We've got 12 chapters to fill this year - what will you write?
I was excited to attend and represent Anglican Missions at the New Wine festival on a scorching Wellington weekend this January. Particularly insightful, interesting and affirming was the "Mission Mingle", an opportunity to share mission and ministry stories with like minded agencies over an excellent conversation starter - chocolate fondue!
There was so much shared camaraderie and willingness to grow the Kingdom that I was reminded of Ecclesiastes (4:9):
“Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labour: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”
One of the most rewarding parts of my job is working alongside other faith-based organisations. Together, we are stronger, and we're seeing crucial proof of this in our joint response to the devastating Israel/Gaza conflict.
Crucially, we're working with other international Anglican agencies and Tearfund NZ on our "Hope for the Holy Land" recovery project. We've signed a joint letter to the government alongside many other aid agencies, advocating for political intervention, a total ceasefire and provision of stronger humanitarian support for this conflict.
This year will present new challenges. New people in need. New mission fields. Anglican Missions will continue to meet those needs head on. We have faith; not only in God to do miraculous things this year, but that His church would rise in radical, faith filled generosity to not only to meet those needs, but exceed them a thousand times over.
To be effective this year, we must be united. We must work together. Paul knew that it's more effective and efficient to be joined-up when he wrote to the Thessalonians (Thessalonians 5:11) saying:
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing”.
Join up with us this year. Find a project to support. Connect with us on social media. Be our advocate as a Mission Motivator in your local setting. Give generously. We've got 12 months left; let's co-author a book overflowing with stories of hope, transformation and life.