From Surrender to Revival: A Life-Changing Journey to City Impact Church North Canterbury
Ps Jonah and Tineke Tuiletufuga’s journey to being Pastors of City Impact Church North Canterbury began in 2020. After serving in a large church in Christchurch for over 20 years, they had a special encounter with God. One night, while on their knees praying in their lounge, they surrendered everything to Him—their careers, their finances, their entire lives. They prayed, “Lord, use us. We want to fulfil Your purpose.”
Following this encounter, the couple were gripped by a call to do more for God. Immediately, they faced many tests and trials, which felt like a test of whether their words matched their hearts. During this time, God ignited in them a passion to see New Zealand turn back to Him and a desire to plant more churches.
Ps Jonah began exploring Bible colleges and found more options in Auckland so took a trip to investigate. While in Auckland he also looked for a church to visit. One Sunday Night he arrived at a church with a full carpark and it started to pour with rain, soaking him before he could get inside. He called home and decided to dry off and find another church to visit. The only other option that night was City Impact Church, he felt inspired. God was clearly at work there.
When Jonah returned to Christchurch the couple started researching City Impact Church, even watching every video on the website! A Vision Sunday video featuring Ps Joe preaching on the re-evangelization of the nation and the strategy to plant more churches resonated deeply with them. This confirmed their calling to help build this church and they decided to move to Auckland to be part of City Impact Church but before they discovered a City Impact Church was being planted just 10 minutes away from their home in Pegasus, on the outskirts of Christchurch.
This was getting weird, visiting the Pegasus church gathering they were impressed by the spirit of excellence, the welcoming atmosphere, and the friendliness despite its small size. They were eager to help it grow and realised that this was where God was calling them to be part of City Impact Church in their hometown! Throughout their journey, Jonah and Tineke have always trusted in God, never seeking positions but serving faithfully in whatever capacity was needed. Whether it’s serving, cleaning floors, or anything else, they are committed to giving their best to God. Jonah and Tineke have since been ordained as Campus Pastors of our North Canterbury Campus which launched on the 21st April 2024.
They believe it will take many people stepping up to serve the Lord, and they are excited to be part of this mission They are thrilled to contribute to the launch of City Impact Church in North Canterbury and are eager to see more souls won for Christ.
Get to know the Campus Pastors – Ps Jonah & Tineke Tuiletufuga
Meet the dedicated pastors leading the North Canterbury Campus.
Where were you born?
Tineke: Christchurch
Jonah: Christchurch
When & how did you get saved?
Tineke: I grew up in a Christian home, but I experienced the Fathers Love that saved my soul when I was 12 at a youth event in Christchurch. I knew that the Lord saw me, and loved me. I have been in pursuit of Him ever since.
Jonah: Was out partying hard one night as a 21 year old, really just frustrated at the world and ended up punching through a glass door, cutting a main artery and two nerves in my right arm. Blood was flowing out of me and I was close to dying but by God’s grace I woke up in a hospital a few days later and my brother shared the gospel with me. The whole experience caused me to reevaluate my life and I gave my heart to Jesus and made it my life’s mission to live for Him. Now I am blessed with a beautiful family of 4 kids and lovely wife who is amazing!
When you were a child what did you want to be when you grew up?
Tineke: A missionary when I was 12, but in my younger childhood, I actually wanted to be a mechanic – I am very practical person.
Jonah: A professional sportsman
Have you studied or got a qualification?
Tineke: I have studied Social Work and was a Social Worker in schools and in the community, before having our 4 beautiful children.
Jonah: Yes, I have a Level 6 National Diploma in Business Management as well as a licensed real estate agent.
What inspired you to join our church?
Tineke: Seeing the big vision to re-evangelise NZ with the gospel of Jesus. Also, the amazing Christian School and Preschool.
Jonah: So many things, but ultimately it was seeing how big our God is and how much He has done through City Impact Church. The many ways City Impact Church has discipled people through various courses to loving our community by giving away 1000’s of PJ’s and Blankets for families in need. I was inspired to see a church reach people for Jesus through love and action.
Favourite bible verse?
Tineke: 2 Timothy 1:7 – “for the Lord has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind.” One of the first verses I memorised as a young child, and used at night to help fight terrible nightmares. The Lord gave me the victory with this scripture!
Jonah: Ephesians 3:20 – Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.
If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Tineke: I am yet to go to Holland – where my father was born
Jonah: America – So much of our lives are influenced by America so would travel there
Best advice you have ever received?
Tineke: It’s okay to be a little bit weird
Jonah: Be yourself, its too tiring being someone else
