COST OF GOSPEL WORK

It has been good to renew acquaintances, not just with existing mission partners here; but also with David and Rosemary Harley (former Crosslinks' mission partners). David is currently the General Director of OMF. It has been good to hear of the work of OMF and sobering to hear of the cost of gospel work (David recently attended the funeral of an OMF martyr in the Philippines). Whilst in Chiang Mai I have also been looking at the projected future role of John and Thelma Boase in an impressive Christian home for children victims of the AIDS pandemic. At the same time it has also been possible to investigate possible future opportunities amongst the Shan people of Myanmar, Crosslinks still has unique opportunities with some of these peoples as a result of our work many years ago. I would love to see Crosslinks working alongside God's people there again. One Anglican was heard to say: "Why has BCMS gone to sleep?" Can we take up this challenge? 
Before Christmas I had the opportunity to visit Tanzania. It was a huge privilege to visit brethren in the South of the country, an area where Crosslinks and other evangelicals have not traditionally worked. There are opportunities for Crosslinks to be involved in the needy Diocese of Ruvuma.

It was also great to take with me Bishop Humberto Axt of Northern Argentina. He came as part of our continuing co-operation in gospel work with the South American Mission Society, for David Evans of SAMS had also taken Bishop Hilkiah Omindo of Mara to Chile and Bolivia. There are many other ways at the home end that we are working together and more possibilities elsewhere over the coming years.

It was fascinating to see how warmly Humberto was received by our brethren in Africa. In addition Humberto took away with him different approaches to evangelist and pastoral training as well as the role of the Mother's Union, the practice of relating to those of other faiths and different approaches to vocational training and income generation. We may never see the results of such a visit but I believe that it was of huge value. Humberto's regular comment throughout was of the high quality of Crosslinks mission partners. In many ways the above examples are illustrations of the statement agreed unanimously by Crosslinks General Council in September 2002 as describing Crosslinks:

"Crosslinks is an international mission agency with its roots in the Bible and its principal sphere of operations in the worldwide Anglican Communion. Our prime focus is making Christ known through the proclamation and teaching of God's Word in the power of the Holy Spirit. We are enthusiasts for creative worldwide mission: our slogan is 'God's Word to God's World.'

"Crosslinks supports workers across cultural and other boundaries. We co-operate with churches and mission and relief agencies, sponsor students and encourage mission links worldwide - all within our prime focus". 

RADICAL

I hope that all the above gives you a sense of excitement for the future, as it has for me. You may well feel that all you have heard from Crosslinks recently is news of radical changes and appeals for money. Perhaps the examples above will help you understand the continuing and growing need for the kind of work that Crosslinks is uniquely positioned to carry out. May I take this opportunity to thank so many of you who have sacrificially responded to appeals for support. We are by no means financially secure but the very real generosity of many gives grounds for hope. Please continue to help us respond to the opportunities, financially, by prayer and also by personal willingness to offer for service.

Crosslinks magazine April 2003 index