The Rev. Claude Fong Toy has been appointed to the NZCMS Board.
Claude is currently the Vicar of St Elizabeth Parish of Clendon, Auckland, having completed his B. Theology through Otago while at St John’s College in Auckland in 2021.
Claude and his wife Mila have been in full-time church ministry since 2000. Claude has been ordained for 17 years as an Anglican Minister in the Diocese of Polynesia, Fiji, including time as the Dean of the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Suva. Mila has been a missionary in Vanuatu and trained in evangelism under the Evangelism Explosion ministry in Fiji.
Claude states he ‘loves Jesus, people, scriptures, church and nature.’ He sees himself as ‘solution-focused and a forward mover’.
The Board are delighted that Claude has accepted an invitation to join the Board, and the representation he will bring to promote the gospel throughout the Pacific region.
Blessings,
Graeme Mitchell, Chair, NZCMS Board
Thank you, Tessa. I remember Ray (and Jean) very warmly from our time at St Tim’s before we left for St John’s College at the beginning of 1987, and was excited many years later to learn of their visit to the Elliotts in Uganda. (We visited them in 1997 on study leave.) That visit, and a later one, showed their quiet growth in faith and mission during the years. I praise God for Ray’s life and service, and pray for the Comforter’s presence to be so close to Jean.
Hey there,
A friend of mine told me about you guys and I’d love to come along on Monday!
Cheers,
Caleb Croker
Hi Caleb, I’ve just seen your message. I apologise that this was missed. I assume you’re talking about the Seriously Interested in Mission group? The next one is August 11 and we’d love you to join. Can you email us at office@nzcms.org.nz (Rosie writing here)
Thank you Tessa
Thank you Archdeacon Fran. Mothers Union appreciated your input when we visited the Far North recently. Your wisdom and wise counsel made it a memorable weekend. God bless you in your new role.
Rev Fran, you and Rapiata are a gift to the Church. May the Lord bless you as you serve in this next season
With reference to the article ‘By invitation not invasion’. My husband and I were involved with CMS from the 1960s onward and this was always the attitude of CMS leadership. They deferred to the church leadership opinions whenever possible, wherever there was a local church. I’m not aware if this has change. It isn’t something new.
Hi Pauline,
I agree with you!! I don’t think this has changed, just good to re-iterate why and we send mission partners. This is Rosie writing — hope you’re doing well!
Yes Pauline it was the same for Alan and me. When we went to Singapore 1966–69 it was in response to a request from the Bishop oof Singapore and Malaya.