God's word is not chained: Checkpoint Winter 2021 - CMS Australia

Choose your branch

Give

Give to a worker

  • Give
    A
    South Asia • NSW & ACT Branch • Tax Deductible
  • Give
    Adam and Avril Friend
    Africa • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Adam and Helane Ramsay
    Japan • QLD & NNSW Branch
  • Give
    Adrian and Anita Lovell
    Bolivia • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Amy Stephens
    Argentina • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Andrew Buchanan and Abi Tandiseru
    Indonesia • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Andrew and Margie Newman
    Uganda • QLD & NNSW Branch
  • Give
    Angelica (Mentac)
    • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Anna Radkovic
    Kenya • VIC Branch • Tax Deductible
  • Give
    Anthony and Trudi Elyard
    St Andrew's Hall • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Arthur and Tamie Davis
    Tanzania • SA & NT Branch
  • Give
    B
    Middle East • WA Branch • Tax Deductible
  • Give
    Brenton and Mel Kilby
    St Andrew's Hall • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Bruce and Libby Hayes
    Nepal • QLD & NNSW Branch • Tax Deductible
  • Give
    Bryan and Sarah Haro Leon
    Ecuador • TAS Branch
  • Give
    C
    Middle East • NSW & ACT Branch • Tax Deductible
  • Give
    Chenny Thie
    Japan • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Chris and Erin
    South East Asia • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Chris and Grace Adams
    Timor-Leste • VIC Branch
  • Give
    Chris and Karen Webb
    North Australia • NSW & ACT Branch • Tax Deductible
  • Give
    Chris and Kristy Galea
    Malta • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Chris and Stef Overhall
    Chile • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Christopher and Julie Dean
    Timor-Leste • VIC Branch
  • Give
    Colin and Catherine Puffett
    France • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Craig and Lisse
    Middle East • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Craig and Samantha McCorkindale
    Cambodia • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    D and T
    East Asia • SA & NT Branch • Tax Deductible
  • Give
    Dan and Marg
    Middle East • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Daniel and Olivia Webster
    Namibia • NSW & ACT Branch • Tax Deductible
  • Give
    Daniel (Mentac)
    • QLD & NNSW Branch
  • Give
    David and Beck McIntyre
    Japan • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    David and Cathie Sandifer
    Netherlands • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    David and Jennifer Juniper
    Democratic Republic of Congo • WA Branch
  • Give
    Dene and Rachel Hughes
    Japan • QLD & NNSW Branch
  • Give
    Derek and Rosemary Snibson
    North Australia • VIC Branch • Tax Deductible
  • Give
    Derk and Susan
    South Asia • WA Branch • Tax Deductible
  • Give
    E
    South Asia • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    E
    East Asia • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Elizabeth
    Middle East • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Elle Bryce
    Japan • QLD & NNSW Branch
  • Give
    Faraj and Emily (Mentac)
    • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Frances Cook
    Chile • SA & NT Branch
  • Give
    Gavin and Megan Rosser
    St Andrew's Hall • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Gillian Akers
    France • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Gillian Law
    Italy • QLD & NNSW Branch
  • Give
    Gordon and Ruth Russell
    Nepal • NSW & ACT Branch • Tax Deductible
  • Give
    Howard and Michelle Newby
    Philippines • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Howard and Trisha Spencer
    Belgium • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    I
    South East Asia • VIC Branch • Tax Deductible
  • Give
    Ian and Jenny Wood
    North Australia • NSW & ACT Branch • Tax Deductible
  • Give
    Ian and Narelle Hadfield
    Singapore • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    J and P
    Eurasia • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    J and S
    Central Asia • QLD & NNSW Branch • Tax Deductible
  • Give
    J
    South East Asia • WA Branch • Tax Deductible
  • Give
    Jo
    Middle East • NSW & ACT Branch • Tax Deductible
  • Give
    Je
    Middle East • NSW & ACT Branch • Tax Deductible
  • Give
    Jason and Hannah Fairclough
    Italy • WA Branch
  • Give
    Jeremy and Jill Horrocks
    Cambodia • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Jim and Tanja French
    Spain • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Joel and Tiffanie Atwood
    Vanuatu • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Joel and Aimee (Mentac)
    • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    John and Deb
    Middle East • VIC Branch
  • Give
    Jon and Deborah
    South East Asia • VIC Branch
  • Give
    Josh and Nici
    South East Asia • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Josh and Steph Mackenzie
    North Australia • VIC Branch • Tax Deductible
  • Give
    Josh and Susannah Apieczonek
    France • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Jotham Booker
    Germany • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Julie
    South East Asia • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    K
    South Asia • TAS Branch • Tax Deductible
  • Give
    K
    South East Asia • SA & NT Branch • Tax Deductible
  • Give
    Karina Brabham
    France • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Kate and Bijaya (CoMP)
    South Asia • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Keith and Marion Birchley
    Papua New Guinea • QLD & NNSW Branch
  • Give
    Kellie Nicholas
    Japan • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Klaus and Jude Hickel
    Germany • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Kylie Zietsch
    South Africa • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    L and C
    South East Asia • QLD & NNSW Branch • Tax Deductible
  • Give
    Lachlan and Candy Grice
    Taiwan • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Lauren Raiter
    Spain • VIC Branch
  • Give
    M and K
    South Asia • VIC Branch • Tax Deductible
  • Give
    M
    Middle East • QLD & NNSW Branch • Tax Deductible
  • Give
    M
    Africa • NSW & ACT Branch • Tax Deductible
  • Give
    Maggie Crewes
    Cambodia • SA & NT Branch • Tax Deductible
  • Give
    Malcolm and Ainsley Purdey
    Chile • SA & NT Branch
  • Give
    Malcolm and Charissa Forrest
    Jordan • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Malcolm and Leanne
    South East Asia • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Martin and Julie Field
    Argentina • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Marty and Jenny Foord
    Singapore • WA Branch
  • Give
    Matt and Bex Ooi
    Japan • VIC Branch
  • Give
    Matt and Jen Lim
    Japan • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Matt and Lisa Pearson
    North Australia • NSW & ACT Branch • Tax Deductible
  • Give
    Matt and Ellen Tyler
    Vanuatu • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Maurice and Amanda Jacobson
    Cambodia • TAS Branch
  • Give
    Michael and Rani Grivas-Allison
    Belgium • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Mike and Karen Roe
    South Africa • SA & NT Branch
  • Give
    Mike and Katie Taylor
    Tanzania • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Miriam Bradshaw
    Spain • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Michael and Jean Burke
    Africa • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Morgan and Olivia
    Middle East • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Na
    South East Asia • NSW & ACT Branch • Tax Deductible
  • Give
    Nathan and Diane Lovell
    South Africa • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Nathan and Maki Clapham
    Japan • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Nick and Kysha Davies
    Peru • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Nick and Rebekah
    South East Asia • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Norm and Janelle Gorrie
    Kenya • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Pedro and Joy Oliveira Woolmer
    Latin America • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Peter and Terry Blowes
    Argentina • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    R
    Eurasia • QLD & NNSW Branch
  • Give
    Ray and Sandy
    Middle East • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Rebekah
    South East Asia • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Rowan
    South East Asia • VIC Branch
  • Give
    Ryan and Lynne Verghese
    Seychelles • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    S and E
    St Andrew's Hall • VIC Branch
  • Give
    S and M
    Middle East • NSW & ACT Branch • Tax Deductible
  • Give
    S and P
    Middle East • WA Branch
  • Give
    Sam and Shan-Shan Chrisp
    Taiwan • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Sam and Sharmila
    South Asia • WA Branch
  • Give
    Simon and Jessica Cowell
    Italy • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Steven and Sandra Parsons
    Japan • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    T
    St Andrew's Hall • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Tim and Olivia Mulherin
    Cambodia • VIC Branch
  • Give
    Tim and Sam
    Middle East, South & Central Asia • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    W and S
    Middle East • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Zoe Creelman
    North Australia • VIC Branch • Tax Deductible

General Worker Support

Select a Branch

Please select the branch you would like to give to. This refers to the CMS branch that will process your donation.

NSW & ACT

QLD & NNSW

SA & NT

TAS

VIC

WA

Australia

Tax-deductible Workers and Projects

Select a Branch

Please select the branch you would like to give to. This refers to the CMS branch that will process your donation.

NSW & ACT

QLD & NNSW

SA & NT

TAS

VIC

WA

Australia

Give to a Campaign

Select a Branch

Please select the branch you would like to give to. This refers to the CMS branch that will process your donation.

NSW & ACT

QLD & NNSW

SA & NT

TAS

VIC

WA

Australia

  • Give
    Aboriginal Missionary Work
    Tax Deductible • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    CMS Overseas Aid Fund
    Tax Deductible • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Indigenous Ministry in North Australia
    NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Aboriginal Missionary Work
    Tax Deductible • SA & NT Branch
  • Give
    CMS Overseas Aid Fund
    Tax Deductible • SA & NT Branch
  • Give
    Indigenous Ministry in North Australia
    SA & NT Branch
  • Give
    Aboriginal Missionary Work
    Tax Deductible • WA Branch
  • Give
    CMS Overseas Aid Fund
    Tax Deductible • WA Branch
  • Give
    Indigenous Ministry in North Australia
    WA Branch
  • Give
    Go to: QLD & NNSW Campaigns
    QLD & NNSW Branch
  • Give
    Go to: VIC Campaigns
    VIC Branch
  • Give
    Go to: TAS Campaigns
    TAS Branch
  • Give
    Christmas Campaign
    VIC Branch
Your Gift
View Your Gift
Please select a frequency
  • Zoe Creelman
    north-australia • australia Branch

Give to another worker from

  • Give
    A
    South Asia • NSW & ACT Branch • Tax Deductible
  • Give
    Adam and Avril Friend
    Africa • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Adrian and Anita Lovell
    Bolivia • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Amy Stephens
    Argentina • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Andrew Buchanan and Abi Tandiseru
    Indonesia • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Angelica (Mentac)
    • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Anthony and Trudi Elyard
    St Andrew's Hall • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Arthur and Tamie Davis
    Tanzania • SA & NT Branch
  • Give
    B
    Middle East • WA Branch • Tax Deductible
  • Give
    Brenton and Mel Kilby
    St Andrew's Hall • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    C
    Middle East • NSW & ACT Branch • Tax Deductible
  • Give
    Chenny Thie
    Japan • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Chris and Erin
    South East Asia • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Chris and Karen Webb
    North Australia • NSW & ACT Branch • Tax Deductible
  • Give
    Chris and Kristy Galea
    Malta • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Chris and Stef Overhall
    Chile • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Colin and Catherine Puffett
    France • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Craig and Lisse
    Middle East • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Craig and Samantha McCorkindale
    Cambodia • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Dan and Marg
    Middle East • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Daniel and Olivia Webster
    Namibia • NSW & ACT Branch • Tax Deductible
  • Give
    David and Beck McIntyre
    Japan • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    David and Cathie Sandifer
    Netherlands • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    David and Jennifer Juniper
    Democratic Republic of Congo • WA Branch
  • Give
    Derk and Susan
    South Asia • WA Branch • Tax Deductible
  • Give
    E
    South Asia • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Elizabeth
    Middle East • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Faraj and Emily (Mentac)
    • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Frances Cook
    Chile • SA & NT Branch
  • Give
    Gavin and Megan Rosser
    St Andrew's Hall • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Gillian Akers
    France • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Gordon and Ruth Russell
    Nepal • NSW & ACT Branch • Tax Deductible
  • Give
    Howard and Michelle Newby
    Philippines • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Howard and Trisha Spencer
    Belgium • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Ian and Jenny Wood
    North Australia • NSW & ACT Branch • Tax Deductible
  • Give
    Ian and Narelle Hadfield
    Singapore • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    J and P
    Eurasia • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    J
    South East Asia • WA Branch • Tax Deductible
  • Give
    Jo
    Middle East • NSW & ACT Branch • Tax Deductible
  • Give
    Je
    Middle East • NSW & ACT Branch • Tax Deductible
  • Give
    Jason and Hannah Fairclough
    Italy • WA Branch
  • Give
    Jeremy and Jill Horrocks
    Cambodia • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Jim and Tanja French
    Spain • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Joel and Tiffanie Atwood
    Vanuatu • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Joel and Aimee (Mentac)
    • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Josh and Nici
    South East Asia • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Josh and Susannah Apieczonek
    France • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Jotham Booker
    Germany • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Julie
    South East Asia • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    K
    South East Asia • SA & NT Branch • Tax Deductible
  • Give
    Karina Brabham
    France • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Kate and Bijaya (CoMP)
    South Asia • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Kellie Nicholas
    Japan • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Klaus and Jude Hickel
    Germany • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Kylie Zietsch
    South Africa • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Lachlan and Candy Grice
    Taiwan • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    M
    Africa • NSW & ACT Branch • Tax Deductible
  • Give
    Maggie Crewes
    Cambodia • SA & NT Branch • Tax Deductible
  • Give
    Malcolm and Ainsley Purdey
    Chile • SA & NT Branch
  • Give
    Malcolm and Charissa Forrest
    Jordan • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Malcolm and Leanne
    South East Asia • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Martin and Julie Field
    Argentina • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Marty and Jenny Foord
    Singapore • WA Branch
  • Give
    Matt and Jen Lim
    Japan • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Matt and Lisa Pearson
    North Australia • NSW & ACT Branch • Tax Deductible
  • Give
    Matt and Ellen Tyler
    Vanuatu • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Michael and Rani Grivas-Allison
    Belgium • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Mike and Karen Roe
    South Africa • SA & NT Branch
  • Give
    Mike and Katie Taylor
    Tanzania • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Miriam Bradshaw
    Spain • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Michael and Jean Burke
    Africa • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Morgan and Olivia
    Middle East • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Na
    South East Asia • NSW & ACT Branch • Tax Deductible
  • Give
    Nathan and Diane Lovell
    South Africa • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Nathan and Maki Clapham
    Japan • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Nick and Kysha Davies
    Peru • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Nick and Rebekah
    South East Asia • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Norm and Janelle Gorrie
    Kenya • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Pedro and Joy Oliveira Woolmer
    Latin America • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Peter and Terry Blowes
    Argentina • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Ray and Sandy
    Middle East • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Rebekah
    South East Asia • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Ryan and Lynne Verghese
    Seychelles • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    S and M
    Middle East • NSW & ACT Branch • Tax Deductible
  • Give
    S and P
    Middle East • WA Branch
  • Give
    Sam and Shan-Shan Chrisp
    Taiwan • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Sam and Sharmila
    South Asia • WA Branch
  • Give
    Simon and Jessica Cowell
    Italy • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Steven and Sandra Parsons
    Japan • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    T
    St Andrew's Hall • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Tim and Sam
    Middle East, South & Central Asia • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    W and S
    Middle East • NSW & ACT Branch

General Worker Support

Select a Branch

Sed non urna. Donec et ante. Phasellus eu ligula. Vestibulum sit amet purus. Vivamus hendrerit, dolor at aliquet laoreet, mauris turpis porttitor velit, faucibus interdum tellus libero ac justo. Vivamus non quam. In suscipit faucibus urna.

NSW & ACT

QLD & NNSW

SA & NT

TAS

VIC

WA

Australia

Tax-deductible Workers and Projects

Select a Branch

Please select the branch you would like to give to. This refers to the CMS branch that will process your donation.

NSW & ACT

QLD & NNSW

SA & NT

TAS

VIC

WA

Australia

Give to a Campaign

  • Give
    Aboriginal Missionary Work
    Tax Deductible • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    CMS Overseas Aid Fund
    Tax Deductible • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Indigenous Ministry in North Australia
    NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Aboriginal Missionary Work
    Tax Deductible • SA & NT Branch
  • Give
    CMS Overseas Aid Fund
    Tax Deductible • SA & NT Branch
  • Give
    Indigenous Ministry in North Australia
    SA & NT Branch
  • Give
    Aboriginal Missionary Work
    Tax Deductible • WA Branch
  • Give
    CMS Overseas Aid Fund
    Tax Deductible • WA Branch
  • Give
    Indigenous Ministry in North Australia
    WA Branch
  • Give
    Go to: QLD & NNSW Campaigns
    QLD & NNSW Branch
  • Give
    Go to: VIC Campaigns
    VIC Branch
  • Give
    Go to: TAS Campaigns
    TAS Branch
  • Give
    Christmas Campaign
    VIC Branch
Total Gift

$0 / Month

Continue

 

God’s word is not chained: Checkpoint Winter 2021

CMS International Director Peter Rodgers considers the challenges of a global pandemic and turns to the Bible to encourage us to rejoice, persevere, and trust God. 

You might imagine that as the world shut down due to the pandemic, global mission was put on hold. However, that has not been so! And when we turn to the Bible we find encouragement aplenty as to how to continue in a time of crisis. 

“God’s word is not chained” 

In Acts 16, Paul and Silas were locked up in a prison in Philippi. Three elements in this story can encourage us in the midst of COVID-19. 

Firstly, despite the circumstances their joy could not be extinguished. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God (Acts 16:25). On a superficial level, things were terrible. At a deeper level, the great eternal truths of the gospel remained. 

Secondly, their ministry was not put on hold even for a moment. God ordained this event to build his church in Philippi through the conversion of the jailer and his household. Thinking beyond this incident, the Bible is clear at every stage that God’s mission will continue till the great day that the Lord Jesus Christ returns. 

Thirdly, the Lord miraculously intervened and rescued them. We believe and trust in a God who does the miraculous and who has no equal. His power is not restricted by our circumstances. 

“God’s word is not chained” (2 Timothy 2:9). Even a prison cell could not stop God’s mission. Actually, God used their suffering to bring about his purposes. The same is true today.  

Current encouragements for CMS 

Doing mission in a COVID world has been challenging. However, we have every reason to be encouraged:

  • New missionaries have been trained and ready for service. The St Andrew’s Hall Redevelopment was completed on time and on budget, despite the lockdown in Melbourne.  
  • New churches amongst gospel-poor peoples were established. In Japan our church planters had to purchase a new building to cater for the extra people that had previously joined online.  
  • New believers were reached and discipled. In Argentina, for example, ABUA, the Christian University Bible group
    reached more university students than ever before, through online means.  
  • New resources were developed. In Timor-Leste, initial disappointment that the virus delayed the launch of the Tetun language translation of the Big Picture Story Bible, turned to joy at the news that it has become part of the National Curriculum for Protestant schools.  
  • Across the globe new leaders emerged and were trained. The MOCLAM courses (which look in-depth at parts of the Bible) have continued to bless key church members throughout the Spanish-speaking world. 

Mission has continued, albeit in a different way, and God’s Word has prospered around the world

Encouragement from history 

Doing mission through difficult times is not new for CMS. CMS was established in Australia as an independent agency in 1892. Since then, we have had missionaries serving overseas during world wars, the Great Depression, revolution and civil unrest, droughts and tsunamis, and of course during the Spanish flu 100 years ago. Throughout all that time we have been able to testify to the sovereignty of God, serving in the certain hope that he will fulfil his eternal purposes.  

Mission during COVID 

In Australia we have largely been spared the suffering that has gripped much of the world.  

However, most of our missionaries serve in places where the effects of the pandemic have been terrible. They are likely to know neighbours, classmates, colleagues or church members who have contracted or even died from COVID. Some of our missionaries have tested positive but thankfully recovered and continued their work. Most have remained on location and been able to shine the light of hope in a world that is afraid. 

Many of our missionaries have been in very lengthy lockdowns. It has been difficult trying to learn language, develop relationships and understand a new culture whilst unable to leave their homes. It has been difficult to home school children for months on end. This has been costly for all family members. But I am thankful that as lockdowns were relaxed, our missionaries were present and able to identify with the sufferings of those they were seeking to reach.  

During lockdowns, mission moved online and we have learnt new ways to reach people for Christ. The common testimony is that more people than ever have been reached. 

Of course, travel restrictions have played havoc with the movement of our missionaries around the world. Flights have regularly been cancelled, and many missionaries have been unable to make future plans. Some have kept rebooking and prayed that they will have a seat. For some that has still not been possible. Others have opted to extend visas and remain on location and continue ministry. We are reminded again and again that we don’t know what tomorrow will bring and as followers of Christ we ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will,
we will live and do this or that” (James 4:15).  

Looking ahead 

Mission is changing as a result of COVID-19. Time will tell which changes are temporary and which will become part of the landscape of mission into the future. But the commission from the Lord Jesus remains the same, to make disciples of all nations. Whatever lies ahead, we remain committed to our theological and missiological convictions, including the necessity for people to hear the gospel and be discipled in their heart language. We continue to recruit, train and send missionaries to cross cultures to see a world that knows Jesus.   

Throughout history, pandemics have been catalysts for sudden and significant change. Some have suggested that this pandemic may signal the final end to several hundred years of European/Western dominance in mission, although realistically it is too early to say this with any certainty. The non-western church has been numerically larger than the western church for a number of decades, but money and power have largely been held in western hands. Who will lead the church in the new era? Has the pandemic hastened the shift to polycentric mission—that is, mission that genuinely happens ‘from everywhere to everywhere?’  

We are asking how traditional mission models will fit within a post-COVID world. What might need to change? Travel may be more expensive. Visas are likely to be harder to attain and retain. Western mission agencies may be under greater financial strain. Surveillance of foreigners may increase, bringing greater risks to missionaries.  

In fact, these changes have been underway for some time but may have accelerated due to COVID. 

Such changes could be viewed negatively, and indeed may make it harder for us to do mission the way we have in the past. We will need greater flexibility and adaptability. But these changes may also bring about good outcomes, such as a rise in the indigenisation of mission. One example is the expansion of our Co-Mission Partner program. Through this program we now support a growing number of key global leaders and indigenous mission movements, including support for three Aboriginal teachers at Nungalinya College in Darwin.  

Technology and mission 

The pandemic has also forced us to develop our ability to do mission online. Digital mission is no longer an option but a necessity. Of course, digital mission enables us to cross boundaries in ways that are not possible physically. We must adapt to technology in mission or we will be left behind. However, in our enthusiasm for digital mission, we also need to be cognisant of two things: 

Firstly, our theological and missiological conviction is that people need to hear the gospel and be discipled in their local language. There may be a push, post-COVID, to do more ministry online in English. COVID has broken down barriers to working online, but we cannot use it as an excuse to not do ministry in local language. 

Secondly, for most of the world there is still limited or no internet, and large proportions of the population are illiterate or semi-literate. Technology will play a greater role in mission going forward and we may need to recruit missionaries with media and internet skills, but technology will not replace the value of long-term workers, on the ground. 

Rejoice, pray, support, go! 

Paul and Silas found themselves in a difficult lockdown in a Philippian jail. But they did not despair. In fact, they rejoiced. Will you rejoice today that even during the pandemic, the gospel is bearing fruit in unexpected places? Will you pray confidently, believing that God will use this pandemic to build his church around the world? Far from mission being on hold, CMS is pressing forward to send more missionaries to reach gospel- poor peoples and grow strong and faithful Christian leaders. Will you support this great work? There are as many opportunities to serve God overseas today as ever. Will you consider going? In all things let us look to God who can do more than we ask or imagine.

GIVE

The mission of God, and therefore of CMS, continues through crisis and pandemic. Will you give generously to support the work of CMS missionaries?