Ben

Ben is a highly motivated and adventurous person, he likes to make decisions and stick with them. Currently studying education, he comes from a farming background and is the second oldest of twelve children, he enjoys dry humor and teasing anyone gullible enough to bite his bait, cheerful and quiet, he is extremely competitive (in a good way) and  once he sets his eyes on a goal there's few things that will cause him to give up. In this picture he is trumping a slippery pole - it doesn't matter how many tries it may take - but he will get there!
He applies this same gritty  tenacity into his studies and wider life. Failure is not an option! I really admire his fortitude and am confident that God has got some amazing and rewarding adventures and challenges in store for this man.

Josh

Josh is into his music! He received piano lessons from his mother at a young age, and when a BMX bike accident stopped him from following his sports pursuits he put the energy into learning trumpet, piano, guitar and lastly bass guitar.
He had the opportunity to attend Excel Christian school of performing arts when he finished school and while there he met education students from Laidlaw college. They succeeded in arousing his interest in teaching (even though he didn't enjoy school) and he is now in his first year training as a primary teacher.
Enthusiastic without being pushy, Josh has a special way about him, a naturally warm sense of humor and a ready laugh.

Peter

Peter Rubaduka takes the word exuberance to a new level. His expressive and animated narrations endear him with younger as well as older audiences. A highly engaging person, he stands out from the crowd with his flamboyancy  and quickly gains affection with his lively and genuine manner.
Peter's interests include listening to music, songwriting , playing guitar, dancing, going to the beach and socializing. . He knows first hand what hardship looks like and is a very sincere and thoughtful seeker of truth. He is an incredibly compassionate person and good at seeing the good in others Life is fun with Peter and his enthusiasm is infectious. He is a  a huge blessing to those around him.
Originally from Burundi, he moved to NZ in 2002 and is now studying toward a Bachelor of Primary Teaching and Worldview studies at Laidlaw College.

Deb

The outgoing and and courteous manner with which Deb connects with people quickly became obvious  the first time I met Deb; I was  at the local skate park sitting on the grass watching the bustle when Deb came over and started a conversation, overcoming the awkwardness with authenticity and patience.
Deb is currently studying level 4 Business administration, and inspired by 'The Apprentice' (TV2) she hopes to be a manager one day. Deeper down though she dreams of traveling the globe and sharing the message of hope, the hope and confidence that her own youth leader have helped her find. Deb has a quiet purposefulness about her and I am sure that she will find many situations where her vision and abilities will help her cross social barriers, run businesses and share the hope that is found in the good news of Jesus Christ.

Doreen

Doreen is an energetic person, a self classified 'supreme social butterfly' with a passion for helping people and connection with them. She seems to fit her bulky sounding role of 'Student support service coordinator' at Laidlaw college with wonderful ease. Like -  a butterfly, making a visit to the Student support centre a refreshing experience with her exceptionally easy going way. Doreen loves the outdoors, the beauty of creation  and shared fond memories of working for NZ post and zipping through the Waitakare ranges on mail mission. She also has an interest in interior design but her predominate passion is certainly people. She came to Laidlaw college to do a Diploma in ministries in order to better help out at youth group and ended up staying to complete a BMin and then a masters. She has spent two years teaching English in Korea and is a champion at infusing confidence into people – regardless of whether they tottering under a load of assignments of just popping in for a chat.