share magazine 2009 - issue 1 winter

1SHARE issue 3, summer 2008

Also in this issue Vote to link with CMS

Charles Darwin and SAMS - Everything but snow

The magazine of the South American Mission Society. Issue 1, Winter 2009

From Parr to Paraguay

Registered Office: South American Mission Society, Allen Gardiner Cottage, Pembury Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3QU. Tel: 01892 538647 Fax: 01892 525797 e: [email protected] www.samsgb.org Prayer Line 0114 269 2121SAMS is a company limited by guarantee. Registered in England, No. 65048. Registered Charity No. 221328. SHARE is published four times a year. Issue No. 1, 2009 ISSN 1367 6741. Editor: Robert Lunt. Design & Print: CPO

From the President of SAMS GB

On 29 November 2008 SAMS GB General Council took the significant and strategic decision “to approve in principle a merger of the Society and CMS”. CMS members will vote on the issue on 20 January.This clear decision (84% voting in favour) was made after a day of prayer, repentance and careful consideration of the reasons for and against, including the reservations of the Province of the Southern Cone. It also came at the end of a long and agonising period - nearly two years - of discussion and consultation.

It is important that all SAMS’ faithful supporters - some of you, like myself, over many decades - should be clear about two things that may concern you:

1. This decision does not mean that SAMS is going to be submerged by CMS, that this is a takeover or even that the name will disappear. SAMS will continue in a different form as a regional partner linked with other areas of worldwide commitment by CMS in Africa, Asia and Europe. There will still be SAMS family gatherings. You will receive SHARE, the prayer diary and CDs, and continue your

specific support in intercession, interest, giving and the developing of partner relationships and friendships with those from churches and dioceses in South America and Iberia.

2. This decision does not mean a shift in the historic evangelical tradition and doctrinal position of SAMS. Both Societies have signed the basis of faith of the World Evangelical Alliance and have commended the GAFCON Jerusalem Declaration. This last point is particularly significant given the current upheaval in the Anglican Communion and the links both CMS and SAMS have with dioceses and provinces in the South.

The decision does mean that SAMS will participate in this new vision of a worldwide network of independent indigenous movements coming together for the mission of God to the whole world. The churches in South America have a hugely significant role to play here in both giving and receiving.

Much work remains, with considerable change and development particularly affecting staff who have faithfully served the Society.

This decision coincides with the appointment of Bishop Henry Scriven as Mission Director of SAMS GB. He has a major task ahead, especially in building trust and confidence at a time of change. Pray for him, the staff and the Trustees, and above all for the continuing work of the churches in South America which we serve and to which we unite in committing ourselves afresh.

Bishop Patrick Harris

Peter Bartlett takes up his role as Bishop of Paraguay in February. He and Sally – who met on her 19th birthday thanks to a prank played by mutual friends! – have been familiar names in SAMS due to their highly productive ministry in Bolivia between 1992 and 2005.Peter had worked in Leeds as an assistant warden at St. George’s Crypt, ministering to homeless men, before moving to Doncaster and 12 years as a social worker. After marriage, Sally worked as a chemistry teacher while Peter completed an MA at Sheffield University, and during this time David and Karen were born. Then, as they contacted SAMS and sought the Lord’s will regarding overseas service, Peter studied at Bible College and Sally continued her teaching career.

God’s call took them to La Paz in 1992 where they built up the congregation of Cristo el Salvador and Peter was ordained (1996-97). Following significant church growth, their focus became discipleship and leader training at all levels. By the time they returned to England, they had trained and handed

over responsibilities within the church and further afield to national workers. Cristo el Salvador continues to prosper and grow under the leadership of SAMS Latin Partners Ronald and Nicky Irene, while Study Partner Martín Flores and his wife Carla have been training at the Centre for Pastoral Studies (CEP) in Santiago, Chile.

Peter and Sally have worked for the last three years at Parr St Peter’s in the Diocese of Liverpool. As they turn from Parr to Paraguay with its huge challenges, they seek with God’s grace to:l make disciples and embrace the ministry

of the Holy Spiritl raise up and empower new leadersl extend the mission of the city churchesl help the indigenous churches develop

their mission l partner other churches in Paraguay,

South America and the wider Anglican Communion

l fund the episcopal ministry.

If you or your church would like to support the Bartletts in their new ministry, please contact Tim Greenhalgh on 01594 542314 [email protected].

3SHARE issue 1, winter 2009

Sewing for a different futureFor women living in shanty towns, the chance to change the endless round of washing, cooking, cleaning and child minding for an opportunity to make new clothes in a relaxed atmosphere, is a dream. Three sewing workshops, launched initially by the short-term volunteer programme Mission Paraguay, have started in suburbs on the outskirts of Asunción and in Concepción. The women are learning professional skills for self-sufficiency through making clothes to wear and sell. A small charge for training helps them value what they learn and draws in money for resources and repairs to sewing machines.

“The poor in Paraguay have few opportunities to buy new clothes or learn something as productive as this”, writes Caroline Gilmour-White. “Women are keen to come because it gives them a sense of purpose, which lifts their self-esteem and also gives them a sense of empowerment. The joy on their faces as they complete a garment for the first time is a picture. Sonia washes clothes to earn money but she says, ‘This is my real work; I can’t wait for Wednesdays’.

“We praise and thank God so much for the stream of blessing these workshops have received. At every turn, ideas, help and resources have come along at the right time. One workshop is looking ahead to

making school uniforms and at another there’s a plan for church teenagers to run a playtime for the children who come with their mums. Some of the women are looking towards the day when they become sewing teachers and can reach the very poor in their communities, those living on less than £1 a day, who feel they are worthless.

“You wouldn’t think that sewing was a dynamic activity, but it’s changing lives, giving new hope and the chance of a different future. I’m working with two wonderful Paraguayan seamstresses and we try to share the hope of the gospel as we work. It isn’t easy when everyone’s bent on sewing, but we always pray at the beginning or end of the workshop and can see that this is making an impact.”

Anyone who wishes to support the sewing workshops or to know more about Mission Paraguay, please contact:

David Orritt, Coordinator Mission Paraguay, 35 Daisy Lane, Lathom, Ormskirk, Lancs L40 4BS Tel: 01704 892566 Mob: 07794 652205 email: [email protected]

4 SHARE issue 1, winter 2009

One who enjoyed his friendship writes:The Rt Revd William John Hawkins Flagg, who died in October aged 79, went with SAMS to South America in 1951 just as a most formative period of Anglican history there was about to unfold.

Busy bee After six years running the mission in southern Chile, he flew like a busy bee from one SAMS plant to another, poised in one place only long enough to pollenise it so that new work could flower and workers grow in fruitfulness. He spent four years in Paraguay, then nine in Northern Argentina, mostly as archdeacon until made bishop with responsibility for Paraguay. He next moved to Peru for four years before leaving to help Bishop David Sheppard in Liverpool.

From 1973 to 1983 the Southern Cone was allowed to have a trial province called CASA (the Anglican Council of South America) and Bill was elected its first presiding bishop.

In all this pilgrimage Marj was Bill’s constant companion and faithful sharer of their many challenges, hopes and plans, from their notable wedding day on 4 May 1954 on the farm in Chile. Representatives of the other missions and churches came and scores of local Mapuches made short work of the mountain of barbecued meat, to which Bill had contributed five sheep.

Versatile, visionary, venturer At seventeen they called Bill the ‘boy preacher from Somerset’ and he certainly moved on fast. From his ordination in 1959 it was only ten years to his consecration as bishop. Bill never lost his rich Somerset accent: it made no difference whether he was speaking English or Spanish. He could turn his hand to any number of

practical tasks, quite apart from his skills at preaching, Bible teaching and church building. He was farmer, house builder and repairer as well as motor mechanic when the need arose.

Foreseeing that foreign missionaries would not continue long in positions of control, Bill had a clear vision of the need for national church leadership and worked hard to help this forward. He also possessed the gift of gathering teams of missionaries and national workers suitable for each new task in the growing churches.

Of all Bill’s many moves, the truly epic one was from Northern Argentina to Peru in February 1973. The difficulties and dangers of this journey in a pick-up truck with all his children and belongings led Bill to admit later that he was ashamed of exposing his family to such perilous hardship. In his autobiography ‘From Ploughshare to Crook’ (pp 91-97) he vividly described the details.


Bishop Bill Flagg 1929-2008

Cross and Crown Before leaving Peru for England Bill and Marj enlarged their family to six by adopting a Peruvian baby, Timothy, who was with them through their years in Liverpool, Tunbridge Wells, when Bill was General Secretary of SAMS, and Southwell as assistant to Bishop Pat Harris.

Richenda, Andrew, Rachel, Roz, Patty and Tim have their parents’ shining example to inspire them. In 1996 Archbishop George Carey awarded Bill the Cross of St Augustine. Now he has gone to the celestial city to receive his victor’s crown and to hear his Master’s welcome, “Well done, good and faithful servant… Come and share my happiness.”


short term mission (action): the mobilization of Christians for a short period of time ranging from days to a couple of years; the mobilisation of people for short-term trips that have a long-term impact.

SAMS offers short term mission trips in all shapes and sizes from just a few weeks up to two years, with many different experiences and opportunities available to individuals and church groups, from teaching, working with children and young people, medical work, to development projects such as building and bee keeping!

“How do I know if I want to go?”

“I would love to do a short term mission trip to South America, but how do I know which project to

apply for?”

If you would like to experience what mission in South America is like, and would like to do something a little more practical than just a holiday, the chances are that a three-week summer trip with Mission Paraguay* might be the right project for you. If you already have a team of people who would like to go to South America, but you don’t fancy Paraguay, then SAMS may well have something different which could be right up your street!

If you would love to work with children or young people, or would enjoy teaching

or working on publicity, video or web p r o m o t i o n of the work already going on in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Peru or Spain, the chances are that you might enjoy one of our individual placements open to those over 18 years of age.

To find out more, then please contact Jo Hazelton at the SAMS office: [email protected] or 020 8787 7083.

*www.samsgb.org/getinvolved/documents/MissionParaguayReportfor2007.pdf

Short term in South America

WARNING: short term mission could change your

life for the better!

As SHARE goes to print, plans are being made to give you - and as many people as possible from outside the normal SAMS circle - the opportunity to hear Alf Cooper from Santiago, Chile. Alf will be in the UK in February 2009 to visit new parishes that have forged a link to support him and Hilary both spiritually and financially.

Alf’s unique style of teaching, leadership and enthusiasm for the gospel is something we don’t want to keep to ourselves, so we’re planning some special opportunities where you can come to be inspired, enthused and challenged by Alf’s ministry.

In addition to visiting new and potential supporting parishes, he’ll be meeting church leaders from networks outside SAMS to broaden the scope of his ministry in the UK.

Most importantly, it’s our wish not to restrict these events to SAMS supporters but to invite as many as possible from outside SAMS. That’s our challenge to stir up a renewed vigour for the gospel in the UK today.

‘Without Limit’ - Do we believe that our relationship with God is limitless? By drawing on God’s limitless resources, how might this make a positive effect within the church and amongst church leaders in Britain? How can the 21st century church build bridges into the world and begin to challenge and change cultures?

Alf will also share how his weekly TV programme, ‘Hazte Cargo’ is challenging Chilean culture with Christian values. Politicians, an ex-witch, health professionals and other well-known personalities have featured as Alf’s guests in recent months. At the end of the programme each guest is invited to sign up for something they are going to make themselves responsible for.

When the dates are finalised, the events will be advertised separately and will be publicised on the Events pages of the SAMS website: www.samsgb.org.

If you or your parish would like to find out more about Alf & Hilary’s visit or about supporting Alf’s ministry, please contact Tim Greenhalgh (01594 542314).


¡Take the Lead! – ¡Hazte Cargo!

Alf with ex-Latin volunteer Bárbara Pino

Dr Rory Miller led an August expedition to visit Latin PartnersTake ten people from St Michael’s Church in Chester to Northern Argentina for two weeks, trust in God, and see what happens…

St Michael’s has been linked with Hugo and Techi Vergara for over ten years, first when they were establishing the Iglesia de la Gracia (Church of Grace) in Tucumán, and then when they moved to Salta for Hugo to take care of the urban churches in northern Argentina. We had enjoyed the visits that Hugo (and occasionally Techi) had made to Chester; now was the time to see whether we could take something back to them and in addition learn about the church in the cities of northern Argentina. Only one of the group had ever been there before; only two spoke any Spanish; and some had never been outside Europe. We went with some doubts about whether we could actually contribute much in such a short time.

All of us came back with different memories, but certainly with a deeper knowledge and understanding of northern Argentina. We marvelled at the spectacular scenery of the road from Salta to Tucumán through Cafayate (above), and the journey through the mountains from Salta to

Jujuy. We enjoyed the beef, the wine, the mate [herbal tea], and the dulce de leche [caramel spread]. We gave thanks for the sunshine and the temperatures we were able to enjoy (especially given the English summer of 2008!). But most of all we feel that the visit led to a strengthening of our relationships with the people, especially the leaders, in the four churches we visited, as well as some useful practical work for the diocese. We also have a much better understanding of how we can contribute in the future to their work.

One thing that surprised us was how different the churches were - La Gracia in Tucumán, San Andrés and Príncipe de Paz in Salta, and the congregation in Jujuy. However, they all shared a number of things – the deep spirituality and commitment of their leaders; the warmth of their welcome to strangers; and the fellowship and love for each other that was always apparent among people of all ages.

And we enjoyed the practical work too: fence-building at the diocesan retreat centre at La Caldera (pictured), the painting and decorating and other work to establish a student centre in Salta. We pray that in the coming years others will be able to build on the work we did in both places.

Each of us went to Argentina with different


Shared rewards of a partner link

expectations, each came back with different feelings and emotions about our experiences and thoughts on how as individuals we might contribute to mission and development in the future. But as a

result of the visit all of us share a deepened commitment to the urban churches in the north of Argentina and to our mission partners.


News SHAREComing up on 28 February is the next SAMS Roadshow. The venue is All Hallows Church, Cheadle, with Latin Partners prominent, including Gonzalo Soria from Uruguay as a guest and Josias de Souza (Brazil) and René Pereira (Northern Argentina) via recorded telephone conversations. René is All Hallows’ own link Latin Partner.

The Hogar el Alba children’s home in Buenos Aires, founded many years ago by SAMS missionary William Case Morris, has been awarded the prestigious ‘Juntos Educar 2008’ (Educating Together) prize. Presented by the Roman Catholic Church, the award recognises institutions and individuals who play a significant educative role in Argentina without being a formal part of the nation’s education system. The photo shows the Home’s Director, Alfredo Cittadino (right) with the award, alongside former Argentine football star Gabriel Batistuta, another beneficiary for his work since retirement.

In October, St Paul’s Church, Valparaíso, celebrated its 150th anniversary. This ‘cradle of Anglicanism’ in Chile is one of the oldest buildings in a country where earthquakes, fires, natural deterioration and urban modernisation have led to the demise of so many others. It was designated a Historic Monument in 1979 and is a landmark of British influence in Chile. No cross appears on the outside of the church, because at the time of construction Protestant churches were forbidden to exhibit Christian symbols. The celebration began with a Communion service led by Bishop Tito Zavala and Chaplain Richard Pamplin. Images of the ceremony may be viewed on http://www.flickr.com/photos/31908467@N08/sets/72157608444989714/show/

2009 marks the bicentenary of the birth of Darwin and the 150th anniversary of the publication of his landmark Origin of species. The media spotlight will focus more than ever on this eminent Victorian. Not widely known, however, is that from 1867 until his death in 1882 Darwin made an annual subscription to SAMS’ funds in recognition of the Society’s work in transforming the lives of the Fuegian Indians, the collective name for the tribes of Tierra del Fuego.

SAMS’ annual reports used to include names of donors and subscribers, and tucked away in the long list for 1867 is that of ‘Darwin, Charles, Esq., per Admiral Sulivan £5.0.0’. Sir James Sulivan, a Vice-President of SAMS, was a long-time friend of the naturalist and had sailed with him as second lieutenant on the famous voyage of the Beagle. Darwin had been shocked by the appearance, language (“scarcely deserves to be called articulate”) and customs of the Fuegians, dismissing them in A naturalist’s voyage in these words: “I believe in this extreme part of South America man exists in a lower state of improvement than in any other part of the world”.

However, the vision of Allen Gardiner and the dedicated ministry of Bishop Waite Stirling, Thomas Bridges and other pioneers led to a Christian church among the

Fuegians, together with schools and training in farming and useful arts. Bridges compiled a 32,000-entry dictionary of Yahgan, the main language, and was also a correspondent of Darwin.Sulivan later recalled: “Mr. Darwin had often expressed to me his conviction that it was utterly useless to send Missionaries to such a set of savages as the Fuegians, probably the very lowest of the human race. I had always replied that I did not believe any human beings existed too low to comprehend the simple message of the Gospel of Christ. After many years …… he wrote to me that


Charles Darwin and SAMS

Darwin and Shrewsbury school

Bill Lattimer completes his service with SAMS in early January after handing over to his successor, Bishop Henry Scriven (pictured with family). As Interim Executive Director from October 2007, he has steered the Society through one of the most challenging periods in its history.

Jo Hazelton is now full-time with SAMS, spending three days as Personnel Administrator and two as Short Term Volunteer Coordinator. Congratulations, too, to Jo on gaining her Master of Science

degree! Her dissertation on ‘The Latin Americanisation of Protestantism: the Anglican Church in Argentina and Chile’ may be found on the ‘Occasional Papers’ page of the SAMS website.

As well as Derek Hawksbee and Bishop Bill Flagg, SAMS has lost three more notable servants in recent months:– Irene Watker (d. October) served 22 years

on the home staff from 1944, and had responsibility for the Society’s financial work from 1950

– Annette McCaw (d. September) served in the Argentine Chaco from 1966 to 1979 and from 1985 to 1992. She died in her native New Zealand

– Bob Drayson (d. October) was a former Head of Stowe School, member of SAMS General Council and committee chairman. His son Nick and daughter-in-law Catherine served in Northern Argentina and Spain.

We praise God for the example and dedication of these people in different branches of his work.


People SHARE

recent accounts of the Mission proved to him that he had been wrong and I right in our estimates of the native character and the possibility of doing them good through Missionaries” (Life and Letters of Charles Darwin, 1887).Thus in 1870 Darwin wrote to Sulivan: “The success of the Tierra del Fuego Mission is most wonderful, and charms [or shames] me, as I had always prophesied utter failure. It is a grand success. I shall feel proud if your Committee think fit to elect me an honorary member of your society” (op.cit.). He later added: “I certainly should have predicted that not all the Missionaries in the world could have done what has been done.”On one occasion Stirling reported on the

baptism of 36 Fuegians, adults and children, and the marriage of seven couples, the baptized then “spontaneously organiz[ing] evening worship and [regularly] meeting in each other’s houses for prayer and praise.” “Nothing but the grace of God could have accomplished such a marvellous change”, wrote Robert Young in 1900, adding, “No one was more astonished and gratified … than Charles Darwin, [whose] subscription to the Society’s funds, continued for many years until his lamented death, was, according to the Spectator [of 26 April 1884], ‘about as emphatic an answer to the detractors of missions as can well be imagined’” (Robert Young, From Cape Horn to Panama, 1900).

Bob Lunt

Race and Aphra Busk recall a notable SAMS figure who died in AugustWe had the privilege of knowing and working under Derek Hawksbee when he and Betty were missionaries in Paraguay (1952-66), and of all the missionaries we have known Derek was the best – the perfect all-round missionary.

In his quiet and gentle manner he was always ready with practical and spiritual help and encouragement to Paraguayans, indigenous people from the Chaco and fellow missionaries. People often called him ‘Doctor’, not because he was a qualified doctor (although he held a B.Sc. degree), but because he was always ready with sensible advice and help on matters medical. He was a good counsellor and friend, and when new missionaries arrived it was Derek who helped them settle into home and work, acquire documentation, and who guided them about shopping and

a myriad of practical matters.

And the hospitality! Derek and Betty always kept open house, and we well remember the stacks of dishes waiting to be washed up after she’d given meals to all sorts of people. During their early years in Paraguay Derek and Betty had ministered in the Chaco, and many of the guests at their home in Asunción were American missionaries with whom they had shared fellowship there.

Back in the UK Derek was ordained in 1971 and served a curacy at Norbiton. He also served with SAMS as an Area Secretary, but it was work with personnel, particularly new candidates, for which he is best known, not least for the Orientation Courses for South America that he ran at Allen Gardiner House, something for which he was eminently suitable. In 1979 Derek and Betty moved to North Carolina where he later became Executive Director of SAMS USA, and on return in 1988 he served in the Diocese of Lincoln for eight years prior to retirement in Tunbridge Wells.

Derek Hawksbee – an unsung hero


Derek pictured in 2007 with his family


Travel in the Paraguayan Chaco is often hazardous. But on a journey back there from Asunción in August with a short-term nursing colleague, Beryl Baker had to negotiate a storm with hailstones the size of golf balls. Some drivers had their windows smashed and trees toppled on to vehicles. Day turned to night and a hurricane hit the city of Concepción to the east.

Sadly, the century-old church at Makxawáya had its roof blown off, leaving it in a very vulnerable state. The people put back the section of roof, but slithers of sky were still visible from inside and some of the wall near the roof was missing some bits. Donations, including one from SAMS, have come in towards a more substantial repair.

Tim Curtis writes: “Now that we are in the rainy season this could affect the part of the church near the tower which is exposed to the elements. The pews (really nice ones donated by St John’s Beckenham in 2006 for the centenary) have

been moved further forward out of reach of the elements. The pews are in very good condition and have been a great blessing to this well attended church - the ‘most Anglican’ of all the churches in Paraguay even if some services have a very Pentecostal flavour about them.

“On the Bible translation front, Asunción Rojas has made a good start to Isaiah. ‘White as snow’ he rendered ‘white as a heavy frost’. Obviously there is no snow here, but we do get some nasty frosts some years! Yeyam appok is the term for ice/frost, and the translators automatically used this when they saw snow for the first time on the Andes and the Bolivian altiplano on our trips to translation workshops in Peru.”

Canon John Macdonald was Derek’s administrative assistant and later a SAMS USA missionary in Honduras. He recalls

… [Derek’s] depth of commitment to Jesus Christ. The Scriptures came alive during devotions he led. Humble and unassuming, he would unpack God’s Word in a way that was transformational. His commitment to prayer was exemplary, and when we tended as Americans to be overly innovative, Derek

would bring us back to scriptural principles as the foundation for our decision-making and life together. He provided a quiet leadership and led a rebuilding of trust between the Society, its missionaries and its donors.

Derek served God wherever he was called to go and whatever the circumstances. Now God has called him on the final journey home.

Everything but snow

At the time of writing (October 2008) there is much talk of the global financial crisis as a result of the ‘credit crunch’, which is defined as a sudden reduction in the general availability of loans (or credit) or a sudden increase in the cost of obtaining loans from banks. Sports commentators have even mentioned that football is not exempt from the credit crunch!

Having attended a few Thanksgiving Services for former colleagues and friends of SAMS, I have been reminded of the riches we have in Christ, riches that are unquantifiable, which is why our SAMS priority is the proclamation of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. As a Christian mission agency we are interested in the eternal destiny of people. One of the best known verses in the Bible (John 3:16) reminds us that whoever believes in Jesus shall not perish but have eternal life. What a future and what a contrast to credit crunch talk!

We thank God and all those who have made donations to the South American Mission Society, enabling the work to progress, particularly in the difficult financial environment. We have received unrestricted income totalling £949,000 so far this year, so please pray that a further £398,000 (an average of £6,500 per day) will be donated before the end of 2008. We will also need income next year!Please continue to pray for and give to SAMS so that others can hear the life-changing and life-giving good news of Jesus, the only Saviour. Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians (2 Cor 9) teaches us that real wealth does not come from getting more money but by giving more money. Quite a contrast to some of the reasons for credit crunch problems. Philip Tadman Finance Director, SAMS GB

Keeping CountCredit Crunch or Wealth?


Your support is important to SAMS. Here is how you can help:

Title....... .... Christian name ...................................................................................................Surname .............................................................................................................................Address .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Postcode .......................... ..................................................................................................

Please complete and send this form to: South American Mission Society, Allen Gardiner Cottage, Pembury Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3QU, England

Thank you for your support!

By prayer – Please send me:q SHARE with Prayer Diaryq A quarterly Prayer Tape or CD

By serving – Please send me:q Information about serving overseas with SAMS

By giving –

q I enclose a gift to SAMS of £ ........... q I have completed a Gift Aid

declaration in favour of SAMSq Please send me details of ways of giving to SAMSq I am a UK taxpayer. Please treat this gift as a Gift

Aid donationq Please tell me more about SAMS

YOU CAN HELP

Philip & Rosemary Tadman

In a busy life at the House of Hope project in Recife, Brazil, Ruth Hollingdale Vilella has seen God hard at work too.In many ways life has been quite challenging these recent months, what with heavy workloads, car juggling with my husband Efraim, broken mobile phones, broken printers etc, etc. Time just seems to pass by so fast I have lost track of the months. I thank the Lord for sustaining and protecting us both.

When I look at all the good things going on at the project and the Mission, it’s not a surprise that sometimes we feel under attack. Then I look at the folks we are working to help:

– the ex-alcoholic, now sober and working in a cooperative

– the mother with a gorgeous baby in the crèche who a year-and-a-half ago turned up at the pregnant women’s group having attempted an abortion

– the 92 children in the crèche being loved and cared for

– the 140 mothers with babies being invited to the thanksgiving service in November

– the restored marriages and families in the mission congregation.

God is so amazing! Join me in thanking Him!

GlobecrossersMission Partners returning to Paraguay this quarter after short periods in the UK are Gwen Carlisle, Mags Southern, Babs Owen (all January), and Caroline Gilmour-White (March). Daniel & Ellelein Kirk leave the UK in January en route to Chile, and Efraim & Ruth Hollingdale Vilella fly back to northeast Brazil in January and February respectively.

Alf Cooper flies in for three whirlwind weeks in February (see page 7), and at the end of that month Latin Partner Gonzalo Soria makes his long-awaited visit from Uruguay, also for three weeks.

Associate Mission Partners Peter & Barbara Jordan retire to Merseyside in January after service at St George’s, Barcelona. Another AMP, Janet Mena, visits from southern Chile for one month from mid-February. Retired Bishop Colin & Barbara Bazley are back in their beloved Chile from mid-January to early March.

Volunteer Andy Roberts who has been working at My Father’s House in Olinda, Brazil, comes to the UK in January for six months with his Brazilian girlfriend Rose. Other volunteers Elaine Black (Paraguay), David Clay (Brazil) and James Archer (Argentina) continue their service.

One amazing God15SHARE issue 1, winter 2009

the back page

SAMS has been part of my life for almost 40 years. Catherine and I were missionaries for two years in Northern Argentina and six in Spain and I have been on the SAMS-USA board for the last six years. Our diocese of Pittsburgh has been immensely helped by the generous action of the Province of the Southern Cone in receiving us after we realigned away from the Episcopal Church in September. But - why should I apply for the job of Mission Director for South America with all that SAMS is currently going through?

The obvious answer (and the truest) is that I think it is God’s plan for us. The timing is just when the diocese of Pittsburgh needs to trim its budget after realignment; and on a personal level we have missed being close to family, especially since our first grandchild, Sophie, was born last December. And the job excites me! Why?

SAMS has always been a caring family with a heart for prayer and God’s agenda for mission. Now we are right in the middle of a seismic shift that is affecting the whole Anglican Communion. In his grace God has allowed the churches planted by SAMS missionaries to grow into a Province that is changing how Anglicans think about themselves and about the church. Authority in the Communion is shifting from colonial to post-colonial patterns. GAFCON was key and the renewed and restructured CMS and SAMS is clearly central as the Holy Spirit leads us to rethink how the global communion does mission.

Relationships are so important as we move forward. I have been privileged to meet so many global Anglican leaders in Pittsburgh and in other parts of the world like Myanmar, Singapore and Kenya, as well as at Lambeth and GAFCON. We must strengthen relationships and take time to listen to God and to others.

We have a great task ahead which will require serious prayer and committed hard work. We have a good staff team but we need to be together and work together. I am looking forward to visiting churches and meeting many of you; we had a good meeting in Bath in October and I hope to be involved in many similar gatherings. I know that home staff, mission partners and supporters together can take forward the vision God has for his church. See you soon!

And the job excites me …!… writes Bishop Henry Scriven, from 1st January 2009 Mission Director of SAMS GB.

share magazine 2009 - issue 1 winter

Documents

mission director of

president of sams gbon

doctrinal position of

sams faithful supporters

sams family gatherings

south american mission

sams gb general council

clear decision