By Rosie Fyfe NZCMS National Director
It’s hard to believe we are already a quarter of the way into a new century. In milestone years, we often pause to reflect on what has happened and what has been achieved. Annual Reports typically seek to prove the value of an organisation — what has been accomplished, the impact of our work, and how our finances are faring. These reports often focus on inputs (the resources or efforts we put in), outputs (what we produce), and outcomes (the impact or change that results). Every January, I begin my work year with a retreat. This year, I reflected on the parable of the seed in Mark 4:26–29. Like any project, the process involves inputs, outputs, and outcomes: the input is the man sowing the seed, the output is the grain ripening, and the outcome is that people are fed. However, this is not a typical project.
The parable reveals that the seed grows without any effort or input from the man. Whether he is awake or asleep, the seed sprouts and grows “by itself”, eventually yielding grain.
The same phrase—“by itself”—appears in Acts 12, when Peter is miraculously released from prison, and the prison gate opens ‘by itself.’ In both cases, the divine hand of God is at work in the world. Jesus tells this story to illustrate the nature of the Kingdom of God. This parable reminds us that while we are called to work diligently, share our faith, and live out our beliefs, the success of our efforts is ultimately up to God. As Paul writes, “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.” The Kingdom’s growth is a divine work, not a human achievement. As I read the articles of this Annual Report, I am reminded that ultimately the outcome and impact of our work are in God’s hands. I pray that these stories are an encouragement to you as you read of God’s divine providence at work around the world. I am also reminded that for the seed to be sown, there must be a sower. There must be someone willing to prepare the soil and scatter the seed. This is where the faithful service of our Mission Partners comes in. As a colleague wrote to me after reading one of the articles:
“This is what NZCMS is all about. Supporting, partnering, resourcing, serving alongside local overseas communities to see God’s Kingdom grow there. This is why we do it.”
Yes indeed! As we continue to sow the seeds of God’s word, let us pray and trust that the Kingdom will grow in ways we did not cause and cannot fully understand. May we remain faithful in sowing the seed, praying for a harvest, and leaving the results to God. Rosie Fyfe, NZCMS National Director Read Annual Report 2025