In this bicentennial year we as NZCMS are expanding our idea of mission. With a three-fold tactic – teams, events and training – we are seeking to reawaken New Zealanders to the God who has been central to our story.
Teams
We can no longer conceive of mission as us going “over there.” This year various short-term mission teams will be sent from the nations toNew Zealand. In April we hosted twelve ‘reverse-mission’ evangelists from Kenya who were involved in over 400 events. We have invited 28 more evangelists to come to New Zealand to share the gospel in other parts of the country. Feedback from the first team was incredibly positive, particularly the receptiveness they experienced from Christian and non-Christian alike.
Events
The major celebration of this year is the Our Story Hui, to be held near where Samuel Marsden preached the first gospel message in the Bay of Islands. This will be a time of reflection on the role of past missionaries who were sent to and from our country, on what is presently happening in our nation, as well as a chance to look forward to the future. Bishop Kito will host us in this bi-cultural celebration of the gospel as we take a pilgrimage to Oihi Bay and other significant sites.
Throughout this year, Mark Grace is speaking at churches across the country about the significance of this year. For many this is the first time they have seriously contemplated the impact the gospel has had in our country and the role it played to foster peace amongst Maori and Pakeha.
Later in the year we will be hosting multiple events when a top-notch band from Kenya comes to tour the country. Their goal is to share the gospel with youth through music.
Training
Leadership and mission training seminars will be held throughout the year. The focus of these is to help identify and build future leaders and mission workers for both local and international mission. We are also creating resources to equip and inform God’s people, such as a video series that address the myths and realities of the story of Christianity in New Zealand. (Visit http://www.youtube.com/NZCMS for more.)
We want thousands of New Zealanders to hear the gospel for the very first time in 2014. Our reverse missionaries have committed to covering 50% of their expenses so that they can bless out nation. They have taken annual leave, left their children with friends and relatives, and spent dedicated time fasting and praying to prepare to minister to us. Our challenge is to raise the other 50%. Many people have been generous and we are well on our way to raising the $100 000 needed to make this possible. Will you consider partnering with us financially as we seek see New Zealand re-impacted by the powerful message of our risen Lord?
Originally published in Intermission (July-August 2014)
