Passing the baton
We are thankful for God’s faithfulness to Interserve as he guided us through these pandemic years, through his gracious provision of our National Directors.
As we welcome in our new National Director, Rev. Stewart Hunt, we want to reflect upon and honour the contributions of the two who preceded him, Christine Gobius and Arco De Leede. So let’s hear in their own words what God’s work through Interserve has meant for them.
Christine Gobius
Christine served as Australian National Director for nine years—but God has worked in and through her at Interserve for many more:
“I give thanks for the privilege of serving God and Interserve as the National Director.
“What a privilege to have worked alongside women and men from a diverse range of churches, from many nationalities and in many contexts, all with a passion for the transformation of individual lives and whole communities as they encounter Jesus. This role has given me a window on God’s world, through which I have developed a much deeper love for God and all he has created.”
“We are in changing, uncertain and exciting times.”
“We are in changing, uncertain and exciting times and I sensed it was right for a different leader to continue to shape Interserve to respond to the opportunities before us. It was also good for my husband Kari and I to begin a new season.
“My relationship with Interserve stretches back over 30 years, to when I first applied to be an On Tracker. I am so grateful for this international community of disciples that has significantly shaped me, my faith and my understanding of this world.”
Arco De Leede
As Christine and Interserve began a new season, the baton passed to Arco as Interim National Director. He came to the role after having served as a Partner in the Middle East and as National Director in the Netherlands:
“The first thing I think about my time in Australia are the relationships and community. It was heart-warming to meet old friends again, like the Aussie Partners we knew in the Middle East 15–20 years ago. My wife Mirjam and I really enjoyed experiencing the fellowship, community and passion for serving in God’s mission.”
“I’m thankful to have been involved in helping Interserve Australia move forward in areas like integrating local and global mission.”
“I’m thankful to have been involved in helping Interserve Australia move forward in areas like integrating local and global mission, considering financial sustainability for the future, expanding the use of Salesforce, and even preparing a Business as Mission network!
“Mirjam and I are very grateful for how God led us to join his work here. We pray for God’s continued blessings over Interserve Australia and for Stewart leading this wonderful organisation to serve God among the Asian and Arab people.”
Rev. Stewart Hunt
And now looking forward, we welcome Stewart to take up the baton:
“Interserve has a long and rich history of sharing the love of God. I feel humbled to be able to draw on that experience as together, we continue to shape a Christ-centred response to a rapidly changing world.
“I’m thankful for the opportunities I was given to experience God’s love. This was modelled to me by my parents, who did their best to live out their faith in every way. They helped form within me a heart for God and his world.
“My wife Bronwen shares that passion. Together with our four children, we have served God in the marketplace, in churches and overseas. For the last fourteen years, it has been my absolute joy to pastor The Vine Baptist Church in Melbourne.
“We’re really looking forward to connecting with you in the new year!”
