THE E TEAM

There are heaps of people involved at The Elim Centre. Each brings their own gifts and talents to the church body collectively working towards implementing our mission statement and achieving our vision. Some you’ll meet in different ministry areas but the following are in full time ministry...

My name is Tom Hatch and I have the honour and privilege of being called to serve as the Senior Leader of this great House of God. This appointment took place in May of 2002.

Perhaps I can give a little of my background story for you. It is a little bit international. I was born in a town called St. Paul, Alberta, Canada although my family background is actually British. Because of this I really do know what a real white Christmas is like. My family emigrated to New Zealand in 1972 and I am now a fully naturalized citizen of this fantastic nation.

I have lived in a few places in New Zealand but my growing up years were in the town of Waiuku (pronounced “why – oo – koo” ) which is south-west of Auckland NZ. All my schooling was done in this town and at the end of my 6^th Form (Year 12) year I left school and joined the Royal New Zealand Airforce where I was trained in the arena of Engineering, Welding and Metalwork. Although I knew thecall of God to working full-time in the Church at a relatively early age (around 19 yrs old) I served 20 years in the RNZAF and received the best trade and life training I could have found anywhere.

I met Suzanne here in Blenheim, actually here in this awesome Church. We married in October 1988 and have loved God and each other since then. I must be the most blessed man on the planet to have a wife that God hand-picked for me AND to also have the two most amazing sons a Dad could hope for. Shannon and Jaden (17 and 14yrs) are sons a Dad can be totally proud of. They love God and serve in His House.

As a Church in the city of Blenheim, Marlborough, NZ I believe God has called us to play a significant part in reaching the city, region and nation for His Glory. To do this we look for opportunities to reach into and minister to our community. God has a definite calling to fulfill on this House and in doing this we have a desire to work alongside and with the other Bible believing Jesus preaching Churches. If you are ever in Blenheim please look us up and come along to one of our services. It would be an honour and privilege to meet you and worship God together with you.

To finish; I have often been asked what my favourite scripture is. That’s easy!! Ephesians 2:10. This verse sorts out my heritage, my purpose, my support and my future. It doesn’t clearly specify it all but I cannot sit around and say I am no good, I should never have been born, I have no purpose, I am not required for anything or anyone. You see it says I have been made BY God, FOR God and HIS plan which HE sorted out for ME. Our God is so cool and mighty and thoughtful and … and … and … HE IS WITHOUT END. I LOVE HIM SO MUCH … I hope you do too! God bless you.

Tom

I have been part of Blenheim Elim since 1982 when my family became Christians. I went through youth group here, met Tom here, got married here, and had our boys dedicated here. It is a very special place for me, and it is such an honour for us to be now pastoring the church.

My primary role is being alongside Tom, supporting him and telling him when he’s doing too much! I also preach (love it!), oversee Life Groups and Women’s Ministries, and sing with the worship team.

For relaxation, I like to read, watch movies, and do puzzles – any type – jigsaw, crossword, sudoku, etc. And then there’s going out for coffee with friends!

My greatest passion is to see people released into knowing who they are in God and that they can do anything He asks them to do regardless of where they have come from. I feel really sad when I see people imprisoned by their past or their perceived limitations, when I know God wants to do amazing things with their lives. He has worked miracles in my life and I want to see nothing less for those around me.

That’s me, thanks for reading. I would love to meet you so come along to church and introduce yourself!

I have been married to Lorraine for 31 years and we are a kind of multicultural family as we have 6 children our oldest is 31 and youngest is 10 years (Three European, one Bangladesh, one Maori and one Fijian). One of our six children died of Leukaemia at the age of 21. We also have two grand children and a third one on the way, and a cat called Homeless.

I have a passion for children’s ministry and evangelism in the community. I get just as excited today as I did twenty four years ago when I see a person give their life to Jesus and follow him.

We have a real desire to start a ministry called House of Hope Health and Pregnancy Care Centre that offers holistic health care as well as a home for young pregnant mums where they can learn to raise their children.

Hi,

I've been married to Kevin for 31 years. I am mother to 6 children who range in age from 31 - 10 years, with the youngest two still at home - so life is busy!

I enjoy my role as a Pastor's wife, helping Kevin with our ministry - Families & Children which for me includes: creche, nursery, Sunday School, visting our wonderful church families, helping at Richmond View School and running a preschool music group. I also run the Elim Care Programme which caters for the everyday needs of people involved with Elim.

I enjoy the children and helping in Sunday school where I can see them learning that Jesus is their friend and loves them so much and that they respond to him with unconditional love. So come along, bring your family and introduce yourself to Kevin and                                                  I - we'd love to meet you.

Administration Manager: Sonia Cowie

Hello there. My name is Sonia Cowie and my role here at THE ELIM CENTRE is that of Office Manager. (You know … the one you come to if you want to really know what happens here) I am on full-time staff and have loved seeing people’s lives impacted and changed for the good through God’s unending love, mercy and empowering Grace.

I am responsible for all the administration of the Centre. Whilst some may have trouble believing it, there is a lot of admin’ that a thriving church generates and I have the privilege of working with the Pastoral Team and seeing that this stays sharp and together.

If you call on the 'phone it will generally be me who you will speak to, so don’t be shy … call us. Or better still; if you are in the area please come and visit.

God bless you.
                                                Sonia