Meet Pastor Sam and his Family

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Pastor Sam was raised in the US state of Texas and felt God was calling him to be a pastor as a teenager. Pursuing that call, Pastor Sam attended university at the West Coast Baptist College in Lancaster, California. There, he received both a bachelor's and master's degree in Biblical studies. It was also there that he met his wife, Juliana Harris. Juliana was raised Japan, where her parents served the Lord as missionaries. Sam and Juliana graduated from WCBC in the same year and were married in January of 2013.

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In 2015, the Hutchens' became acquainted with Lighthouse Baptist Church. The church was only a couple of years old and was looking for a new pastor. After much prayer, the Hutchens believed this was where God was leading them. They moved to New Zealand in January of 2018. Since then, God has made both the country of New Zealand and the city of Christchurch their home. They love the church family of Lighthouse Baptist Church, as well as the country of New Zealand.

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Their desire is to remain here, serving and loving the people of Christchurch, for as long as God will allow. Sam and Juliana have five children - Emma, Alexa, Samantha, Harrison, and Jackson - four of whom have been born since they moved to New Zealand. They would love to meet you at our church services this Sunday! If you have questions for Pastor Sam, feel free to reach out to him at shutchens.nz@gmail.com.

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