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Global Mission

Global Mission Secretary: Rev Neal Whimp (interim) 70 Khyber Pass Rd, Auckland Phone: 09 306-6445; Fax: 09 306 6440 Mobile: 025 272 3131 globalmissionsec(at)presbyterian.org.nz Website: www.presbyterian.org.nz

Here's something to think about

A student at the University of Wales, is writing a dissertation: "The Holy Spirit and Mission in Twentieth Century Christianity," He wants to understand where "the actively serving Church" is taking the ministry of the Holy Spirit in Mission. Here are his questions:

 

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the place of the Holy Spirit in Mission;

how the Spirit is in your work;

what you envisage mission to be?

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Do you agree with David Bosch in his Transforming Mission - "It is the Spirit who emboldens previously timid disciples. Through the Spirit, God is in control of the mission"?

Which of the following fits your view:

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the Luke/Acts dynamic Spirit form of Mission;

the Matthean, 'Go, Teach all nations'?

Do you see them as the same?

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How does Luke 4:17-21 catch you?

Please send your thoughts to the Overseas Mission office, before the end of April. We'll send them on.

How is Your Congregation/Presbytery doing Mission Overseas?

Presbyterian Overseas Mission & Partnership Group, as an agent for your mission overseas, wants to get a total picture of Presbyterian Chruch of Aotearoa New Zealand Mission Overseas, as it is today, and how we can inform, resource, and encourage congregations and presbyteries/district councils.

Will you please respond to the following questions?

From where your Congregation is at,

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List specific Mission Overseas projects are you involved with - projects, organizations, churches.

Which International Aid Organisations do you support?

Do you have contacts through the APW/MWF Mission Associate Scheme? Who are they?

How is Mission Overseas promoted to your congregation?

Would you share your experience with other congregations?

How can Overseas Mission & Partnership help you?

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Presbytery/District Council Representatives.

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With what Mission Overseas projects is your Presbytery involved?

What are some ways that the Overseas Mission & Partnership group can encourage, inform and resource you?

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Please email globalmission(at)presbyterian.org.nz, or post to Presbyterian Overseas Mission office, by 6 May.

Glenn Barclay is returning to New Zealand after service with the Columbanus Community for Reconciliation in Belfast, Ireland. As a leader in the Community Glenn has had contact with many influential political leaders, and opportunity to engage with many groups working for reconciliation in Ireland. Glenn will have a good story to tell.

A difficult time for Helena Goldie Hospital

Dr John Louw, on his return to New Zealand reports HGH finances remain precarious. Government grants have not been forthcoming. Goldie College is also in financial difficulty. Staff at HGH and Goldie, do a fantastic job under trying circumstances.

Conflict in Mendi (Papua New Guinea)

Bishop Clarence Kapali in the Southern Highlands Region of the United Church reported tribal conflict which in December closed many services - government, hospital, schools and many businesses. Wokia warriors suddenly entered Tente, killed three men, burned houses, and destroyed vehicles. Nearly 600 people are displaced. Bishop Clarence is playing a major role in the Mendi Peace Commission, working to resolve the conflict.

Pray that people will work in God for peace.

Asia Sunday comes on 12 May

'Timor Lorosa'e: Hope for new life'. East Timor, is the youngest independent country in Asia. Following their struggle for independence they need to rebuild their nation. Christian Conference of Asia urges its member churches, on Asia Sunday, to pray with and for the church and country of Timor Lorosa'e.

Worship resources are available from www.cca.org.hk

PCC Ecumenical Workshop

Komiti Moana Nui, the PCANZ link with the Pacific Conference of Churches, sponsored in March a workshop, at Te Maungarongo marae, Ohope on "Connecting Ecumenically in Mission". Views of ecumenical togetherness were shared, with a consensus that boundaries need to be lowered between ethnic, cultural and church groups in the Spirit of Jesus Christ, to enable the mission of God's love to touch all. Each participant brought a perspective, stimulated by insights from Mona Riini (Te Aka Puaho) and Soama Tafia (PCC Ecumenical Educator).

Wokabaot fo Pis

Barbara Unusu, (UC Solomon Islands), recently in Auckland, mentioned the effects of violence on women and children. A United Church woman minister is helping people to address the trauma they have suffered.

A sponsored children's "Wokabaot fo Pis" in Honiara, collected SB$40,000, and businesses, diplomats and individuals donated $SB30,000, for the children's ward at the National Hospital. Considering the difficult times, this was a great gift. NZ's Minister of Foreign Affairs, in a message to the marchers, said that the "Walk for Peace" would help ensure that the call for peace and tolerance can be heard above the voices of those who pursue violence and intimidation. Security and prosperity will come if all Solomon Islanders are dedicated to achieving peace and justice for all. Over a thousand Malaitans walked in support from Auki to Aligegeo.

On International Women's day (11 March) women gathered in Honiara. On the theme "Women for Peace in Solomon Islands", women said: "Our hope is to see children grow up in a peaceful nation, women's role recognized in this male dominated society, women treated with respect."
The women cry out for total disarmament. Sir Peter Kenilorea of the Peace Monitoring Council called for the surrender of all guns, warning that there can be no lasting peace without a weapons free society. The Melanesian Brotherhood (an Anglican Order) is encouraging the surrender of weapons. Solomon Islanders warmly welcome this move.

Partnership with Presbyterian Church of Vanuatu being reviewed

In May, Stuart Vogel and Lorraine Francis will have a week of talks with PCV leaders, to review how our partnership can be expressed through the mission priorities of the Vanuatu church. Onesua Presbyterian College, Navota Farm, Talua Ministry Training Centre, and the church's mission to people not yet reached with the Gospel, will be considered.

This is the first of reviews of all of the traditional partnerships that PCANZ has with overseas churches