The Living Well Trust is the public “face” of not just the Baptist Church, but to some degree the “church” generally in Thames, having the support of public agencies such as WINZ, the Police, the Thames-Coromandel District Council, health providers, and others. The mission of the Trust is: “To see that justice is done, to let mercy be our first concern and to humbly obey our God”. (Micah: 6 v8) Its vision is “An accepting and supportive community offering a point of connection for the people of the Thames area, some of whom are marginalized, isolated or excluded”. LWT has volunteers from the church and general community. It values its “faith based” provision of services, its direct physical connection with the Church by being in the adjacent building, and the involvement of Church members both as trustees and volunteers, and, more recently, key staff.

The Trust operates the 305 drop in which provides free breakfast, tea and coffee Monday to Thursday 9-midday. The pastor is there for spiritual guidance and discussing issues. The Trust administers the Thames Foodbank and refers to the Thames Budget Service and other local agencies for those needing additional support.

There is a free weekly community lunch at the church run on a three week roster by The Baptist Church, Equippers Church and the St Francis Catholic Church.

The Trust has a focus on prevention and is working in the area of providing support for children and youth through the schools. Mike Wilkes is the Team Leader and together with assistants Samanda Teo and Levi Dyer run the Res Kids, Thrive and E Tu Tangata programs in local primary schools, covering the coast and northern Hauraki Plains, They are the 24/7 youth workers in Thames High School as well.

The Trust has a relationship with primary schools and is running a grandparents mentoring kids program in conjunction with local schools.

Living Well Trust has its own website at: Living Well Trust

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Keri Revell is the current Chairperson of the Living Well Trust (formerly the Ebenezer Community Trust) which oversees the community services of Thames Baptist Church. Having raised a family alongside husband Peter, Keri is keen to see families and individuals thrive, especially those who face significant social and financial challenges. Keri has a background in teaching and social work.

Michael Wilkes is passionate about seeing Rangatahi (youth) living life in its fullness. He has worked with youth for over ten years and has a heart to see our young people finding deep and meaningful connection and sense of belonging across generations.

We do 24/7 youth work in the Thames High School - a partnership between the church, the School and the 24/7 organisation.

Samanda Teo is from Malaysia and came to NZ on a YWAM DTS and she helps us out in 305 and in ResKids.

Levi Dyer has lived in Thames for over six years. After graduating Hauraki Plains College in 2020, he completed a year-long internship at Kauaeranga Valley Christian Camp, where he had already been volunteering during High School. He has a passion to connect with all ages of the community, and bringing Jesus’s light, hope and love into their lives.

Caroline Talbot – Living Well Manager - has been living in Thames for 4 years and worked as a Director of Studies in a local language centre. She originally joined as a trustee before applying to be the Manager. She is passionate about issues of justice and loves serving people. Her interests include tramping and travelling in New Zealand.

Living Well trust