"Knowing that everything you're looking at there had been escorted over there in a container and put together with the [locals], I felt for their loss. Their houses were knocked to bits, I was hoping this building had stood so they had something to rally around."
The facility was built with the help of several New Life Churches, including Hamilton, as a gift to the community for use as a training centre and as a church, but Mr Rosser said it is vital to restore it as soon as possible as it gives people a place to gather and share their heartbreaks following the destruction and loss many have suffered.
"There is no doubt other humanitarian needs like food, water, and shelter are urgent and being provided for, but a community venue like the Father's House training centre will [give] people a place of focus, and [meeting place] to discuss the challenges [they face] as they rebuild their lives."
The building, known as Father's House, was finished on Waitangi Day this year, with the roof section costing around $10,000.
But Mr Rosser said he cannot put a figure on the total cost of repairs as it is still unknown what damage was done inside after the roof tore off.
Pictures show the old Father's House, which was used prior to the new building construction, was almost completely destroyed and many took shelter in the new building as their homes were torn apart.
The project was more than 10 years in the making, with funds being raised by the Life church group in New Zealand and Vanuatu, and was designed and kit-setted in Auckland before being sent over in a container.
Mr Rosser said once they have the materials to rebuild the roof and repair any interior damage a team would head over, hopefully with an additional container full of materials to help rebuild some of the homes destroyed, but funds needed to be raised.
He said help from the community is needed, and donated building materials from stores or builders would be appreciated, along with any monetary donations as the cost of shipping and purchasing a container on top of other rebuild costs would stack up.
"Like other places of community, schools markets and clinics, the training centre will be a place of healing for the Vanuatu community."
If you would like to donate email bruce@hnlc.org.nz.