Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand

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Christmas offers us all a time to reflect on the year that has passed.  The New Year is an opportunity to set ourselves new challenges.  <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

The work of GMO is people driven.  Without generous donations from individuals, congregational and national groups, our work would not happen.   Without individuals and groups from congregations going to serve overseas, nothing more than money would be sent.  Thus I would like to take this opportunity to hand out a few bouquets.

Serving in Israel Palestine

The first goes to Rev Glenn Barclay.  Most of you know the story.  In response to the directive from the 2002 Assembly to support the work of EAPPI, GMO secured the volunteer services of Glenn to serve in Israel Palestine.  Glenn returned to <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />New Zealand in May 2004 having served the people of Ramallah and other parts for six months. Since then, Glenn has faithfully travelled the country doing deputation work which included a visit to the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.  Officially Glenn’s task concluded at this year’s Assembly.  <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

Glenn has served us and EAPPI with distinction.  It was never going to be easy.  The Holy Land would be one of the most dangerous and controversial places on earth.  We will never all agree on all the detail.  However on behalf of us all, I would like to publicly thank Glenn for her outstanding service.

Serving in Vanuatu

Vanuatu has been in the news recently due to growing political turmoil.  However, it is likely that most of us know about Vanuatu through the mission work undertaken by members of the PCANZ for more than 140 years, which is why it has the status of being our ‘primary mission relationship’.  2004 was certainly no exception.  Here are some of the highlights.  Read more on the Vanuatu page of our website at: http://www.presbyterian.org.nz/1245.0.html 

A new water pump was installed at Onesua Presbyterian College.  Books were purchased for their library.  A literacy programme received start up funding.
Neal Whimp returned to Talua to teach for six weeks as a guest lecturer.  He was accompanied by his son John who undertook machinery maintenance at Talua and Navota Farm. 

Russell Rofe’s excellent fundraising bore fruit and a brand new ute was purchased for Navota Farm. 

St John’s, Hawera sent a team of eight people who did outstanding work renovating two flats at Sutherland House and working at Navota Farm. 
Dean Jordan from Invercargill taught organic farming methods at Ebule for three weeks.

Rhys and Bev Pearson accompanied by Steve and Chris Foulls of St Andrew’s, Wanganui achieved a variety of tasks including starting the the foundations on the new Owen hall. 

Ward and Julia Buckingham from St John’s, Mt Roskill completed a three-week tour teaching basic accounting and fundraising to church treasurers.
A team of 22 young people and eight adults from St Heliers are running children’s programmes and working at Onesua Presbyterian College in December.

The Bush Missioner Programme has been well supported by a number of congregations. 

The end of 2004 also signals the first anniversary of Rev Roy Pearson’s appointment as the PCV Project Officer.  It is clear that without Roy’s efforts, so many visits and other progress would not have been possible.  I would like to thank Roy, Anna and their children for the great job they have done on our behalf.

And in Zambia

Andrew Johnston will return from Lusaka, Zambia in early December.  Andrew has been living and working in an orphanage for the children of AIDS victims called Messiah Ministries.  He has also been teaching in a local community school set up by the orphanage.  Despite his youth, the extraordinary hardships faced in daily life in Zambia, and having been really sick with malaria on three occasions, Andrew has offered service in Christ’s name to the children.  It is hard to describe in words the affection with which Andrew is held by the community, and the sadness he feels in returning home. However, a recent reflection from Andrew sums up some of the feelings:

“I've realised that for all the teaching and other activities I can do, the underlying importance to all of it, is that someone is willing to be with them.  Someone is willing to spend time with them.  Someone is there for them.  Having people who care is so important, as they have been starved of human affection because of their situations and backgrounds.  I believe that in this way I am helping to show these kids - who by and large feel ignored and forgotten - that God does not forget them and that He will always be there for them.  That is what Mission means to me right now.”

Andrew’s example of loving service has earned him the title of ‘Pressie Superstar’ at Connect this year.  Take a bow Andrew, you have done us all proud.  Read more of Andrew reflections on the Global Mission website at: http://www.presbyterian.org.nz/2704.0.html#7877

In the Office

The GMO has been blessed with the services of some outstanding staff.   Mrs Lori Hill is well known around <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />New Zealand for the excellent job she does as Communications Manager.  Demand for the Global Mission Gazette continues to grow and her tireless work designing the GMO website means we now have a vast array of information in the public domain.  Mrs Liz van den Berg has worked many extra hours helping to track the GMO trust funds and ensure than overseas payments reach their destination.   Ms Emily Prentice completed a year’s contract as our Link Coordinator and has helped many people in their bid to serve overseas.  Rev Paul Kim has been a ready source of insight and information on our work in North East Asia.  To all of them, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks.  <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

In 2005

A new year brings fresh challenges and new goals.  The congregations who have engaged in work overseas all report life-giving results.  We continue to seek people who are willing to serve overseas.  Go Global Opportunities are advertised on the Where we Work section of the Global Mission  website  at:  http://www.presbyterian.org.nz/2602.0.html

Another very worthy area of service is the funding of projects.  Our Quik Gifts never exceed $NZ 5,000 and further information is available on the Donate to us page at: http://www.presbyterian.org.nz/2570.0.html 

Once again, the National Executive of the APW has led the way in this regard.  I recently received a cheque totalling $NZ 25,910 to fund a number of Quik Gifts.  My heartfelt ‘Thank You’ to all the members in all the branches for the part they played in this magnificent contribution.

The staff of the Global Mission Office join me in extending warm Christmas greetings to you all.  May your Christmas prayer be the words the angels proclaimed at the birth of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ:

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace’.  Matthew 2:14