It’s a fair change from sunny Queensland to the depths of a Melbourne winter, but it’s one Nia Lavaki is embracing in her new role within the equipping Leadership for Mission team in Parkville.
Nia has taken on the role of Younger Generations-Multicultural Ministries Co-ordinator within eLM and brings an impressive background in youth and multicultural ministry with her.
Until last month Nia was leading the UCA’s Tongan National Conference’s Second Generation Ministry, as well as her congregation’s youth ministry.
Nia said she was looking forward to the journey ahead in her new role with eLM.
“Working with youth and young adults is my passion and I want to help to encourage, enrich and empower our young people, not just for the future, but for the now,” she said.
“I want to be part of a team that makes disciples of our young people, so that they are ready to complete and fulfil God’s calling.
“My role at eLM is to work with the younger generations of our multicultural communities and I will be talking to lots of different congregations and faith communities.
“It will be about building relationships and I’m very excited about the journey ahead.”
eLM’s Director of Priorities, Focus and Advocacy, Rev Nigel Hanscamp, said Nia brings a vibrant energy and passion for seeing second-generation young people thrive in faith and leadership in their communities.
“Alongside the Younger Generations team, Nia will work with congregation, presbytery and younger generations leaders to grow faith and leadership in their contexts,” Nigel said.
“The church of the future will look different to the past, and encouraging these new ways of faith formation and leadership will be vital to the growth of our second-generation young people in our churches.
“I would encourage the church to pray for Nia and all those she will work alongside; that their hopes for growing community, stronger faith and emboldened leadership will be realised.”
Nia can be contacted at [email protected]