Oceania Mission
The Gospel from Melbourne, Reaching Beyond the Pacific
“We pray that each nation of Oceania may become a kingdom of priests and a holy nation, and a nation that sends missionaries in this generation”— Oceania UBF Prayer
In 1987, one missionary family arrived in Melbourne from Korea, followed by four single female missionaries the next year, taking the first step in Oceania UBF mission. Over the past 39 years, it has expanded to 7 chapters in Australia, 1 chapter in New Zealand, and 1 chapter in Papua New Guinea.
Three Eras of Oceania Mission
Melbourne ministry started in 1987 with a few missionaries, expanding to Sydney in 1989, Canberra in 1991, and Macquarie in 2000. Using the student missionary model, they conducted 1:1 Bible study ministry on major Australian university campuses.
In 2002, due to internal division (CMI departure), many missionaries in Oceania left, but a few families remained as “remnants” and rebuilt the ministry. New Zealand was pioneered again in 2010, and the new Oceania Coordinator system began in 2002.
Brisbane was pioneered in 2014, Western Sydney in 2024, and in 2013 a vision was set for 40 campuses in Australia, 7 in New Zealand, and 3 in PNG. The 2024 OSBC had a record 97 attendees, including the first participants from Papua New Guinea. Annual conference attendance grew over 70%, from 57 (2012) to 97 (2024).
Key Milestones
7 chapters in Australia, 1 chapter in New Zealand, and 1 chapter in Papua New Guinea are active. Chapters marked with 🏷️ need missionaries. Click a card for detailed chapter information.
Oceania Coordinators
Past Oceania Coordinators
🇦🇺Australia(7 chapters)
🇳🇿New Zealand(1 chapter)
🇵🇬Papua New Guinea(1 chapter)
Matthew Bai & Jacob Kim established the first UBF chapter in Papua New Guinea in 1995. Since then, Jacob and Gospel Kim family moved to Melbourne in 2007. Matthew and Rebecca Bai remained serving PNG ministry. They first connected with Oceania UBF community at the OSBC in December 2024. The prayer topic of “pioneering 3 campuses in Papua New Guinea” was established in 2013, and further development is anticipated.
A distinctive mission approach of Oceania UBF is the “tentmaker (self-supporting) missionary” model. Missionaries maintain their livelihood through secular jobs (nurse, faculty member, etc.) while simultaneously carrying out campus ministry.
Tentmaker Mission Model
M. Joseph & Deborah Yang
M. Aquila & Priscilla Lee
M. Mark & Ruth Lee
M. Nehemiah & Hannah Lim
M. Lewis & Sarah Jeong
“Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit” — John 12:24
We give thanks to all missionary families who have dedicated themselves to campus ministry in Oceania since 1987
The Oceania Summer Bible Conference (OSBC) is the largest annual regional gathering, held every December (Southern Hemisphere summer). All chapters from Australia and New Zealand come together to share the Word and fellowship.
Conference Records
2024 OSBC Highlights
- •Held at Sydney Tops Conference Center
- •Attendees from Australia, New Zealand, PNG, Korea, and USA
- •14 group Bible studies, 9 life testimonies, 5 symposium presentations
- •Baptism officiated by P. Ron Ward, “Oceania Night” performance
- •M. Joseph Yang appointed as new Oceania Coordinator
Other Joint Events
- • Missionary/Shepherd Conference — Year-end gathering (2013 Melbourne 19 attendees, 2018-2019 Brisbane)
- • Easter/Christmas United Worship
- • Gap Year Program — Hosted by Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney
World-Class Universities
Australia and New Zealand have internationally recognized universities that attract international students from across Asia. Campus ministry offers a strategic position to reach future leaders from many nations.
International Student Gateway — Hundreds of Thousands Annually
Australia is a global education hub that receives hundreds of thousands of international students each year. Many come from Asia and are open to spiritual discovery. One campus can reach students from many countries.
Pacific Island Mission Potential
Papua New Guinea and other Pacific islands have young, growing populations. The first PNG attendees at the 2024 OSBC demonstrate new possibilities for Oceania mission expansion.
Need for the Gospel in Secular Culture
Australia and New Zealand are increasingly secular societies. Young people especially need the opportunity to discover the truth of Jesus Christ. Personal discipleship through 1:1 Bible study is effective.
Stable Environment for Self-Supporting Mission
Australia provides a stable environment for long-term residency and tentmaker mission through professional careers in nursing, IT, education, and more. Good schools and healthcare are available for missionary families.
Fruit of Raising Second-Generation Leaders
Second-generation leader development is active in Oceania UBF. Through baptisms, shepherd declarations, and testimony sharing, the next generation is growing. International students from China, Nepal, Nigeria and other countries are also receiving discipleship training.
- •Have accepted Jesus Christ as personal Savior
- •Have received or willing to receive discipleship training at UBF
- •Have a profession or skill (student visa, work visa, or professional visa pathway)
- •Have a calling and passion for Oceania mission
- •Willing to serve international students from diverse backgrounds
Your Calling is in Oceania
“The ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God” — Isaiah 52:10
Oceania Booth Board
Below are all the blog posts posted by the Oceania booth team.
What preparations are necessary when planning to study abroad in Australia after finishing the CSAT in Korea? Please let me know which majors are available with a CSAT score of 350, based on universities in Sydney.
✅ Preparing to Study in Australia After Taking the Korean CSAT (Sydney-based universities, CSAT score around 350 points, 2025–2026 기준) Below is a summ...
I have over 3 years of work experience in a related field in Korea. What are the options for immigrating to Australia? What preparations are necessary for this?
✅ Australian Migration Options for Applicants with 3+ Years of Relevant Work Experience in Korea (Based on 2025–2026 regulations) Below is an overview...
Which cities do UBF chapters locate in Oceania?
There are nine UBF chapters across seven cities in Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. Below is a location map of these chapters.
What is Australian Working Holiday Maker program and how to apply the visa from Korea Republic?
Here’s a clear guide to Australia’s Working Holiday program and how you can apply for the visa from the Republic of Korea.
Photos & Videos
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