By Bruce White
NZCMS Personnel Manager
How encouraging is it to hear the story of someone hearing God speak, wrestling with the implications of His request and then choosing to obey? God speaking was the start of a 5–6 year journey for Rob and his family to sell up in Australia, leave a successful business, and return to Aotearoa. All this in response to the still small voice of God calling them home to minister to Māori within here.
The following years saw Rob studying theology for 3 years at St John’s College in Auckland, followed by two years of full-time Te Reo study. Rob was challenged and shaped in this process, allowing God to continue to lead and guide him and his family. The final outcome was a call to ministry as a Māori Evangelist in Te Tai Tokerau, a calling affirmed by NZCMS. So Rob has been accepted as our newest Māori Evangelist.
If you think the surname is familiar, Rob is the youngest brother of Te Houoterangi (Howard) Karaka who is also a Māori Evangelist in Te Manawa o Te Wheke in the Waikato! Isn’t it great to see God at work!
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.