ASSOCIATE PASTOR
Kester has been part of the HIF family since 1997, serving as an elder from 2020 and stepping into the role of Associate Pastor in 2026. Born in New Zealand and raised mostly in Melbourne, Australia, he has now spent more than half his life calling Vietnam home.
At the heart of what Kester does is a deep love for people. He finds great joy in connecting people with one another and with the Lord, and there is nothing quite like watching the nations come together to worship under one roof. Preaching and mentoring those who want to grow in that area are two things he holds close to his heart.
As a university student, Kester walked away from faith for a season, but in 1994 he came back to the Lord at St John’s Presbyterian Church in Hobart. From that moment, a quiet conviction began to grow in him: a calling to bring the name of Jesus to the nations where He is least known.
Prior to his pastoral role, Kester built a career as a civil engineer, managing rural development and poverty reduction projects across Vietnam, then leading a water resources consultancy in Hanoi for 17 years. He holds a BSc and BEng from Monash University and an MA in Biblical Studies from RTS in the USA, and is currently working toward an MDiv from PTC in Melbourne.
Kester is married to Que Anh, who runs Quilts & Arts, a social enterprise close to both their hearts that supports deaf and handicapped staff. Together they have three children, Isaiah, Alethea, and Elijah.
When he is not in ministry, you will likely find Kester on the pickleball court, often with his wife by his side. He also has a deep love for timeless music and a quiet fascination with long forgotten languages.
