A new initiative for NZCMS in 2023 is supporting Co-Mission Partners. NZCMS is partnering with AsiaCMS to ‘co-send’ missionaries from Asia to Asia. These missionaries work in strategic mission roles in their own or near culture contexts. We pray that this partnership bears fruit and opens our eyes and hearts to what God is doing in the world.
Kumar and Kathryn Aryal are the first Co-Mission Partners NZCMS is supporting. Kumar Aryal was born and raised in a devout Hindu family in Nepal. Kathryn grew up in the Philippines in a practising Catholic home. Both of them had unique experiences of coming to faith and committing their lives to mission. Their children are Kevin, Kyle and Kurt.
Kumar’s early ministry was with the Nepali migrant community in Malaysia and then he went on to continue his theological studies in the Philippines. He and Kathryn met at the International Graduate School of Leadership (IGSL) in the Philippines and eventually got married. They both taught at IGSL for many years in different capacities.
They had a burden to serve in Nepal. In 2021, they moved to Nepal as a family to begin a pioneering ministry of training leaders and reaching the poor and unreached groups with the Gospel.
They expressed interest in the AsiaCMS Co-Mission Partner program when they arrived in Nepal. After a year of review and ensuring that their ministry aligned with AsiaCMS focus, they were selected as Co-Mission Partners.
Prayer Requests from the Aryals:
- We’ve just completed two years of serving the Lord in Nepal and making Jesus known. Praise God for His faithfulness and provision in our lives and ministry. Pray that God will continue to give us wisdom and guidance as we work to network and collaborate with the Bible Schools and key organisations in Nepal.
- We are visiting the Philippines during June and July during the kid’s school summer break. Please pray we can process our youngest’s (Kurt’s) visa quickly in the Philippines, do medical tests and have a blessed time with loved ones.
- Kyle is enjoying school and showing confidence in performing action songs on stage and volunteering for activities. We praise God for keeping him healthy after he needed to go to the hospital and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after a bad fall. Praise God for His mighty hand of protection and help in the recovery. Pray for Kyle’s continued recovery and that his joy and confidence will continue to grow.
- We are working to create a community outreach for widows, single mothers, orphans and the disabled. Pray for God’s wisdom and guidance so that we will know the right people to work with and the right opportunities to invest in.
Read more about the Co-Mission Partner Initiative here.
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.