A New Beginning – Planting a Church in the Heart of Port Vila

At Chains to Life Ministries, our mission has always been simple but life-changing: preach the Gospel, make disciples, and walk alongside the broken, the forgotten, and the seeking. As we look ahead, we are excited to share a new chapter in this journey—a church plant right here in Port Vila.

This isn’t just about starting another church. It’s about planting hope in the very heart of the city.

Why Port Vila?

Over the last seven years, we’ve spent time in the prisons, on the streets, and in communities where many fear to go. We’ve walked with ex-inmates, sat with struggling youth, and shared meals with families living on the edge. Through it all, one thing has become clear: Port Vila needs a solid, biblical, Gospel-preaching church that is open to all—especially those who feel left out, judged, or forgotten.

There are many churches in town, but very few places where former prisoners and young men from “the not-so-good areas” feel safe to walk in just as they are—no masks, no pressure, just Jesus.

Our Vision for the Church Plant

This new church will be:

• Biblical – Built on the foundation of God's Word, with preaching that is Christ-centered and clear.
• Discipleship-Driven – Focused on helping people grow in their faith through teaching, mentoring, and community.
• A Safe Place – A home for ex-inmates, struggling youth, and anyone who feels like they don’t belong elsewhere. A place of grace, truth, and transformation.
• Active in the Community – Not just a building for Sunday gatherings, but a hub for hope, outreach, and practical help throughout the week.

We believe the Gospel is for everyone, and we want this church to reflect that—from the pulpit to the back row.

What Makes This Church Different?

Many of the young men we've discipled over the years have told us they feel out of place in traditional churches. Some carry the weight of their past. Others feel like they can’t measure up. Some just don’t feel welcome.

This church plant is for them.

It’s for the ones who’ve made mistakes but are longing for a second chance. It’s for the boy growing up surrounded by violence who needs to know what it means to be a man of God. It’s for the man coming out of prison who wants to follow Jesus but doesn’t know where to begin. It’s for the weary, the broken, and the searching.

And at the center of it all will be Christ—our only hope and the reason for everything we do.

What’s Next?

We’re currently praying and planning for:

• A location – Our top priority is finding a suitable space in Port Vila that can serve as a teaching and preaching base.
• Core leadership – Identifying and training a faithful team who will serve, disciple, and love well.
• Ongoing support – Financial, spiritual, and relational support to help this church thrive long-term.
• Outreach preparation – Building intentional relationships in the areas where we’ve been ministering for years.

How You Can Help

Pray – Please pray for wisdom, open doors, and for God to raise up leaders and workers for this new church. 

Partner – Your financial and practical support will help us secure a location, provide resources, and disciple new believers. Donate Here.

Share – Tell others about what God is doing in Port Vila and invite them to be part of this story.

We believe God is planting something beautiful in this city—not just a church, but a community where lives are changed, hope is restored, and Christ is glorified.

This is just the beginning.

Thank you for walking with us.

For His glory,

Bobby Smith
Chains to Life Ministries – Port Vila, Vanuatu