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Global Mission Office

Working for Peace

The coming of the Messiah was heralded by the ancient prophets and the angels as being the advent of the Prince of Peace both in our personal lives and in our world today. Jesus said that the peacemakers would be blessed. At the time of writing war between the US and Iraq seems imminent. Parishes will have received the Church Leaders second statement as well as a resource sheet encouraging Christians to think and become involved. Many people have already participated in protests or the signing of petitions while others feel helpless, some even detached from the whole affair. Whatever unfolds in the next days, let us commit ourselves to pray and to work for peace.

Africa

The Cricket World Cup is focusing a spotlight on the troubles in Zimbabwe and the famine ravaging the whole sub-region. 70% of Malawi was recently declared a flood disaster area just as Rev Jim and Dr Diane Young left for London with their 3 children for specialist training in preparation for deployment as medical missionaries in Malawi by SIM in May. Jim plans to help the work of the Church while they are there. I have their email address if you would like to write and encourage them.

North India

Extraordinarily cold weather has caused many deaths and letters from various agencies speak about the increasing persecution of Christians across India. Our commitment to the Church of North India is still strong. APW's will soon receive a letter inviting them to support the St Thomas' School Scholarship Programme. The Friends of Christian Hospital, Jagadhri appeal to build new accommodation for doctors and tutors has received a massive NZ$22,000 of the required NZ$25,000. Our grant for 2002/03 includes NZ$10,000 towards the salary of the Medical Superintendent, NZ$8,000 towards the salary of the Principal of St Thomas' and a general grant of NZ$10,000.

Vanuatu

The ongoing economic struggles and the threat of cyclones have not deterred our friends in the Presbyterian Church in Vanuatu who continue to answer the call of God to work regionally including other Pacific countries. St Georges, Takapuna adopted a Bush Missioner and their donation of NZ$4,000 constitutes a whopping 40% increase toour annual grant of NZ$10,000. Another 7 remain under-sponsored. Our grant of NZ$20,000 to the PCV to fund ministry was augmented by a NZ$5000 scholarship awarded to Pastor Dickson Banibani who is studying at Pacific Theological College. The appeal for funds for a truck for Navota Farm has not come close to reaching the target of NZ$26,000. Please send any further donations to Rev Russell Rofe of Timaru as soon as possible.

CWS Solomon Islands Cyclone Recovery Appeal

Please see the notice in the 'News' section about this.

Theological Students

Matius Umbo Bulu, a minister with the Sumba Church of Indonesia has received a scholarship from us over the last two years to study a Masters of Theology at Duta Wacana Christian University in Yogyakarta. We have been able to extend the scholarship by US$500 to cover his last semester. We have also been able to offer a NZ$5000 scholarship to Rev Go Khan Suan of our partner Church, the Presbyterian Church of Myanmar to study at Trinity Theological College in Singapore.

Exchanges Abroad

No takers for the Youth Exchange with the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan. Your delegation of young people will visit Taiwan for 10 days during the school holidays in July 2003 and then receive a delegation from Taiwan in late January/ early February 2004. We would need to move quite swiftly to achieve this one. Some sponsorship is available.

The visit to the Assembly of the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa seems to be on track. I have had a good response to this one but there is room for more. The dates have been confirmed as being 13 - 19 September 2003 with some travel time on either side.

Rev Elizabeth Chirwa from our partner church, The United Church of Zambia is still available to work in your Parish. All her travel costs will be covered by CWM making the financial commitment for the Parish similar to that of a call.

Again I have run out of space. Please make contact with me by phone or email if you would like further information on these or any other of our programmes or to discuss any new ideas you may have.

Putting a positive spin on life

Wandering around the local mall the other day was a young man wearing a t-shirt that declared: I have never lost - just sometimes I am behind when we run out of time.

GlobalTrek 2003

Kiwi

 

"Going where no kiwi Presbyterian has gone before"

The slogan says it all. GlobalTrek is something new. GlobalTrek a gathering of kiwi Presbyterians to listen, learn, discuss and debate the latest trends in mission within the context of our world today.

The weekends are aimed at being practical, useful, inspiring. A good mix of international and local speakers will equip you for mission work that begins in the local Parish and extends across the globe. If you want to be challenged and changed in the midst of worship, reflection, good food and great company - then GlobalTrek is for you.

Brochures will be sent to Parishes this month.

Electronic registration will be available on the Global Mission webpage

2 great venues

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Living Springs, Christchurch 9 - 11 May 2003 Full residential & 5 meals $110.

Vaughan Park, Auckland 16 - 18 May 2003 Full residential & 5 meals $150

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Student Special at both venues. Own bedding & 5 meals $75

Children will be charged according to age. Child care provided if required.