By NZCMS Staff
For everything there is a season – Ecclesiastes 3
A time to rejoice – It is with joy that we celebrate with our Māori Evangelist, Ven Rev Fran Hokianga, on her receiving her Bachelor of Humanities after years of hard work. Fran has completed a Bachelor of Humanities (majoring in Mihinare Studies) from Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi.
A time to mourn – Rev Fran has informed us that she is concluding her role as a Māori Evangelist. As she shared how God is moving her on, we recognise that her time in partnership with NZCMS has prepared her for what is coming next. While we may feel saddened by the news, we trust that God has prepared the way for the next chapter in her life. She will continue to be part of the whānau at NZCMS, and she will continue in the ministry of evangelism even if she doesn’t have the job title!
A time to rejoice – Ven Fran is starting a full-time teaching role with Ōrongonui – Te Tohu Mihingare, the educational division of Te Pihopatanga o Te Tai Tokerau. In this position, she will support students in the North and co-facilitate the Minita-a-Whanau programme, launched by the Tikanga Māori Missions Council in 2015 under the theme of ‘A decade of mission’. She is committed to fostering the next generation of Māori leaders who will share the gospel of Jesus Christ within the Māori community, by the Māori community.
To all who support the Māori Evangelist initiative, we see God’s hand in this change. Rev Fran’s skills and practical experience as a Māori Evangelist make her perfectly suited to the task of raising up many more evangelists. Please continue to pray for both Fran and Rapiata as God continues to lead and guide them, that they may be used to strengthen the work that has already begun.
For everything there is a season under God.
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.