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
    Arthur and Tamie Davis
    Tanzania • SA & NT Branch
  • Give
    B
    Middle East • WA Branch
  • Give
    Brenton and Mel Kilby
    St Andrew's Hall • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Bruce and Libby Hayes
    Nepal • QLD & NNSW Branch
  • Give
    Bryan and Sarah Haro Leon
    Ecuador • TAS Branch
  • Give
    C
    Middle East • NSW & ACT Branch
  • 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
  • Give
    Dan and Marg
    Middle East • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Daniel and Olivia Webster
    Namibia • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Daniel (Mentac)
    • QLD & NNSW Branch
  • Give
    Dave and Leoni Painter
    Cambodia • NSW & ACT 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
  • 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
    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
  • 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
  • Give
    J
    South East Asia • WA Branch
  • Give
    Jo
    Middle East • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Je
    Middle East • NSW & ACT Branch
  • 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
  • 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
  • Give
    K
    South East Asia • SA & NT Branch • Tax Deductible
  • Give
    Karen
    Middle East • NSW & ACT Branch
  • 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
  • Give
    Lauren Raiter
    Spain • VIC Branch
  • Give
    M and K
    South Asia • VIC Branch
  • 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 Kate Vinicombe
    North Australia • VIC 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
    Matthew and Melissa Lindfield Seager
    Cambodia • 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
  • 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

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
  • Give
    Lasting Hope Appeal
    Tax Deductible • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Lasting Hope Appeal
    Tax Deductible • SA & NT 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
    Arthur and Tamie Davis
    Tanzania • SA & NT Branch
  • Give
    B
    Middle East • WA Branch
  • Give
    Brenton and Mel Kilby
    St Andrew's Hall • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    C
    Middle East • NSW & ACT Branch
  • 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
  • Give
    Dave and Leoni Painter
    Cambodia • NSW & ACT 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
    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
    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
  • Give
    Jo
    Middle East • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Je
    Middle East • NSW & ACT Branch
  • 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
    Karen
    Middle East • NSW & ACT Branch
  • 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
    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
    Matthew and Melissa Lindfield Seager
    Cambodia • 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
  • 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
  • Give
    Lasting Hope Appeal
    Tax Deductible • NSW & ACT Branch
  • Give
    Lasting Hope Appeal
    Tax Deductible • SA & NT Branch
Total Gift

$0 / Month

Continue

 

Progress, not perfection

From when a person first hears the message of God’s grace, to years later when they are still following Jesus, encountering joys and trials, what is it that counts? CMS International Director Peter Sholl explores how our faithful God works in people’s lives to enable progress, not perfection, until we meet him face-to-face.   

What are our expectations when we farewell CMS missionaries going off to serve in a location where, God willing, they will minister the gospel of Jesus Christ for many years to come? Certainly, we hope for people to hear the good news, put their trust in Jesus and grow in their love and service of him, and we pray accordingly. But what then?

Of course, we look forward to the carrying on of good works in the lives of the people we serve among to until their completion at the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6). But this completed good work doesn’t happen overnight—not even for CMS missionaries! One of the phrases we may hear from missionaries when they are on Home Assignment is “Don’t put me on a pedestal, I’m just like you.” After having served for 12 years with CMS in Mexico, and at various times standing up the front of an audience or being on a missionary panel, I completely understand the sentiment behind this plea. Apart from not wanting to be the centre of attention, or somehow take away from what God is doing through me, I don’t want others to put me on a pedestal because I know I’m not perfect. I get things wrong; I preach a dud sermon every now and then, and I don’t always treat people in a godly way. How should I think about this imperfection, and how should I reflect on my imperfections as I seek to lead and disciple others?

Good (but imperfect) discipling

Let’s consider the biblical example of the discipling relationship that existed between Paul and Timothy—and how Paul wanted Timothy to conduct himself as a leader and discipler of others.

In the context of this relationship, in 1 Timothy 4:11-14, Paul urges Timothy to:

  • teach confidently (“command and teach” in verse 11)
  • set an example “in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity” (verse 12)
  • be devoted to the public reading of Scripture (verse 13)
  • use his “gift” (presumably, as a preacher and teacher—verses 13 and 14).

These are all valuable and acceptable exhortations for one who is to lead others in Christian growth. However, the next encouragement includes a notion that may surprise.

Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers. (1 Timothy 4:15-16)

In the long list of exhortations Paul’s desire is not for Timothy to demonstrate or achieve perfection in his “life and doctrine”. Rather, he is to make visible progress.

It is through this model of progress (rather than perfection) that the ultimate goal will be achieved—that being salvation for “both yourself and your hearers”.

In that context, progress > perfection.

I wonder how we respond to this idea that we are striving for progress, not perfection? Perhaps we are greatly relieved?

As I reflect on my own life, I am reminded daily, even hourly, that I am not an example of perfect godliness. I get impatient, I don’t take up my cross daily, I grow weary of doing good, and I don’t pray about all things with thanksgiving (just to name a few).

So yes, it is a relief to know that though we will one day be made perfect as God brings his work in us to completion, in the meantime we don’t need to pretend to be something we’re not. Progress—not instant or fake perfection—is what we’re called to.

If this visible progress is what Paul calls for in Timothy—and by extension to all who like Timothy seek to be saved—then this is what we should look for, pray for, hope for and expect to see in all who trust Jesus.

No, we shouldn’t put missionaries (or bishops, or pastors, or elders, or Bible teachers) on a pedestal—that is not good for them, and not good for us. Rather we should look to them, as we look to each other, to be making  progress—confessing sin, receiving grace and forgiveness with humility, and continuing to walk patiently forward in the Christian life.

Looking for progress 

We look for visible progress in the Christian life in ourselves, and amongst our missionaries. In the same way, we look for and pray for visible growth wherever the gospel is at work in the world, and wherever CMS missionaries proclaim the message of Jesus.

This issue of Checkpoint highlights different stories of people in different locations who are making progress in their lives and, in some cases, in their ministries of Christian leadership. Although many CMS missionaries have contributed stories to this edition, the missionaries are not the ones in the spotlight. Rather, we want to show you how God’s Spirit is moving in the lives of people whom our missionaries have come into contact with: sometimes only briefly, sometimes over a period of many years.

There are stories of people who are not Christians yet, as far as we know. But we rejoice that even in these cases our missionaries have received and taken up remarkable opportunities to speak of the grace of God revealed in Christ. And we can join in praying for the individuals spoken of, to continue making progress in exploring faith.

Peter Sholl on a recent pastoral visit with CMS missionaries Norm and Janelle Gorrie in Kenya.

Persevering faith

For some people our missionaries work with, discipleship and evangelism can raise complicated issues. For them, to make progress in areas of Christian living means making daily decisions to stand out. CMS missionary Josh Apieczonek, serving in France, shares the story of Naasir, a young student from a Muslim family who has been challenged with the gospel and now is working out what it means to live as a Christian in a family who will not appreciate his decision. Perfection? No. Progress? Yes. There are other stories on the CMS website, of Christians making similar progress in the face of difficult circumstances, including people who have been walking with the Lord for a long time. 

Many CMS missionaries are involved in equipping Christians as leaders in the church and the world. Malcolm and Leanne, serving in South East Asia, share the story of some of their Bible college graduates, who are now planting churches in and around their city. Malcolm and Leanne’s encouragement to these young graduates is imperfect, and limited by ongoing struggles with language and cultural complexities. But as these graduates persist in making progress in their own Christian walk—and through the imperfect support, prayer and teaching they have received—new churches are being planted and nurtured. Along the way, new areas of imperfection may be discovered by those planting the churches. But they, too, are saving both themselves and their hearers (1 Timothy 4:16) as they demonstrate visible gospel progress to those who they lead.

Salvation is our goal

As we are encouraged and challenged by the stories we read, may we remember that as people who are being saved by the crucified and resurrected Jesus, we’re seeking progress and not perfection, and we can look forward to being made perfect as part of the new creation. So let us pray for ourselves, for the CMS fellowship, and for the people and partners we serve alongside around the world. Let us pray for godly progress—that we may save both ourselves and our hearers.


PRAY

Pray for CMS missionaries and those they serve alongside, that God would enable them to make progress in life and doctrine, for the salvation of many.