Under God, many people have served with CMS over the years. We regularly acknowledge and give thanks to God for former or current CMS missionaries who have been called home to be with their heavenly Father. Here we remember Amy Vink and Paul Clarke.

Amy Vink

Let us thank God for the life of his servant, Amy Vink, who passed on to glory on 27 January 2025. 

Jono and Amy, with Lili, Isaac, Brie and Abe served with CMS in Tanzania from 2004. They lived and served in the rural fishing town of Musoma for 13 years, supporting local village churches and developing theological education. In 2009, Amy was diagnosed with breast cancer and the Vink family returned to Australia for a year while Amy went through treatment.   

Amy was outward-focussed and intentional, and developed a deep understanding of the challenges faced by women in rural Tanzania, including abuse, poverty and limited access to education. Her deep relationships with these women stirred her desire to help make a difference in their lives. So, when the Vink family returned to Tanzania in 2010, Amy began the Rehema Project (Swahili for ‘mercy’) to help enable women to generate income.  

Starting with a group of women who met at Amy’s place for Bible study, the Rehema Project grew into a business which made clothing and other goods, allowing more women to be employed. Amy then expanded and opened Rehema Café, which included a workshop for women to produce textile goods. Profits from the café and workshop supported not only their employees, but also other women and children through local churches—including feeding programs in local preschools. The Rehema women faithfully prayed for Amy for many years, and they continue to be deeply grateful for the changes she brought about in their lives.   

Jono and Amy Vink returned to Australia in 2016, and served at Sydney Missionary & Bible College for several years.  

The love that Amy received from her gracious God flowed through her into people from many parts of the world. Amy is remembered as a woman whose love for Jesus and understanding of God’s grace shaped her love for those around her. We give thanks for Amy’s life and service to the Lord, and pray for God’s continued comfort over Jono, Lili, Isaac, Brie and Abe, her wider family and friends, and the Rehema women.  

Paul Clarke

Let us thank God for the life and witness of His servant, Paul Clarke, who died on 3 May 2025. Paul and his late wife Merryl, who died in 2018, served the Lord with CMS in Moshi, Tanzania from 1982-89. Paul worked at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Clinic (KCMC) as the engineer. Paul was responsible for the repair and maintenance of equipment throughout the hospital. Despite many difficulties due to a lack of equipment and spare parts, Paul and his colleagues were able to help the hospital run efficiently.

While at KCMC, Paul pioneered a new technique for the preparation of distilled water for use in intravenous fluids. The development of this led to a big saving in foreign exchange for Tanzania. With funds from Germany, Paul was able to install the equipment in many mission hospitals in Tanzania.

Paul and Merryl were a great witness to many during their time in Tanzania. They concluded their service with CMS and returned to Australia in April 1989. Paul is remembered as being gentle and kind, and for the fact that everyone who met him were left in no doubt that Paul loved and trusted Jesus as his Saviour. We praise God for Paul and Merryl’s lives and service, and pray that God may comfort their family.