Finding the right staff is a complex issue made even more difficult when the positions are overseas. Fundraising is a never-ending task. So the prospect of Jon and Viv Parkes and their family returning from Talua in Vanuatu was exacerbated by the fact that Rob and Barbara Meier were returning from Ebule as well. How would we ever manage the numerous groups already booked to go to Vanuatu in 2008? Where would we find the funding to replace them?
How wonderful it is when the proverbial ducks get in the row or - for us as Christians - we sense that God is at work. CWM agreed to fund the Talua staff member for another year and so we could negotiate with the Rev Don and Margaret Fauchelle. Of course, they will be able to take up residence in the new lecturer’s house built by the amazing teams from Ellesmere Co-operating Church, St John’s Rotorua, and two teams from St Paul’s, Katikati during 2007. Isn’t it a real beaut! What a wonderful testimony to interparish team work, with a special accolade going to Jon and Viv Parkes who pulled it all together.
Then VSA announced that they would replace the Meiers with Robert and Katy Wait from Dunedin. In a dramatic testimony to the huge contribution made by Rob and Barb, VSA have restricted the Waites’ duties to the urban workshop. It just so happened we had an application from a delightful, multi-talented couple who wanted to serve away from Port Vila. While not completely finalised at the time of writing, the GMO is in advanced negotiations with Roger and Paula Levy (and their two pre-school children) from Palmerston North. They will live and work at Onesua Presbyterian College and Roger will also provide leadership and skill development at Ebule Rural Training Centre. Added to this significant financial commitment, the GMO will also fund the salaries of the ni-Vanuatu managers at both centres. Thus leadership training remains a vital component and we are so grateful that the Christchurch congregations who have supported the Meiers so generously are planning to continue their support in the future.
Attention to detail is critical with work such as this and so the capacity of the GMO was in need of review. I was delighted when PSDS agreed to provide another salary grant to help us in our efforts to promote our work amongst our young people. The Council of Assembly agreed that another minister could join our staff at the GMO and, after much prayer and negotiation, Stuart Simpson (a recent School of Ministry graduate) agreed to come on board. Stuart is married to Lala, who he met whilst attending CWM’s Training in Mission programme. They lived in Lala’s home town in Madagascar for three years before returning to undertake ministry training. I believe that Stuart and Lala offer a unique mix of training, experience and insights that will add a huge amount to the GMO.
We also bid a sad farewell to our first ever Global Mission intern. GlobalEmily, as she is affectionately known, has been a wonderful addition to the office and has risen to each and every challenge and occasion. We will certainly miss her about the place and pray that her transition to life as a scarfie will be smooth.
So may I say a big thank you to all the GMO staff for your unwavering commitment to the task of Global Mission. Thank you too to all the enthusiasts around the country who wave the GMO flag tirelessly. Jesus said: “Even more blessed are all who hear the Word of God and put it into practice” (Luke 11: 28 KJV)
In Hope
Andrew