In 2025, NZCMS is excited to start a new partnership with an evangelism ministry to New Zealand’s new-age hippie scene led by Rev Mark Johnson and his wife Kirsty.
Surprised by a Kingdom Vision
NZCMS is a community passionate about God’s mission in the world. We are called by God to encourage and support those who God calls to serve in cross-cultural missions. This is the heart of who we are, and we love participating with God in sending people to the ends of the earth.
Since our beginning in England in 1799, CMS has always sought to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. One of NZCMS’ values is ‘Kingdom Vision” – we seek to follow the Spirit and be open to new, creative opportunities to join in where God is at work.
The invitation from the Diocese of Nelson to partner with Mark and Kirsty’s national ministry is an example of an unexpected leading of the Spirit. Mark and Kirsty, joined by several other families, have for the last few years been attending a variety of New Zealand festivals and sharing Jesus with many young overseas tourists traversing the New Zealand hippie trail. Young people are encountering Jesus’ love and being transformed.
The ministry is affectionately called “Wheels Ministry” in reference to the travelling nature and the house buses they live in.
Meanwhile, Rev Mark has been juggling full-time ministry as vicar of St Tom’s Anglican Church in Newtown, Wellington. However, this year Mark and Kirsty sensed a change, and God started speaking. Rev Mark was appointed as the part-time vicar of the Golden Bay parish, an area where the Wheels ministry has already been active. Mark and his family, joined by others in the team, will move to Golden Bay in early 2025, and plan to establish a ministry base there.
An Invitation to NZCMS
While the Nelson Diocese are supporting Mark and Kirsty in their ministry through the Golden Bay parish, the Wheels ministry is nationally focused. Therefore, NZCMS has been invited to partner with and support the national evangelism ministry of Wheels.
After much prayer, the NZCMS Board have agreed to support the Wheels Ministry in the following way:
• Mark and Kirsty will seek, with support from NZCMS, to raise funds to release them to grow this travelling ministry within New Zealand.
• NZCMS are not directly supporting this ministry but will act as a conduit for pass-through funds. Any funding NZCMS receives for the ministry will be passed on.
• Mark and Kirsty will be accountable to NZCMS and the Diocese of Nelson.
• NZCMS will stand with them in prayer. You will hear updates and stories from them so that you can pray.
NZCMS’ support is a one-off Spirit-initiated and led decision. This is not a change in direction for NZCMS. Mark and Kirsty will not serve formally as NZCMS Mission Partners, but this partnership aims to support their fruitful ministry at the invitation of the Diocese of Nelson.
An Invitation to You
We invite you to consider supporting Mark and Kirsty in their ministry. They are taking a step of faith and looking for others to step out with them.
Mark and Kirsty need people who will pray into this ministry, and they need financial support to make the ministry viable. You can support their ministry here: www.nzcms.org.nz/wheels-ministry
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.