The Paradise Farm Project - meet the team turning a dream into reality.
- Andrew Lord
- Aug 17
- 3 min read
18th August, 2025
There are moments in life when a simple conversation or a single act of service can ripple out into something far greater than you ever imagined. In our latest podcast episode, I had the incredible opportunity to sit down with some of the Alpha Youth Creww to talk about one of those moments—the Paradise Farm Initiative in Vanuatu. This isn't just a project; it's a testament to the power of long-term relationships, unwavering faith, and a community that believes in making a difference.
The initiative is a collaboration between Alpha Wingham and YWAM Pacific Waves, with a mission to establish a self-sustaining farm that will provide food, income, and invaluable skills for young islander missionaries. On September 22nd, a team—including first-timer Christall-Star Lord (yep, that's my girl!) — will be heading to Vanuatu to retrofit a building into an animal shelter, construct fences, and build new water infrastructure.
The Story of a Connection
Geoff and Hannah shared the incredible story of how this all began. It wasn't a corporate plan or a big-budget idea, but a journey that started with Hannah's initial solo trip to Vanuatu. She spent five weeks doing youth work, kids' ministry, and worship nights, witnessing significant healings and positive outcomes. That first trip sparked conversations and relationships that have continued to flourish.
What happened next is truly remarkable. Some items Hannah left behind, including a book, led to four or five young men from Vanuatu experiencing what Geoff describes as "radical conversions". This led to them travelling to Australia, staying with Geoff's family, and forging a friendship that has grown stronger over time, especially after the team returned to provide aid following a devastating earthquake in December.
Facing Challenges with a Community Spirit
It's a journey that hasn't been without its challenges. Geoff spoke about the significant logistical hurdles of working in a country categorised as one of the least developed by the UN. From unpredictable power and water supplies to a major port collapse that complicates shipping, the team has had to rely on a flexible approach and a lot of faith. As Hannah put it, "island time" and relying on the Holy Spirit often led to flexible itineraries, requiring the team to adapt as they went. But through these challenges, the heart of the mission remains. As Lachie and Michael recounted, working on a water tank was more about the fellowship than the labor itself, highlighting the amazing community spirit. Hannah’s perspective has been completely transformed, as she went to serve but found her own "cup was so full" from the relationships and spiritual encouragement she received.
A Community of Support
This initiative has been made possible by a wave of incredible support. Geoff was a fountain of gratitude as he listed the key corporate contributors:
On top of that, 17 solar panels were donated, along with over $3,000 in private pledges.
For the people of Vanuatu, these aren't just material goods. Hannah explained that these donations show the community that people care about them "in the long term" and "wholly," beyond just initial relationships. It’s a powerful message that values their connection above all else.
How You Can Help
The final and most important takeaway from our conversation was the call to action. Geoff emphasized that the most powerful starting point is prayer, asking God for favor and opened pathways to overcome difficulties.
We also have a practical way to get involved. The team has set up a GoFundMe page with a target of approximately $14,500. The funds will be used directly for farm supplies and any leftover money will go towards future maintenance and running costs. Importantly, all crew members are covering their own airfares, ensuring that every dollar donated directly benefits the Vanuatu community.
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