The son of evangelist parents in the USA, Erik’s journey in Jesus over the last 30 years has seen him studying at Bible schools in England and Oregon (USA) and at Massey University in Palmerston North (NZ), sharing the good news in 17 countries - via 7 years with Youth With A Mission - working in the business world in I.T. for nearly 10 years, then completing theological studies in 2005 at Carey Baptist College here in Auckland. Erik has a passion for seeing people come to faith in Jesus and then discipled into God-honouring believers. He longs to see the good news of Jesus transforming all parts of NZ society. He and Karen (a Kiwi) have been married for 26 years and their two wonderful daughters Amy & Laura who are pursuing their passions in medicine and the arts respectively. Karen works in administration part-time at nearby Carey Baptist Theological College and the rest of the time tries to keep Erik out of trouble. In his spare moments, Erik enjoys walks around Cornwall Park with Karen, frequents some of Auckland’s gorgeous beaches, and supports our local cafes.
Jan is currently studying at Laidlaw College in the field of Counselling. While in India on a missions trip Jan met Johannes (from Germany) and they were soon married. Pursuing a vision for an unreached people group in Central Asia, they spent the next fifteen years as members and co-leaders of a small field-based agency - learning languages, teaching English, leading teams and developing a viable Business-as-Missions approach. They also raised a family, two boys now aged 19 and 21.
Geoff joined Hebron Christian College as an Associate Principal in 1991 and became Principal in 1992, a position he currently holds. Married to Sue, an Accident and Emergency nurse, Geoff is the proud father of 5 adult children: Julie, married to James and mother of two daughters, Lysette a primary school teacher, Alayna, a NZ Police social worker, Dylan, married to Heidi, an engineer and Brock, a builder. His interests include beekeeping (since the age of 13), basketball (ex-President of the New Zealand Christian Sports Association), guitar and banjo playing, photography and video editing. Having founded (and currently chairing) the New Life Foundation (NZ) Trust in 2005, he raises support and finance for the New Life Foundation orphanage and school in Tanzania (see www.nlf.org.nz).
Royal Oak's been my church home since arriving in New Zealand back in 1992. We were looking for a place that took the Bible seriously, believed and moved in the things of the Spirit and was warm and welcoming. We came along on Christmas Day '92 and have never looked back. My wife Jill and I have 4 children, from 10 down to 2 and I THINK that's it for now - that's what we agreed to anyway! My journey into Faith started back in '88, through surviving the Clapham rail crash. That event brought home to me that you never know when your time's up, so if you're going to do business with God, now's the time, not tomorrow. When left to own devices my interests include: bass-playing, reading, good coffee & cafe life and being a good husband & dad. Out of necessity, those interests stretch to gardening, painting & DIY!
I’ve been involved with ROBC for over 10 years and am excited by the vision the church has to see God at work in and through our lives. In addition to being an elder it’s a great privilege and joy to be co-ordinating the Global partners committee and connecting the church to the work of those involved in various ministries both here and overseas. During the week I’m a secondary school teacher specialising in English and Media Studies and have taught here in Auckland and in London for a while. In my spare time I don’t get as much exercise a I should, but am always keen on a game of tennis or squash. I love reading and am a regular movie goer. I also spend a fair amount of time each week over coffee catching up with family and friends.
As a member of Royal Oak, Sharelle has been involved with different ministries at the Church for some time. In her new role Sharelle looks forward to being able to co-ordinate the community and church projects in Children’s ministries, which is her passion. Married to Steve with two daughters under ten (Bethany and Tasman), Sharelle somehow finds time to be involved in ROBC, sail the Waitemata and play the odd game of tennis.
I have been at ROBC for 14 yrs. I became a christian at the age of 41 so you see it is never too late to become a folllower of Jesus Christ! I work at ROBC to help people discover God and start to follow him. Other times I work in sales, managing the reselling of safety footwear for a small firm who import from Italy and China. My favourite form of relaxation is doing nothing, but I do try to mix that up a little with exercise and hanging out with my family and friends. I like music, art and birds and enjoy the wide range of landscapes Auckland offers. Also I am looking forward to meeting you so please say hello if you spot me at ROBC.
Jesus caught me when I was 15 and I have been following him ever since. I first arrived at church when my mate invited me to his baptism. When I heard everyones' stories about what God was up to in their lives I thought to myself, “I gotta get to know who this God is.” So I kept edging myself into church life and before I knew it I fell in love with Jesus and started serving as a youth leader. I have now been involved in youth leadership for around seven years and have just finished up my training to be a youth pastor at Carey Baptist College. When Erik told me all about the happenings at ROBC I buzzed a little on the inside. From hearing about the way in which the church practically supports the community to how the local schools are asking for youth workers from the church; I noticed that what God is doing at ROBC is the kind of stuff that I get excited about. So now here I am joining the party!
New kid on the block, info coming soon....
February Volleyball
Herspace Evening
Royal Oak Youth Mini Golf Classic