The Evangelical Presbyterian Missionary Fellowship was inaugarated through the intiative of the Westminster Fellowship within the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand in 1988. Ten years later, in 1998, we received formal recognition by the General Assembly of the PCANZ as an organisation promoting the work of mission, particularly through members of the PCANZ who serve in interdenominational missionary organisations.
The work of EPMF is primarily funded by the gifts and offerings of individuals and parishes throughout New Zealand interested in the promotion and support of New Zealand Presbyterians serving with mission and aid agencies throughout the world.
Missionaries linked with EPMF at present number over 60, and are serving in various outreach ministries and development work projects in 20 or so counrtires. The Fellowship seeks to provide a network among Presbyterian and Co-operating Parishes throughout the country with the objective of promoting active involvement, financial and prayer support in taking the good news into all the world.
This is a totally volunteer committee. A number of members of the EPMF steering committee are domiciled north of the Waikato. To Ensure nationwide representation, we have corresponding members from throughout the country who provide input, communication and representation, thus broadening our field of effectiveness.
Since the establishment of the Global Mission Office, we seek to work both in co-operation and support of the Global Mission Secretary to promote interest in overseas missionary work.
We produce an emailed prayer digest for all who wish to receive and use it. This very fast economic means of circulating prayer information is also a value in times of crisis or when urgent needs are received from the fields. We regards the promulgation of prayer matters a vital part of our work, both in support of those who serve overseas, and for the information of their supporters within the Church.
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We have a display board, featuring the involvement of a number of parishes with photos of their supported missionaries and work they are involved in. This display, we trust, offers encouragement to other parishes and groups in developing their own mission group venture.
The EPMF has at times conducted seminars promoting missionary interest and involvement. Members of the committee are available to offer support to any Eldership or mission group seeking to develop a missionary outreach focus in their congregation.
Further to the promotion of missionary interest within congregations, a booklet has been produced giving guidance in developing mission policy. Copies of this publication, although due for revision, are still available and can be obtained by contacting the Convenor. Some of the committee members also contribute articles to Christian publications featuring our various missionaries and the activities which the committee is engaged in within New Zealand.
The committee endeavours to maintain a pastoral link with missionaries on the field and seeks to meet with those coming back to New Zealand on home assignment or at the end of service. A periodic letter is circulated to all our missionaries at least annually bringing them up to date on the committee's work and matters which might be of interest and assistance to them
Short term work programmes: We also support the efforts of congregations within New Zealand seeking to engage in short term trips for mission work projects. A number of these have been undertaken over the years, and the committee is happy to provide its prayer support resources for such endeavours.
With the increasing opportunity and interest in this type of short term missionary contribution, we are interested in developing a network among congregations with experience, and those planning and engaging in similar ventures. This is an age where increasing travel, early retirements of skilled people, and the need in many developing countries are being presented to us. Short term projects (up to two months), usually involve assisting the Church or missionary group in third world countries to complete specialist tasks where they may not have the expertise or resources to complete them. We want to grasp and develop every opportunity and to match these opportunities with the challenge, linking that with the commission we hav to share the good news worldwide.
Tentmakers: This rediscovered method of missionary activity is fast becoming used worldwide. This method involves skilled people, sometimes retired, using their gifts in building and supporting Christians and outreach ministries in overseas countries. Generally self sufficient regarding financial support, the EPMF seeks to fill the prayer and pastoral needs of this type of worker.
For more information or to be included on the email prayer circulation list, please contact the Convenor:
Bob Grey
3 Ben Lomond Place
Nawton, Hamilton 2001
To make a financial contribution, please post it to:
Denis Smith
35 Blakeborough Drive
Forrest Hill, North Shore City 1030