Tēnā koutou katoa,

As Christmas approaches, I'm holding close to the words of Jesus in Matthew 11:28:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”

It’s been a big year – at least, that’s what I keep hearing! It's certainly what we’ve felt here at Anglican Missions. A year of complexity, disruption, and deep need around the world.

So much of what once felt certain now feels unsettled and disturbed. We grieve for those who are unable to find peace and rest in this time when the world slows down.

I'm reminded that every season, Christ invites us to find our rest in Him. 

Thank you to everyone who has prayed, supported and partnered with us in 2025. Your faithfulness has meant we could reach out our hands and offer order to chaos, peace to disruption and hope to those in despair.

We’re now turning our hearts toward 2026, and with it, the launch of our Lenten Appeal. This is a chance to once again walk with people facing hardship, and to offer something of the peace we find in Christ. You’ll find details in this newsletter and on our website.

We’re also glad to share that our online donation gateway is back up and running. Thank you for your patience during this period, and for the generosity that continued despite the inconvenience.

And as the needs continue, so too does our response. In Sri Lanka, where severe flooding devastated homes and livelihoods in November, Anglican Missions has committed $10,000 in emergency support as part of a global Anglican initiative to help restore dignity and shelter to those most affected. If you'd like to contribute financially to help us replenish those funds so we can continue responding for similar emergencies, hit the button below to make a donation today. 

Your support is appreciated - truly. It's something we say often, and we sincerely mean it. From all of us at Anglican Missions, we wish you a very Meri Kirihimete, and a happy holiday season!

May this time bring you the rest and renewal that Christ offers; may your weariness be eased and your burdens lightened.

In 2026, we're readjusting how we structure our work here at Anglican Missions. This Lent we're asking for your financial support for one (or more) of our core work programmes:

Water and Sanitation. Access to safe water and facilities is a fundamental human right. This programme provides safe water and appropriate sanitation for those most in need.

Food and Livelihoods. When is the last time you were hungry? For millions of people, that's their day to day reality. This programme supports sustainable food systems and livelihoods around the world.

Climate and Justice. This is the only Earth we have. We have a responsibility to look after it. A donation to the Climate and Justice programme helps provide sustainable and just solutions for people, communities and the planet.

Disasters and Resilience. From floods and cyclones to conflict and displacement, disasters take many forms. We help communities prepare in advance, and we respond when crisis strikes.

We'll have more information including posters and resources in the new year. Please prayerfully consider which of these programmes you or your parish/ministry unit would like to support, and thank you for your ongoing support of the Lenten Appeal.

As we approach the end of the year, a quick reminder from our Finance Team: all donations received on or before 31 December 2025 will be counted as 2025 donations. Any gifts made in January will be recorded as 2026 donations.

If your parish or ministry unit is planning a year-end contribution, we’re grateful—and please do get it in before the close of December so it can be included in this year’s totals. Thank you for your generosity and support.