Martyn & Wendy

Martyn and Wendy began attending Gateways (then ‘Christian Centre’) in the late 1970’s when they were both students, and were married there in 1980. They were actively involved in prison ministry, outreach, and home group leading. Martyn and Wendy both count this time as being foundational in their life and ministry, appreciating the rich Biblical teaching, ministry of the Holy Spirit, heart for world mission and Kingdom perspective. It was at this time that they both sensed a clear call to the nations in their own hearts, confirmed through prophetic words. 

In 1983, they left Palmerston North for employment, and later served together in pastoral ministry for 10 years, during which Martyn was Senior Pastor of a missions-sending church in Hamilton. Over this time, their passion grew for unreached people groups, and caring for those that are sent. Many long-term missionaries and short-term teams were sent out by the church. Locally, the church was engaged in reaching immigrant communities and meeting social needs. They were blessed to see local Chinese coming to faith and began interpreting one of the morning services into Mandarin Chinese.

They returned to Palmerston North in 1999 with their four children, and resumed fellowship at Gateways. Once again Gateways became a place of refreshing, community and restoration. They were involved in leading young people’s ministry for some years, and Martyn served on eldership until leaving to be based overseas. During this time, they became involved in world mission with WEC International. Their involvement with WEC grew out of relationship with a couple who were saved, discipled and sent out by their church in Hamilton, serving in Asia for around 25 years.

For the past 10 years, Martyn and Wendy have worked as volunteers with WEC International, initially developing Business As Mission, and for the past four years, also focusing on international member care for missionaries. This has involved much overseas travel, training and supporting workers among the 90 nations in which WEC ministers. They continue to value Gateways as their home church and community.