Avodah Charitable Trust Administration

Michelle Larsen

Mental Health & AOD Assessment Manager

Michelle heads our administration team and is responsible for receiving and processing all referrals.

Ph: 0800 AVODAH (0800 286324)

Important: If we are unable to take your call, please leave us a text message, and we will reply as soon a s possible.

Meet Our Kaikoura Team

Our team of leaders are here to mentor and guide others on their journey of healing and growth. At Avodah Spiritual Respite the program consists of Spirituality groups, bible study, recovery groups, community-based groups, gardening/farm work. Also, the program has amazing outdoor activities and make the most of our surroundings and the Kaikoura/Canterbury region.

Director & Chaplain

john.bruce@avodah.nz

John Bruce

For I know truly inside myself the amazing strength and transformation I have received through my new life in Christ. I come with a burning passion and desire to build God’s kingdom through listening to and following Him. By listening to Him I can be more effective in the healing of His Sons and Daughters, by the following Him I can’t help but change my character, outlook, and mindset, then naturally build a true trust, and love never felt before. I give all glory to our mighty God for this stunningly put together ministry, He is the ever-powerful architect.

Favorite saying: “May we walk in love and light.”

Spiritual Director

darren.smith@avodah.nz

Darren Smith

I have been a Christian since May 27th 1985 with a renewal of faith in 2016 that lead me to the broken and hurting people living on the streets of Christchurch. I began befriending and interacting with these guys and in them encountered Jesus in His distressing disguise, which changed my life. My passion is for those caught in addictive cycles and seeing them set free to fully realise their potential as followers of Christ. The testimony of a life where brokenness, crime and addiction was the daily routine to a transformed life of healing/wholeness, productivity and wellness is my goal for each resident. I am passionate about prayer, the bible and living a life growing daily into Christ-likeness and growing this passion in others.

Favourite saying: “Be transformed into Christ-likeness by the renewing of your mind.”

Operations Manager

chelah.kiel@avodah.nz

Chelah Kiel

I have lived a life influenced by self-destructive behaviours and patterns. I have now come to a point in my life where these behaviours and patterns have come to an end through acknowledging Jesus Christ as my saviour. I love my role within Avodah, where I can walk alongside others, giving them hope and letting them know regardless they are loved in Him. I am passionate about empowering whaiora to be all they can be in reaching their full potential and in turn realizing my own.

Favourite saying: “In God we trust”

Program Manager

matt.mcgowan@avodah.nz

Matt McGowan

I grew up in a Christian family and although I found God’s love, life took me away from that love which resulted in deep addiction. Now in recovery from addiction I have restored the love I once felt and have a passion for people encountering Jesus as I now know the peace within Christ’s love is so much more life giving then the chaotic life I was once in.

Favourite saying: “The rear-view mirror is smaller than the windscreen for good reason.”

More Info

Coming Soon

TBA

Coming Soon

Meet the Vineyard Church Board

Joy Koops

Hello, I’m passionate about marriage and family, including my church family. I’m passionate about seeing lives restored, so being a part of this vision, this amazing family, seeing Gods kingdom in action where love, compassion and forgiveness reigns is such an honour and privilege. To see transformation and restoration in lives is such a Joy.

Favorite saying: “Never give up.”

Eric Koops

My passion is to see lives set free from addictions and transformed through the love of God. I love the church family I’m in, and the vision it supports. It is an honour to be part of a passionate dedicated team, who are witnessing transformation and restoration in lives and giving all the glory to God.

Favorite saying: “Bless the Lord oh my soul”.

Jill Hann

Firstly, I give all glory and honor to our Father in Heaven. I have been a Christian for 41 years and still today have my struggles and learning everyday things of our Lord and growing in them. So, in saying this, I realize the challenges facing new Christians. As I come from a background struggling with addiction, I also have a heart and love for those wanting to break the chains of addiction and see transformation in their lives by trusting in the Lord and by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Favorite Saying “Trust in the Lord with all heart“ (Proverbs 3: 5-6 )