The Szwarga Family
Preaching Christ, Evangelizing, Discipling, Planting Churches
"For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."2 Corinthians 4:6
The Szwarga family
Josh and Alyse Szwarga are Independent Baptist missionaries, sent out of Northwest Bible Baptist Church in Elgin, Illinois.
We surveyed New Zealand in 2019, driving over 2,400 miles and meeting with more than a dozen like-minded pastors. After twenty months of deputation we arrived on the field in November 2022. Today we serve alongside Pastor Dan Fraser at Grace Independent Baptist Church in Tauranga, and are planting Heritage Baptist Church in Matamata.
Our storyWhy New Zealand?
The questions we are asked most often about the field, the need, and the plan.
In 2018, our pastor returned from a short trip to New Zealand and briefly spoke on the need for church planters in New Zealand. Through this simple comment, along with much prayer, the Lord burdened our hearts for the people of New Zealand.
New Zealand can be thought of as a microcosm of the United States: a first-world country with a similar standard of living. The closest neighbor that you would recognize is Australia.
Although Christianity in New Zealand can trace its roots to before the country's founding, 48% percent claimed "no-religion" in recent polls.
As a continuation of our work with Pastor Dan Fraser at Grace Independent Baptist Church in the city of Tauranga, we have now launched Heritage Baptist Church of Matamata as an extension ministry.
What we are doing
Two churches, one field, and a first term shaped around getting the gospel into Kiwi hands.
Although Christianity in New Zealand can trace its roots to before the country's founding, 48% claimed "no-religion" in recent polls.
Updates & news
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