Rejoicing at sunset: Christmas in Chile
Posted on: 22nd December 2022
CMS missionary Chris Overhall serves with Stef and their three children in Santiago, Chile. Here, he explains how Chilean Christmas celebrations differ from Australian traditions, and tells the story of a very significant Christmas for his friend Diego. “We’ll sing together, hear from the Bible, have a special focus for children, and rejoice as the […]
“That is my son, my baby!”
Posted on: 20th December 2022
Derek and Rosemary Snibson are CMS missionaries in Darwin, Australia, where they serve in the community and run regular Bible studies and worship services at a local prison. Here, they share how a simple nativity play and a mother’s cry of recognition reminded them of the mingled joy and pain of the Christmas story. “Life […]
Let every heart prepare him room
Posted on: 16th December 2022
M is a CMS missionary in North Africa, where few know the real reason for the Christmas decorations that appear in the shops towards the end of each year. Here, she reflects on making the most of this seasonal opportunity to ‘prepare the way’, while waiting for God to open people’s hearts at the right […]
A family’s prayers answered at Christmas
Posted on: 14th December 2022
Rowan, a CMS missionary serving in South East Asia, recalls the day God worked through a story about Queen Victoria, added at the last minute by a preacher to his Christmas sermon, to answer the prayers of a Christian family whose daughter was drifting from the faith. This is the story of a person in […]
Five things you can do to encourage a missionary at Christmas
Posted on: 2nd December 2022
Christmas can be a challenging time for missionaries on location, away from family, friends, and familiar traditions. As the homesickness peaks, your support and encouragement is particularly valued. Not only will this uplift missionaries as they share the message of Christ, but it can also help you deepen your relationship with them. 1. Share […]
Everyone loves Christmas (and Ramadan and Diwali…)
Posted on: 17th December 2021
After decades of parish-based ministry in Australia, CMS workers Warwick and Caroline have been serving in the Middle East since 2014. Here Caroline shares about life in a city where people love to talk about religion. Everyone loves Christmas, am I right? Well, you might say, it depends on what part of the world you live in. […]
A Festival of Certain Hope
Posted on: 15th December 2021
CMS missionaries Jerome and Indra work with international students in a multicultural city in South East Asia. Jerome shares how Christian celebrations are unique among other festivities as reminders of hope. We live in a unique country among people who come from multiple ethnicities and adhere to different religions. A wonderful aspect of this diversity is that there are numerous holidays to celebrate […]
Putting the Christmas story to music in Leipzig
Posted on: 13th December 2021
CMS missionaries Klaus and Jude Hickel serve at Leipzig English Church in Germany. Jude is also involved in composing and translating songs for use in church. She shares how she uses the Christmas season to ‘give’ the gospel through music. Living in Germany, I am spoilt with the trappings of Christmas. There are gorgeous Christmas markets, beautifully made advent wreaths, delicious biscuits, and […]
Christmas in the Middle East
Posted on: 9th December 2021
CMS missionaries Malcolm and Charissa Forrest serve at a church in Jordan which ministers to expats from around the world. Charissa shares what Christmas looks like in her city, and the challenge this time of year can be for international workers. Christmas is a strange time to be away from home, especially when you live in a country where […]
Christmas in Japan: fried chicken and Jesus
Posted on: 7th December 2021
CMS missionaries Adam and Helane Ramsay work in church ministry in the Japanese city of Chiba. Helane shares what Christmas is like for their family in a nation with little exposure to the message of Jesus but lots of fried chicken. Christmas in Japan A boy and a girl stroll through the city hand in hand on a chilly night, looking at the Christmas […]
