Mary Cooke, wife of the late David Cooke, died recently at the age of 98. Mary and David were NZCMS missionaries in South India 1960–1963. David was the Principal of the Noble Higher Secondary School in Machilipatnam, taking over when the school was at a very low ebb and seeing it considerably re-established as a fine institution under the umbrella of the Church of South India. Pupils were a mix of Christian, Muslim and Hindu, and a Boys’ Hostel enabled boys from out of town to take advantage of the good education being offered.
Mary and David travelled to India with six children for a four-year term and returned with seven children. It was a challenging experience for Mary born and brought up in Christchurch and with a large family in tow, but she rose to the challenge and found fulfilment in work as the Hostel sister caring for basic needs under the supervision of a local doctor.
After four years they returned to Auckland saying they felt they had gained more from their time in India than they had given.
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.