In January 2022, the underwater Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano erupted which led to significant ashfalls across Tonga and triggered tsunami waves that displaced entire communities. Anglican Missions has been working alongside the Anglican churches in Tonga to respond to needs in the community and increase resilience to future events.
Together with the other members of the Anglican Missions Board, Rosie recently spent four days in Tonga learning about the impact and response to the eruption. This visit coincided with the visit of the new Archbishop of Polynesia, the Most Rev. Sione Ulu’ilakepa, to Tonga and we enjoyed the generous hospitality of the Anglican churches.
One highlight was learning about the CIVA initiative which grew out of a local Anglican parish. CIVA (Community Integrated Vulnerability Assessment) is a toolkit designed to reduce risk and increase climate resilience in the community. The church youth group visited each house in the parish and identified the areas in the community that are most vulnerable to natural disasters, this data is mapped, and an action plan is implemented to address the issues gathered from the community.
NZCMS and Anglican Missions have partnered together for more than a century. Rosie sits on the Board of Anglican Missions, and NZCMS’ Global Mission Partners receive support from Anglican Missions. We praise God for the significant work of Anglican Missions.
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.