Our Ministry Team

Donita Rohde

PASTOR

From my heart:
On January 24th 2018, 30 years to the same day we first met, my beloved husband and ministry partner Andrew went home to heaven, and I remained to carry on and complete our kingdom assignment, a joint pastoral calling – to lead, feed, guide and protect the precious people entrusted into our care by God, following THE Good Shepherd.
The core of this calling, present in our wedding vows remains, “to bring God glory and make Him known”.
The cry of my heart, what I am passionate about:
•   Ensuring Jesus remains the focal point of my life and ministry
•   Pastoral care – ministry to the “one” (in preparation for this – I completed Certificate IV in Christian Counselling 2009)
•   Teaching and preaching the Word of God – simply and accurately, to be a conduit for transformation, stability and increasing maturity in Christ.
•   Scriptural prayer
•   Discipleship
•   Reaching the lost with the Gospel of Grace– one heart at a time
•   Seeing people set free from chains of addiction, guilt and condemnation
•   Broken lives and hearts being restored following trauma, loss, disappointment and church hurt.
•   Fanning the embers of each unique, divine gifting and calling
What Paul wrote in Philippians 1:25, resonating deeply with my heart; “Since I am convinced of this, I know that I shall remain and stay by you all, to promote your progress and joy in believing.”
I was crossing a field in my early 20s when I heard clearly in my spirit three words, which changed the trajectory of my life from performing arts to pastoral ministry, “feed my sheep.”
Ministry to me spelled L - O – V- E.
Andrew has gone home, but I remain, my feet on earth and my eyes on heaven.
Acts 20:24 NLT “But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.”
For me to live is this – Jesus Christ.

Suzie Rankine

MINISTRY PARTNER

From our hearts:
Sam and I are excited to partner with Fresh Start Ministries Sth Pacific, in obedience to direct instructions received from the Holy Spirit.
The core of the ministry aligns with our desire and focus “to bring God glory and make Him known”.
The cry of our hearts, what we are passionate about:
•   Seeing people form real, personal connection with Jesus
•   Fatherhood
•   Sonship
•   Family stability and restoration of relationship
•   Hospitality
•   Authentic fellowship and journeying with others
•   Pastoral care – seeing people recover and restores following trauma, including “church hurt”.
•   Seeing people of all generations healed, equipped and released to fulfill their unique callings
We are currently exploring a “call to ministry” which has been present in both our lives over 25 years and to fulfill our “life mission” individually and as a couple.
SUZIE
Prior to relocating to PMQ in 2021 I owned and managed a Mortgage Broking Company for almost twenty years.
This foundation has equipped me to facilitate the creation of appropriate administration within the Church, including oversight of frontline interaction with people within and outside of the local body, governance, finances, and safe church.
My heart is for people, all people regardless of their backgrounds – specifically caring for the disadvantaged and those “crushed” by the difficulties and trauma they’ve faced in their lives.
As a young woman this passion and compassion for people fanned into flame during mission trips and a season employed full-time at Mill Valley Ranch in Victoria.
Then there’s hospitality - serving others and the Lord in this way brings me joy! (Sam adding a foot note here – Suzie’s White chocolate and raspberry muffins a culinary masterpiece 😊)
In summary, we care about people and we care about you.
We truly believe in Jesus Christ it is never too late for a fresh start.
Fresh Start Ministries has been birthed with a divine kingdom purpose, for such a time as this, to be a place for: encounter, connection, equipping, releasing, restoration, transformation, and preparation for the times in which we are living.

Sam Rankine

MINISTRY PARTNER

From our hearts:
Suzie and I are excited to partner with Fresh Start Ministries Sth Pacific, in obedience to direct instructions received from the Holy Spirit.
The core of the ministry aligns with our desire and focus “to bring God glory and make Him known”.
The cry of our hearts, what we are passionate about:
•   Seeing people form real, personal connection with Jesus
•   Fatherhood
•   Sonship
•   Family stability and restoration of relationship
•   Hospitality
•   Authentic fellowship and journeying with others
•   Pastoral care – seeing people recover and restores following trauma, including “church hurt”.
•   Seeing people of all generations healed, equipped and released to fulfill their unique callings
We are currently exploring a “call to ministry” which has been present in both our lives over 25 years and to fulfill our “life mission” individually and as a couple.
SAM
After completing a Certificate in Community services, I commenced employment as a Disability and Aged Care Support Worker, which is a rewarding role and connected to my heart for genuine, compassionate pastoral care.
People matter.
People’s stories matter.
Creative expression has always played a role in my journey, including a love for praise/worship and song writing.
I have served in various leadership roles within the church, including seasons as an elder, children’s ministry leader, and co-leadership of a successful young adult’s life group with my wife Suzie.
In 2019 I completed a Diploma in Theology.
As I enter this new season in my life, I am seeking clarification re my calling and as Isaiah prayed “here I am Lord send me,” my heart is to serve the Lord and bring Him glory as He directs my steps.

From Donita

Prior to my husband’s unexpected “homecoming”, and compelled by love to “go”, we completed three years of ministry preparation at Rhema Bible Training Center, South Pacific, graduating in 2010.

Following our precious season in Samoa, we completed our two-year ministerial probation requirements, conducting itinerant ministry in Australia, Vanuatu, and Fiji – in bible schools, conferences, and churches.

In 2012 following our ministerial ordination in Samoa, we commenced a season as Pastors of Nadi New Life Church, Fiji.

By this time the seeds for Fresh Start Ministries South Pacific were deeply planted in our hearts.

In June 2023 God clearly revealed it was time for me to continue what He had placed in our hearts so many years ago.

Fresh Start Ministries has been birthed with a divine kingdom purpose, for such a time as this, to be a place for: encounter, connection, equipping, releasing, restoration, transformation, and preparation for the times in which we are living.