Valmai Redhead

The extraordinary story of how God used two ordinary Southland farmers to begin a mission initiative that would grow, multiply and expand to reach around the world.

Harry White and Clarence Gardyne wanted to find a practical way to support Andrew and Margaret Dunn who were ready to go to Papua New Guinea but did not have sufficient funds. The two men proposed raising the money by grazing, fattening and selling a few head of stock. Other farmers supported the cause. Less than one year later they reached their target, the Dunn family was farewelled, and in the process something even more significant happened: The Waidale Missionary Trust was established. Fifty years later more than $5 million has been given to support mission. Who could have imagined?

Yet the success of the Trust is about so much more than funding. The annual reports do not list the countless prayers offered, the number of letters written, hospitality provided and lifelong friendships formed. God used these relationships between sent and sender to grow The Waidale Trust into the unique family it is today. Who could have imagined?