the team of three student representatives who sit on TSCF’s board. She is a Malaysian-born Aucklander who studies law and accounting at the University of Auckland.

Annelise has been involved with TSCF since 2016.

“I’ve loved the chance to discuss campus-wide issues in EU and connect with fellow law students through Veritas,” she said. “These groups encourage conversations that broaden my perspective and allow me to engage deeper with my study.”

Annelise said she has gained a better understanding of how faith influences perspectives on law, values and society. “I’m incredibly thankful to be studying a degree that seeks to understand cultural norms and has the ability to change them.” And she sees the potential for Christian student groups to apply faith to all of life: “We need to empower ourselves to inform others about Jesus and challenge what it means to live an undivided life. I hope to encourage others to actively search for the unique opportunities for dialogue and witnessing on campus. It’s up to us to make the effort to connect with other Christians, faculties and cultures.”

 

Ministry interns contribute to Canterbury and Otago teams

One student and one recent graduate are taking up TSCF’s ministry internship programme (dubbed “Minty”) this year. Alongside theological study and part-time work, they will be working with student groups while being mentored by staff.

Jaden Stokes finished studying psychology and philosophy at the University of Canterbury last year. “Being part of Christian Union over this time has been a huge encouragement to me and helped me to grow in my Christian faith,” he said. After five years as a student, he is back on campus working with the Christian Union to learn more about God, become better equipped to serve him, and to encourage others.

Zoe Ogilvie is taking a break between her third and fourth years studying medicine at the University of Otago to serve alongside the team there.

“It seems like a great opportunity to serve the organisation and student groups that have been so important to me, and to have more time to learn and think about some of the issues in the Christian faith,” she said.

Zoe has also joined staff and students living at The Quarters, TSCF’s student community, having been part of the Treehouse in 2016.

“I love how these intentional communities allow me to get really close with my flatmates and how we support each other in faith,” she said. Her other aim for the year is to have more time devoted to reading and writing.