Graham Ashby
Commendation
In 1985 the leaders at the Orwell Street Church in Oamaru invited Graham and Wanda Ashby to develop an itinerant evangelistic ministry that would be locally based but could extend to where the Lord would have it grow.
For thirty-seven years, Graham's style and strengths were used in many churches throughout New Zealand and overseas. He regularly preached in Australia and Northern Ireland between his New Zealand commitments.
During 2021, developing voice issues resulted in Graham needing to step back from the demands of preaching. He now embraces a lighter speaking schedule and his time is mainly directed at researching and writing. As supporting friends we remain confident this new shift in focus will continue to be satisfying and rewarding as he and Wanda remain faithful to their Christian calling.
Purpose
Graham Ashby is well known throughout New Zealand as an Evangelist who has a balanced view of Scripture and a passion for the church and its outreach. Graham and Wanda now live in Alexandra but remain in full-time ministry and Orwell Street Church in Oamaru retains their commendation.
Wanda joins Graham in all aspects of their ministry which involves preaching and Bible teaching. The motivation for this evangelistic ministry comes from their sincere conviction and concern for all those who do not know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour.
Graham and Wanda have a strong commitment to uphold the family and to encourage the purpose of marriage, in particular by empowering and supporting men to be men.
History
Graham grew up in the multi-cultural suburb of Otara (South) Auckland, NZ, in a solo-parent home. His first introduction to Christianity came when he joined a Boys Rally group and it was mostly through the love, concern and help of those Rally leaders that Graham became a Christian at the age of 13 while attending a Billy Graham Crusade meeting in 1969. Later the family moved to Oamaru and it was here that Graham was introduced to the local Christian Church family.
At the age of 18 doctors diagnosed Graham as having a malignant cancer, an event which ultimately proved to be the turning point in his life. Faced with only six months to live and with the reality of death, he was brought to his knees before the Lord. There on the floor of the old Dunedin Hospital, he turned his life entirely over to God. After radical and major surgery, now more than 47 years ago, he continues with the commitment made that day to serve his Lord.
Between 1984 and 1986 they worked at Totara Springs Christian Centre, New Zealand's premier Christian Camping Site.
Since 1986 they have been associated with the Orwell Street Church in Oamaru, working full-time as travelling Ministers by preaching and teaching to all denominations in New Zealand and overseas.
Graham's record as a graduate of the N.Z Assembly Bible School (Auckland), Totara Springs Christian Centre (Theological Student) and the Moody Bible Institute (Chicago U.S.A) is an indication of his deep desire to know and to communicate the Bible's message to the people of today.
In 2014 Graham completed his studies with Massey University to gain a Certificate in Counselling.
Graham was one of the inaugural Board members of the newly formed Christian Community Churches of New Zealand (CCCNZ) in 2015. Seeing the unity that has developed throughout New Zealand among this network of churches has been one of the most rewarding aspects of his ministry. Having now stepped down from the CCCNZ Board, his ongoing involvement within this growing network of churches continues because he is committed to growing the strength and purpose of these churches while ensuring the Gospel message remains their highest priority.
Interests
- Family
- Friends
- Riding
- Fishing
- Reading
- Working with wood
Recommendations
- MALCOLM BARROW (SNR PASTOR WHITIORA BIBLE CHURCH)
"Graham is a gifted communicator with a fervent desire to preach the Gospel"
- PETER ROBINSON (PASTOR, MATAMATA BIBLE CHAPEL)
"I can not recommend Graham highly enough. Hear him once and you will ask him to speak again"
- BRIAN TUFFY (PRINCIPAL OAMARU INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL)
"Graham's messages are always challenging and inspiring"
- NGAIRE SCOTT (CEO TOTARA SPRINGS CHRISTIAN CENTRE)
"Of outstanding commendation are his people skills and his way with words, people feelings and emotions and with their reality, where his communication skills with adult and child are so evident"
- ROSS WILLCOCKS (PRINCIPAL, OAMARU NORTH SCHOOL)
"Graham's own story continues to bear powerful witness to the accepting and transforming grace of Christ"
- DICK OPIE (PASTOR, EDEN CHAPEL, AUCKLAND)
Navigate the site
Contact Graham Ashby
Travelling Minister,
ABS. Dip., Grad. MBI., Cert. Couns.
021 05 888 07
graham@gaministry.co.nz
Organizing Committee
Chairman:
Mr Graeme Shekleton
ggshek1@gmail.com
