Our Team
Dr Nick Kross
BA (Theology), Master of Youth Ministry, D.Min.
Youth Ministry Specialist: Adventurers, Pathfinders, Ambassadors, Tertiary Student Ministries
Nick was born in Queensland into a large family of both Greek and English heritage. Following a powerful illustration of God’s grace in his life, Nick surrendered his heart to Christ at 19 and immediately set out to change the world. At 21, he left the building trade to study theology at Avondale College. After graduating, he pastored local churches before joining the Youth Department in South Queensland (1995), NZPUC and the SPD.
Nick has worked extensively with youth and church groups throughout the many Island nations of the SPD. Nick has directed numerous large events, including camporees, youth congresses, MWTP leadership summits, summer camps and Storm Co, as well as international mission trips, and recently, leading the ‘Following Jesus’ discipleship tour to Israel. Nick launched the first Samoan Youth Advisory in Queensland, Australia, Storm Co in NZ, and ASA (Adventist Students Association) in NZ, Samoa and Vanuatu.
Nick’s burden for biblical literacy birthed the World Changers Bible project, launching almost 250,000 Bible kits throughout the South Pacific. During 50 plus sessions he and his team inspired and trained youth to give bible studies, bring friends to Christ, and to challenge them to share Jesus with one person each year. He is now partnering with the Education department to provide another 70,000 WC bible kits for every student in the SPD. He loves to disciple young people through youth department events, equipping parents and churches and now supporting youth in juvenile detention. Nick speaks on behalf of youth and young adults and creates spaces for training, celebration and visioning in missional lifestyles.
Nick believes every young adult brings a unique gift to the world. His aim is to inspire all youth to find their cruising altitude and be all they can be for Jesus. He has devoted his life to following Jesus and sharing the gospel with all generations.
Nick’s loves spending time with his amazing family, personal soul winning, and being immersed in nature: particularly the ocean.
Pr Jeff Parker
Director of Youth Ministries
Jeff Parker is passionate about seeing juniors, teens and youth discover Jesus and have a life that is filled with all the joy and fulfilment that Jesus can bring. Jeff has worked with teens, youth and young adults in three different conferences and is now the youth director for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Australia. In reality, Jeff is still a big kid and loves having fun and lots of laughs. He currently lives in Melbourne with his wife Robyn, 18 year old son Lleyton and foster daughter Kaylani who is 12 years old. He also has 3 married children and 5 grandchildren.
Pr Victor Kulakov
Director of Family Relationships Cluster (Youth Ministries)
Victor serves as the Director of the Family Relationships Cluster (including Youth Ministries) for the New Zealand Pacific Union Conference. He has ministered in two other countries, Russia and Greece. He has a beautiful wife, Agnessa, and two boys, Nathan and Daniel. He enjoys skiing, travelling, photography, playing with his boys and meeting new people. Victor’s greatest passion is to empower people to fall in love with life – make positive changes, enjoy the fullness of relationships and have abundance and success in all aspects of life.
Pr Misikaram Guguna
Director of Youth Ministries
Misikaram has served in the mission field of Papua New Guinea as a church pastor, District Director and a youth Director for 11 years.
Once an Adventurer, Pathfinder and Youth himself, he loves seeing young people excel in leadership in the church and becoming better citizens for the Lord.
He is a passionate disciple maker and church planter. He is married to Pamela, who is a primary teacher and they have two lovely kids – Elice (6) and Curtis (1).
Pr Uili Tinomeneta
Director of Youth Ministries
Uili was born in the Samoan island called Savaii in the village of Lano. He is married to the beautiful Anaise Talakai who origninates from the kingdom of Tonga and they have five children (two boys & three girls).
He has recently accepted the role of TPUM Youth Director with 13 years of experience in ministry behind him where he has served as a local church pastor and Youth Director roles in the Savaii district then the Samoa and Tokelau Mission.
His hobbies include music, volley ball and has a passion to serve young people.
His ‘take-home message for us today is “since we are living in a time of pandemic, young people are now involve much in technology especially facebook, my message is please stop wasting your time on facebook, but FACE GOD’S BOOK, because Jesus is very near.
