By Bruce White, NZCMS Personnel Manager
9–10 May was the first Gather to Scatter, an event designed to shape hearts and minds for those who are sensing a call to global mission.
Picture this, approx. 20 young people, most who have never met each other, going on a journey to understand the joys and challenges of living in a culture different from your own. The journey created laughter, relationship and uncomfortable moments of cultural awareness.
Yet underpinning the experience was a growing awareness for each person there that they were not alone. God was and is stirring the hearts of young people to take the Good News of Jesus to the nations. This realisation alone made the event worthwhile.
But wait there is more. One of the joys of organising Gather to Scatter was the joy of NZCMS and WEC working side by side, united on our passion and commitment to walk with young people sensing God’s call to the nations.
These few words can in no way portray the clarity of the presence of Wairua Tapu, the Holy Spriit who was tangibly present in our time together. Open conversations, confronting our cultural and personal blind spots, created a potpourri of experiences that shaped the hearts and minds of those who participated.
God’s call to share His love to the nations has not waned and Gather to Scatter clearly affirmed this reality.
Please pray for those who are now processing what this meant for them, that they would continue to allow God to lead and guide them, and that we, the Body of Christ in Aoteaora, would encourage and give thanks that His Spirit is stirring in new and fresh ways.
Is God calling you overseas? Learn more about the pathways WEC offers. Discover NZCMS’ pathways.
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.