By Graeme Mitchell, NZCMS Board Chairperson
It is with deep sadness that I announce the departure of Rev. Rosie Fyfe in her role as NZCMS National Director.
As Rosie reflects, ‘it has been a privilege to serve as the Director of NZCMS. I applied for this role because NZCMS supported me so well when I served as a Mission Partner, and I wanted to give back into the organisation. As I have served, I have come to see NZCMS as a taonga (treasure) formed by generations of passionate, wholehearted people who give themselves to God’s mission.’
The Board also states their appreciation of Rosie’s service over the last six years. She has led NZCMS with passion, commitment and skill over this time. In spite of the challenges presented by the Covid 19 pandemic early on in her tenure, her leadership has seen, among other things, more mission partners sent out to serve in global mission, several new initiatives for engaging with mission-minded young adults, and the expansion of the Māori evangelist ministry within New Zealand.
Rosie’s passion and mission experience is highly respected by CMS globally and by other like-minded mission agencies and churches. The enthusiasm Rosie has generated for mission will be sadly missed by all our NZCMS family.
I also want to acknowledge and thank our staff who continually serve NZCMS with passion and dedication. They continue to work tirelessly for the good of our Mission Partners and the wider NZCMS family. To support the staff and our Mission Partners, the Board has asked me as Chair, to take up an Acting National Director role until a new person is appointed.
The Board will be appointing a sub-committee to start this search for a new National Director in due course.
Finally, could I invite you to join us in prayer for these three things:
1. To give thanks to God for Rosie’s enthusiasm and passion for mission while serving at NZCMS.
2. For our Staff and Mission Partners, that God will continue to bless and guide them in their daily service with NZCMS.
3. For our Board, that they will be given wisdom as they seek God’s leading in identifying a new National Director for NZCMS.
Your support and prayers are very much appreciated.
On behalf of the NZCMS Board,
Nga mihi nui
Graeme Mitchell
Chairperson, 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.