Auckland, New Zealand

Auckland, New Zealand

Ken and Renee Dew

The North Shore Auckland church was then planted in January 2000.  Two years after its inception, the church birthed the Southside church in August 2002. A third church in Auckland, this time in the city’s Westside, soon followed.

Every Nation Auckland is one of our church-planting centers for the South Pacific. Aside from the works in Auckland, churches have been planted in Australia and an Every Nation Leadership Institute was established in the Samoan capital of Apia.

“We have had the joy of launching these five ministries”, shares Ken.

Several home groups meet around Auckland and small groups also take place throughout the week around the city and on campuses, major advances for the kingdom of God. Lives are being impacted in the face of challenges.

(From left to right) Rachael, Abigail,
Rebecca and Benjamin

Ken relates, “One of the battles we face here in New Zealand is the breakdown of the family value system. We have many great testimonies of how God has healed different family situations and relationships.”

Eddie and Rochelle Iosefa are one such example. The two lived together for fourteen years and had one child. On the surface, the couple looked successful – a middle class suburban home, two cars and two professional incomes, but their relationship was rooted in mental abuse, distrust, selfishness and alcoholism.

Pastor Ken's "SWAT" Team

“God has blessed them with a wonderful marriage and family, and a huge destiny in Christ,” says Ken. Eddie now serves as the Head of Detectives of the Police Force in his region. He has also spearheaded a ministry called Soldiers With A Testimony (SWAT) with three other ENLI graduates in the police force. They support and reach out to other policemen. SWAT is the first Christian support network to be officially recognized in New Zealand.

More stories like the Iosefa’s abound in Auckland and many more are waiting to be written. Six and a half years into their stay in New Zealand, the Dew family sees themselves there indefinitely, reaching out to both European and Pacific Island Kiwis alike. Oldest daughter Rebecca has even played basketball for Team New Zealand in international competitions. The Dews are truly living out their calling in the South Pacific.

“I’m American but I’m sure I was a Samoan in another life time…!” Ken jokes. The former football player fits right in with the locals.

From Nashville to Auckland, this American-Kiwi-Samoan pastor has his eyes set on impacting his adopted country and beyond for the glory of God.