In early 2023, God began stirring Rahul and Jacqueline’s hearts for Auckland, New Zealand. What began as a holiday became the start of a journey — a growing sense that God was calling them to plant a church in the city.

The Journey Begins

While on holiday, they began forming relationships with local families and connecting with Newfrontiers churches already present in New Zealand. They also felt a strong sense of God drawing them to the people of Auckland - New Zealand’s largest city with over 1.7 million people - a vibrant, diverse hub with huge potential for gospel advance. Rahul and Jacqueline long to see a thriving church established in Auckland, and with God’s help, to see more churches planted across New Zealand and into the nations. This vision resonates with Commission’s call to see thousands of lives transformed, through hundreds of churches in tens of nations.

“We believe this is the first of many to come—a collaborative effort between Catalyst and Commission to see new frontiers reached for the glory of Jesus Christ.”

This church plant will be a Commission church planted in partnership with Catalyst, part of the wider Newfrontiers family. We believe this collaboration across spheres is the first of many to come; after all, we are more together than apart. Commission is providing apostolic oversight, while Catalyst has offered practical support: visa help, walking closely with the team, and generous financial support toward the plant. God has also provided a building for the church to meet in!

A team of 15 individuals have committed to move and stand alongside Rahul and Jacqueline as they establish the church. Among them is Phoebe Howard from Ascot Life Church (UK)...

Phoebe’s Story

Phoebe first visited New Zealand in February 2023 on what she describes as her “dream holiday.” She fell in love with the land, sea and the people, and sensed God speaking to her through the mountains and the beauty of creation. When she returned home, the Ascot Life Church staff team jokingly suggested she should move there—but the idea soon became more than a joke.

At Commission Prayer & Fasting in March 2023, the Auckland church plant was announced—coincidentally, Auckland was the city where Phoebe had based herself during her travels. From that point, the thought of moving became more serious. Over time, God began closing doors in Ascot and opening doors toward moving to New Zealand, confirming His leading.

Looking back, Phoebe can see that God had been preparing her long before she realised it:

“God has been on the journey a lot longer than me.”

A breakup led her to Ascot for an internship year; that grew into a staff role where she developed skills in media, communications, and church ministry. She describes this season as “a journey of acquiring skills,” equipping her to help build the online presence and communications strategy for the Auckland church plant.

Phoebe carries a simple but beautiful vision:

“My hope is that even if the room is small and ordinary, no one is alone. That we become a community of real family and friends who hold onto one another, pray together, and follow Jesus wholeheartedly.”

To anyone else thinking about following God’s call to mission, Phoebe shared that you may never feel fully prepared but obedience isn’t about readiness, it’s about trust. The story of Moses and the burning bush (Exodus 3) has anchored her faith during this time of preparing to go. When Moses says, “Who am I that I should go?” God responds, “I will be with you.” Phoebe explains that through it she see that whilst God acknowledges our limitations, He is the one that equips us to go where He calls. It’s not through our strength but through God’s; we are just the vessels that He chooses to use.

Her encouragement is especially for young people or those going alone:

“You’re not alone in mission. If God is calling you, He’ll be with you every step. Focus less on the practicality and more on God’s heart for the place you’re going.”

- Photos from Phoebe's February trip to New Zealand

Stay Connected

If you’d like to follow Phoebe’s journey, you can sign up for her monthly newsletter here.

How You Can Support the New Zealand Plant

Pray

A deep, healthy community that reflects Jesus well.
Wisdom in identifying and meeting the needs of the city, and grace to love its people wholeheartedly.
Fruitful connections that lead many to Christ.
Healthy team dynamics with God at the centre.
Friendship, support, and protection for Phoebe and the team.
Abundant favour and supernatural provision for every need.
Unity among the apostolic teams and contributors across New Zealand, the UK, and India.

Practically

If you feel called to Auckland - get in touch - More team members are always welcome!

New Zealand Church Plant