Global mission amidst a pandemic
The Covid-19 pandemic has left very few corners of the world untouched, and the work of sending Christians to serve in global mission is no different. Reverend Rosie Fyfe is the National Director of NZCMS (the New Zealand Church Missionary Society), and she writes about how the organisation is managing their ongoing mission work in the face of the pandemic.
Since the start of our lockdown back in March, I have often been asked, “where are all the NZCMS mission partners currently located?” and “when is NZCMS going to start sending mission partners out again?” I’m writing today to provide an update, and to invite you into prayer as we look out past the shores of New Zealand.
The majority of our mission partners who were overseas when Covid-19 became widespread have chosen to stay on location. They face a range of difficult situations – some have very restricted lives, while others have more freedom of movement. All are seeking to be faithful in their roles and responsibilities, and discern the new opportunities that God is placing in front of them. Margaret Poynton, from the Wellington Cathedral of St Paul, arrived in Papua New Guinea in February 2020 and writes on the NZCMS website about her ministry. http://www.nzcms.org.nz/mission-partners-shares-a-normal-day-in-papua-new-guinea/ Others, including Scott and Nikki Wheeler from St Mary’s, Karori have been delayed by Covid-19.
For NZCMS, sending out mission partners during a pandemic brings to the forefront questions around risk. Those who serve with NZCMS accept that there is a higher chance of experiencing political instability, tighter finances, or a lower quality of medical services on location, even as they are called to live long-term in another cultural context. The loyalty to stay and serve often urges mission partners to be present in vulnerable situations. Balancing this call with the safety of our mission partners is not easy, but the NZCMS team walk closely with our mission partners as we make decisions together.
A New Zealand leader in global missions recently wrote his perspective on missions in this time of Covid-19. In that article, he writes that as he wakes each day, he reminds himself that God is on the throne. This is a posture that I’m reminding myself to live into in these uncertain days. For an organisation with a global focus, it is challenging to continually respond to evolving global contexts, develop new policies, and support our mission partners who face uncertainty.
Let’s keep reminding each other that God is in control. Let’s give thanks that the work of mission is not all up to us! God is conducting God’s mission. Closed borders do not stop God’s mission. The Spirit of God continues to work in the world transforming us into Christ's likeness and bringing God’s Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. Thanks be to God!
By Rosie Fyfe
