Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Thank you for prayerfully considering this ministry opportunity.
I have no doubt that you might have met or heard about Jonan, Jewel and Jadyn Castillon. Some of you may have seen Jonan and Jewel’s ministry in pastoral care, preaching and music.
What is less well known is that over the past year, since they have come to live in South Canterbury, a multicultural ministry and mission to Asian and Pacific migrants and others ethnic groups, short term workers, has been growing around this family.
This ministry has a website with more details https://multiculturalresponse.com
Government statistics show that last year 40,448 people were approved for residence New Zealand. The need for multicultural ministry and mission here in South Canterbury is expected to continue to grow over the coming years as these trends continue – https://multiculturalresponse.com/about/
Some of the ministry activities the Castillons have been involved in are:
- Conducting home Bible studies, prayer and fellowship with dairy farm workers
- Ministering to Filipino, and other Asian families living permanently here in South Canterbury
- Assisting migrant workers settle in Timaru and South Canterbury
- Reaching out to Vanuatu seasonal workers here in South Canterbury
Jonan is a Baptist Pastor, with a Bachelor of Theology degree, who comes with commendations from the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches.
He has already shown himself to be a humble, trustworthy and approved servant of our Lord here in South Canterbury.
Whereas we tend to think of sending missionaries out to other countries to preach and minister Christian love and care, it is apparent that there is a need for this right here in South Canterbury.
As is often the case, where there is a mission need the Lord has already raised up, and is continuing to raise up the workers to meet this need.
What Can You Do to Support this Multicultural Ministry and Mission in South Canterbury?
There are many things that you can assist with this ministry and mission whatever your situation, age or experience.
1. Please Pray
- Pray for the Castillon Family, for their ministry, and for daily wisdom and protection
- The Multicultural Ministry will solicit prayer for specific needs as they arise – please click this link for details: https://multiculturalresponse.com/prayer-items/
- Prayer for continuing projects for Jonan and Jewel’s company “Online Writing Niche“
2. Practical Support to the Ministry
As you can imagine when working with families and workers who have come to New Zealand, there will be a multitude of small, practical and loving ways that support can be given.
These will be communicated as needed, but please be assured there will be lots of opportunities to assist in the practical ways that South Canterbury people are so good at.
3. Hopevale Trust and Financial Team Support
Hopevale Trust, a Charitable Trust Registered with the Charities Commission (Registration Number CC49670) has been set up. Hopevale Trust is able to issue IRD approved tax receipts for donations received.
The Hopevale Trust is a private charitable trust and is not specifically affiliated with any particular church or ministry. The Trustees of the Hopevale Trust are Ross and Hilary Waugh. Ross and Hilary have been members of Wilson Street Baptist Church, Timaru for over 20 years.
If you have any questions about the Hopevale Trust, how it will operate, and what the giving will be applied to, then read its GOALS or CONTACT HOPEVALE TRUST.
The Multicultural Ministry will have on-going financial needs for the support of workers and for meeting practical needs.
After investigating the options for doing this via church accounts or separately it was found that a separate Charitable Trust was the best mechanism with the least issues – enabling tax receipts for giving, and with no tax implications for ministry gifts if handled correctly.
There are many needs with this ministry, and as a result any amount of giving will be appreciated – $5, $10, $15 or more per week or per month.
Regular payments or single lump sum amounts are all acceptable. All funds received will be transferred to the Multicultural Ministry. Be a part of the support team by giving your donation.
Thank you very much for your gift. May the Lord God Almighty bless you and prosper you.
Sincerely yours,
Ross Waugh
Hopevale Trust
Leave a Reply