Simon Lawry

Ministry Development Representative

Australia & New Zealand

Opening Up New Zealand

Simon & Jo Lawry joined FOI in May 2016 while living in Adelaide, Australia, but their ministry vision was to reopen a mission office in New Zealand.

In July 2016 Simon & Jo together with two of their three children relocated to Auckland where they went to work setting up what would become FOI-New Zealand. Over five and a half years Simon together with Jo who served as the first office administrator set up the charitable trust, and an office that soon began serving a core group of Kiwi supporters with a deep love of Israel & the Jewish people.

While in New Zealand Simon actively worked to progress the mission speaking in Churches, preparing and hosting Israel Tours and creating an online presence for easier connection to our ministry.

Simon & Jo had already hosted many young Israeli backpackers in their home in East Auckland, however it was Simon’s desire to do more to sow seeds of hope into the hearts of the many more travellers that were coming through the country year after year.

In 2020 Simon started “Meet at the Mountain” at MiCamp Ruapehu where he hosted many Israelis seeking to walk the Tongariro Crossing. This work was cut short by Covid, however the dream continued and when opportunity presented in February 2023 God opened that door.

Returning to Australia - A New Role

At the end of 2021 The Lawry’s returned to Australia with FOI to begin a new chapter of ministry where Simon took on a new strategic role as Ministry Development Representative for both Australia and New Zealand. This newly created position would coincide with broader personnel changes including a new team in New Zealand with Paul Gray appointed as Mission Representative and in Australia the retirement of Dr Deane & Margaret Woods who had led the mission in Australia for over 18 years and Dr. Les Crawford’s appointment as the National Director for FOI-Australia.

A New Vision

As Ministry Development Representative, Simon helps make the mission and our goals known, creating ways for people to engage with what we do, and encouraging the spiritual and financial advancement of the mission as people partner with the work. The core elements of Simon’s activities include...

  • Communication, Promotion and Teaching the mission objectives

  • Preparation and Direction for our Israel Tours

  • Providing ministry support to our Field Representatives

  • Israeli hospitality including Meet at the Mountain in NZ

  • Raising support for mission projects and worldwide Jewish relief