Theresa House Project
Read the latest updates: December 2022
On January 15th, Tonga was devastated by the violent eruption of Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha’apai. It triggered a tsunami that touched much of the Pacific. Communications, infrastructure, and livelihoods were all affected. A considerable number homes were damaged by both the eruption and the tsunami.
At the time of these events, with your help, GC3 was able to assist
Although the immediate crisis has passed, the impact on the lives of the Tongan community is ongoing.
The Tonga Gospel Fellowship leadership have requested assistance for one of their full-time workers whose home was destroyed in the tsunami.
Theresa Lourente is originally from the Philippines and has worked in Tonga with Child Evangelism Fellowship since 1995. She heads up a programme Christian Youth in Action training youth in personal evangelism and works tirelessly amongst the children and youth of the local churches and schools. She is a well-known, highly respected and a faithful Christian worker in the wider community.
The leadership of Tonga Gospel Fellowship have requested assistance in building a new house for Theresa so that she can continue her valuable ministry in Tonga. A new home is being planned for her on the Church property in Halaleva, Nuku`alofa
Theresa is incredibly grateful for this and is looking forward to a new home to live in.
A committee made up of both Tongan and New Zealand leaders has been established and is providing the necessary expertise and oversight to ensure that the local needs of both Theresa and the Tongan churches are met.
- Ofa Fatafehi Pastor Amatakiloa Church Mangere,
- Malcolm Rae Builder Orchard Church Te Puke,
- Graeme McNae Papatoetoe Bible Church,
- Michael Hanson GC3 Executive Director.
In Tonga, Esafe Tokai, Viliami Pohiva and Naisa Ngalu, elders in the churches are providing local leadership and handling details in Tonga.
The working plan for construction of the house has been drawn up in Tonga and has been presented to the Tongan Government departments for building Consent and Approval. A Tongan builder has been engaged to begin work on the foundations and floor.
All the building supplies including timber, joinery, windows, doors, roofing, electrics, and plumbing are being purchased in New Zealand and will be shipped in a container to Tonga in June
The total cost of building this house will be approximately $158,000 which includes shipping the building material over.
To date we have raised over $50,000 and are needing an additional $100,000 to complete the project.
We are currently seeking support for this project. We are encouraging people to contribute financially or to donate suitable building materials.
You can help us achieve this by making an online donation at www.gc3.org.nz/donate
Financial gifts can be made to GC Aid by online banking. Please deposit contributions to 06 0729 0522196 00 (include ‘Tonga’ in the particulars & your mobile number in the reference). Please also email admin@gc3.org.nz with your instructions for receipting purposes.
Your donation is eligible for tax credit.
If you have any questions about this project or require further information, please contact either Graeme McNae (e: graeme.mcnae@gmail.com, m:027 256 7873) or myself (e: michael@gc3org.nz m: 027 522 4001).
Michael Hanson
Executive Director, GC3
on behalf of the Theresa House Project Committee