share magazine spring 2012

www.cms-uk.org

Enxet translation on track New church for Chile Viva Bolivia

SHARE SPRING 2012 02

The privilege of partnershipWhy do we use the terms “mission partner” and “Latin partner”

instead of “missionary”? Partnership is a very biblical word, coming from the

same root as communion and fellowship (koinonia) and it is vital for all of us

who share in the riches of the gospel.

The privilege is that we share with God’s people everywhere in what

our God is doing in mission and transformation. So many of the articles and

stories in this edition of Share and every edition of Mission Update are about

our partners and how, through prayer and support, they have seen God work in

wonderful and encouraging ways.

But how about this verse, which struck me afresh the other day: “I, John, your

brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance

that are in Jesus...” (Revelation 1:9).

Tribulation, kingdom and patient endurance in Jesus. It’s a strange combination of

things, but that’s what struck me. These things are part of our partnership with each

other, with our mission partners and with the worldwide church.

Tribulation (thlipsis) can be translated stress, and I don’t think any Christian,

especially those working cross-culturally, can avoid it. That’s the reality of sharing

Jesus; sometimes it’s dangerous and sometimes just really difficult and we

wonder why we are doing what we are doing. We can’t pray for each other unless

we are real; so let’s pray for those going through thlipsis.

Kingdom is a positive and wonderful word that brings to mind the

proclamation of Jesus that the Kingdom of God is at hand. We all submit to the rule

of God and work for that rule to be evident in the world – ‘peace and justice and

the integrity of creation’ is how it was expressed some years ago. Remember all

the parables about mustard seeds and treasure, slow but certain growth and the

promise of a final banquet celebration. We are partners with Jesus in his kingdom.

Patient endurance (hupomone) is the one thing that we all admire in our

mission partners and other faithful Christians who just plug away year after year in

response to God’s call. It’s not easy and it’s often not dramatic and they won’t have

books (or even articles) written about them, but they do stick at it to the glory of

God and they have this hupomone in Jesus because that’s what he had, too.

We’re all partners in communion with each other and in Jesus. I thank God for

each one of you and for all with whom we are in koinonia throughout the world.

SHARE is produced by the Church Mission

Society, Watlington Road, Oxford OX4 6BZ. Tel:

01865 787400. Registered Charity Number 1131655.

If you have any questions regarding the

content, please call us or email:

[email protected]

Bishop Henry Scriven,

Mission Director for Latin America


At peace with Grandma and with God My Father’s House (MFH) in Olinda,

North East Brazil has worked with many

children and young people over the years.

Many come from abusive homes and have

had experience with living on the streets and

running with gangs. But a boy called Roberto

(name changed for security reasons), who

has a mental disorder and takes medication,

brought MFH a new challenge.

Roberto’s parents are both addicted to

drugs and alcohol and abandoned him with

his grandmother at a young age. His mental

disorder caused him to behave violently and

unpredictably and he became too much of a

burden for his grandmother. He used to run

away from home for a few days at a time and was quite uncontrollable.

Incredibly, in the city of Olinda, there are no projects that work exclusively with

children in Roberto’s situation, explains Andy. Roberto was sent to MFH from a

government run project who weren’t coping with Roberto’s violent behaviour anymore.

“We’re not sure why, but something happened in Roberto when he arrived here; he

calmed down. Through the loving discipline of the workers he began to obey and accept

his boundaries. After a few weeks we took Roberto to visit his grandmother – his first visit

home in months,” said Andy.

The family couldn’t quite believe the difference in Roberto – it’s a miracle, they said.

Andy continues: “We quite agreed and we’re sure that the reason for Roberto’s

change is down to the Lord’s loving work.

“When Christmas came, we felt that Roberto was ready for the next step in his

rehabilitation, and so, for the first time in many years, Roberto spent an uninterrupted and

violence-free Christmas at his grandmother’s home.

“It’s our prayer that Roberto continues in this way... we give thanks to God for the work

that he is doing and, God willing, Roberto should be home forever within a few months.”

Andy and Rose’s prayer points:

Pray for strength for the workers and peace for the boys. Pray for the necessary finance

to come in to cover the project’s running costs. Pray for wisdom and guidance for Andy

and Rose’s future ministry.

Roberto (identity protected) and his grandma


Enxet Old Testament newsBased in the Paraguayan Chaco, Tim Curtis provides an update on the Enxet Old Testament translation project.

During 2011 we checked all the drafts of books

on our target list, so we begin 2012 knowing that we

are making good progress. We particularly enjoyed

checking Proverbs in 2011.

The Enxet people have one or two quite colourful

proverbs and witty sayings of their own such as ‘Ouch!

says the person who does not look where he is going,

Ouch! says the person who does not look in front of

him.’ I first heard this whilst walking with a group of

people in single file through a narrow path in the woods.

We are scheduled to check the following books during 2012: 2 Chronicles, Ezra,

Nehemiah, Song of Songs, Numbers, Daniel, Hosea, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk,

Zephaniah, and Haggai. Slightly ahead of schedule, we were able to check the first ten

chapters of Numbers at the end of 2011.

We will continue to keep the Enxet speaking churches updated on our progress. We

have frequent requests for copies of completed drafts, which is extremely encouraging, as

feedback from church leaders and church members is vital.

I usually have drafts of Enxet texts photocopied in Asuncion, 200 miles away, as there

is no photocopying machine in Rio Verde.

Getting texts out to Enxet churches in Makxawaya, El Estribo and La Herencia often

requires weekend trips. In Makxawaya I was very pleased to see that the pastors Juan Sosa,

and Romualdo have been encouraging not only the teenagers to come up to the front of

the church to read Bible passages in the Enxet language, but also a group of women.

We encourage people to visit the translation office and join in some of the checking

sessions. Meetings of pastors and church leaders take place several times a year at the

Anglican Centre in Rio Verde, where the office is located. It’s an excellent opportunity to

ask people for their comments on specific texts.

Copies of the 1997 New Testament are also stored in the Rio Verde office. It was the

use of these New Testaments in Enxet speaking churches in the Chaco that encouraged

us to begin work on the Old Testament in 2003.

During 2012 we look for God’s continued guidance and inspiration through his Holy

Spirit as we continue checking these precious drafts of books of the Old Testament in the

Enxet language, and we trust in his provision and protection as we carry out this vital task.


Meet the TranslatorsWe welcome two new CMS Latin partners Juan Martinez and Asuncion Rojas, who work

alongside mission partner Tim Curtis in Paraguay’s rural Chaco area.

Juan says: “I would never have been able to imagine myself doing this important work. I took

part in the training course for translators along with other candidates, but it was a real surprise to be

chosen to take part in the translation of the Old Testament into Enxet – our own language. I decided

to accept this wonderful offer.”

Rio Verde is a Spanish and Guarani speaking town of several hundred people, with a police

station, justice of the peace, small health centre, Anglican church, gas station, a small supermarket,

an Adventist primary school, and also a state school. There are also several playing fields.

Tim says: “The Rio Verde river only has a trickle of water most years, but can flood every 10

to 15 years or so. Both Juan and Asuncion live in small houses with their families. They have had

electricity since 2007. During holiday time, the translators return to Santa Fe, an Enxet speaking

village in El Estribo, about 40 miles away.

Tim describes the office routine: “We have an early start at 7am, stopping at 11am for a lunch

and siesta break. Then we work from 1pm through to 5pm.

“Temperatures can be between 32 and 40 C during the day, with high humidity. Air conditioning

has made an enormous difference to our ability to concentrate on our work, and keeps the

computers cool, too.”

Through working in this stable job since 2003, undertaking training in Peru and meeting with

professional Bible Society consultants, Asuncion and Juan have had their horizons expanded.

“It has enlarged their view of the world, more than if they had remained in their home village,

or if they had continued to work on cattle ranches as was the case before they became Bible

translators,” says Tim.

Living near the Anglican Centre in Rio Verde has also brought Juan and Asuncion into regular

contact with visitors, Enxet church leaders and people attending week-long Bible studies and

meetings held several times a year.

“There are constant visits to Enxet speaking communities in the Chaco, so Juan and Asuncion

are able to deepen the contacts with their own people and culture as well as being open to new

experiences,” adds Tim.

Tim says: “As Rio Verde has mainly a Latin or Criollo flavour, the translators and their children

often head off to the Enxet villages just down

the road, in La Herencia where there are

sporting events at weekends. Asuncion’s two

boys Valentin and Albertin, are keen football

players. Asuncion and Juan also play football

regularly.”


Planting seeds in a world uprootedMission partner Dr Andrew Leake visited our Oxford offices

recently. He and his wife Maria serve in Northern Argentina,

where his father and grandfather were also missionaries

among indigenous tribes of the semi-arid region known

as the Chaco. Andrew initially worked with ASOCIANA, the

Anglican social programme serving the indigenous people.

His work focussed on helping indigenous communities secure their land rights.

After a decade with ASOCIANA, Andrew felt called to establish a Christian-

based conservation programme that seeks to complement ASOCIANA’s work,

by helping to protect the fragile environment of the Chaco region. The initiative

is called Land for Life.

Q: Tell us about your previous work with Asociana?As part of a small team of highly dedicated staff, much of my work focussed on

enabling indigenous communities to map the lands they have historically used for

hunting and gathering, and then using that information to present their claims to the

government authorities. Rapid and extensive deforestation of the Chaco, resulting from

the expansion of Argentina’s agriculture frontier (for soya bean and beef) meant this

was an urgent task. Communities that once lived in and relied on the forest for their

livelihoods have suddenly had the very basis of their existence eliminated. Many have

had to move and settle on the edge of towns and cities. Forests continue to be cleared

at an alarming rate and indigenous communities continue to be threatened. ASOCIANA

has and continues to play a key role in supporting communities in their struggle.

Q: You have flown over the Chaco to monitor and film the advancing deforestation. What have you seen from the air?

A birds-eye view is the only way to begin to realise the extent of deforestation affecting

the Chaco. It’s massive. I have taken Indians with me in the aeroplane who live in deforested

areas, and even they say they never realised before how much land has actually been

cleared. So overall it’s not a pretty picture.

Q: How are local people affected by deforestation?I recently wrote an article on this issue, based on an interview with a 24 year old

indigenous man who talked about his personal experience of growing up in the forest

and then seeing it disappear. He described how his village was forcibly moved to

make way for a business man who wished to clear the forest and plant soya beans. He

explained how he once tried to visit where he had once lived, only to find the forests all


gone, and no traces left of where his parents once used to hunt and gather fruits. What was a

forest is now just soya beans all the way to the horizon.

He then shared how this process led to the migration of his people to the edge of a small

town. He depicts the dust, noise, alcoholism and prostitution that characterise his settlement.

He speaks sadly of the loss of the quiet and peaceful forests, and how this uprooting has led to

a complete breakdown in the social structure of his community.

Q: So how has your role changed?Land for Life seeks to draw attention to the biological plight of the Chaco. As a researcher

I want to use my skills to encourage people, especially local Christians, to understand what

is happening to God’s creation, and then to take action to protect it. I am particularly keen to

engage and mobilise local churches, which is a huge challenge in a context where there is little

if any awareness about environmental issues. In this regard, my role has become that of an

advocate for the environment, and that is something I will do through research, publications

and networking with other organisations (both Christian and secular) who share a similar vision

and mission.

Land for Life also aims to acquire forest-covered lands, taking them off the market, and

setting them aside for protection and conservation. In this sense, I guess my role has changed

to become more like a social entrepreneur. This is a new term for me, but it essentially refers

to the use of entrepreneurial principles to organise, create and manage a venture with the

goal of social change. In our case that means generating capital that can be used to purchase

lands that can then be creatively managed to both protect the environment and benefit local

populations.

Q: How will Land for Life help people? There is an urgent need in the Chaco to demonstrate that ecologically sustainable

development is feasible. The current model of development, based on generating profits for

a minority whilst a majority suffer from the environmental impact, is unsustainable. If Land for

Life can demonstrate viable alternative pathways to development, over the long term it will

make a significant contribution to the wellbeing of the Chaco’s rural population.

Q: How are people responding to Land for Life’s aims? The environment is rarely on the agenda of local churches, and just getting and sustaining

their interest will be a challenge. Having said that, we did get a lot of interest from some

churches in Salta in 2008, when we ran a conference on the environment, so I may be proved

wrong! What is encouraging is that the idea of buying and protecting land, which was initially

frowned upon, is now being seen by many as one of the few effective means of conservation

in the Chaco.

Prayer points: For courage and stamina. This is a big vision and we need all the strength we can get! For funds to purchase land. For the research we are doing – a project is under way to monitor the biological effects of deforestation and looking at bird species.


This is a new feature where readers can get to know the people who make up the Latin America team at CMS. Many people know Jo Hazelton already, but we guarantee you will know more about her after reading this short interview.

Job title: Regional Personnel Officer for South America and Iberia

Qualifications: BA Honours Spanish (2002), Six months leading a team in Peru volunteering with Oasis Trust (2001), Youth Trustee for SAMS (2004–2008), TEFL (2006), a year living in Argentina volunteering with the Latin Link Stride programme (2006), leading a Latin Link STEP team to Nicaragua for five months (2007), MSc Globalisation and Latin American Development (2008), Certificate in Management (2011), Diploma in Human Resources Management to gain CIPD professional membership (currently working towards completing in 2012).

Biggest Christian influence: My parents and other Christians I’ve met who have inspired me in different ways. Reading the Bible from cover to cover for the first time whilst living in Peru

Best thing about your job: Facilitating others in mission and hearing their stories of sharing Jesus and changing lives.

Biggest work challenge: Giving the best advice and help that I possibly can to CMS people in mission.

Favourite passage from Bible: Isaiah 60:1 Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.

Favourite place in Latin America: I’ve really enjoyed every place that I have spent time in, but if I had to pick a place I would say Trujillo in Peru, as it was the first place I lived in South America.

Favourite Spanish word/phrase: I have lots, but here is a small selection of slang words I enjoy using:

Chevere: Peruvian slang for ‘cool’, perceived as old fashioned in most other countries I have tried using it in!

Che: Argentine slang for ‘friend’, it literally means ‘mi gente’ (my people)

¿Cachai?: Chilean slang for ‘do you understand?’

Strangest food you have ever eaten? Pregnant iguana (Nicaragua)

What makes you happy? Spending time with family and friends, being somewhere in Latin America or both!

Best way to contact you: [email protected] or

01865 787418

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So far, sew goodBy Mary Brown, who spent six months in Lima, Peru last year

I went to Peru with the intention

of teaching sewing skills to Peruvian

women, so that they could make new

clothes for themselves and their families.

I hoped, too, that they might be able to

earn money from these skills.

Most of the women had very little

money to spend on materials so we

began to work with what they had. In

many of the classes they would bring

old clothes to alter or to unpick to

make something else for themselves

or their children. Their skills will be

useful long after my return to England,

even if they can’t buy new material.

I was also able to teach children

in one of the Anglican schools. They

were a delight. They made bookmarks

in cross stitch. They worked so quickly

I soon realised I would have to find

something more for them to do, so we

began to make cross stitch coasters. I

supplied the materials and

promised to give some

money for each one made

to the school funds.

Over the next few

weeks, they worked hard

and managed to finish them all before

I left. At the same time, I made each

of them a friendship bracelet to

remember me by. I also gave them

the materials to be able to make an

identical one to give to a friend. I was

able to tell them that we don’t need

a bracelet to know that Jesus is our

friend, as he is with us wherever

we are.

When I returned to the UK I gave

the coasters to friends in my church

(about a hundred or so). They had

supported my mission, and were

thrilled that a Peruvian child had made

something for them.

This is how bridges are built. It has

helped us all – the children, my church

and me, too, to realise that God is

working in the whole world.

SHORT-TERM SHORT STORIES

Finding my place in PeruBy Charlotte Bull, a CMS short-termer in Lima, Peru

with CMS mission partners Paul and Sarah Tester.

Paul is Charlotte’s cousin.

I’m working with young people in Lima and I’m

four months into my six-month stay here. My time is

spent volunteering at a Compassion project, teaching

guitar, helping at youth groups and youth camps. This and



anything else that crops up, as it frequently does!

I chose to come to Lima because I was interested in Latin America and its

bustling cities. Living in such a place has its perks in the sense that facilities are

always close by, but there are difficulties. The traffic in Lima is bad and it can be

hard to find peace and quiet.

The most rewarding thing for me has been getting to know the Peruvian

people and every day learning a little more of their stories and of their culture. I

have been really blessed that they have been so willing to accept me, especially

since I am here for only six months, and it has made the challenge of creating

meaningful relationships much easier.

When I first came here, however, I struggled with doubts, such as: what

difference can I make in six months? What can I bring to the ministry here? With

time, I began to find little projects I could make my own, such as teaching guitar,

which I am also trying to make sustainable in some way, so things can carry on

after I leave. For instance, I’m teaching Eduardo, 16, who is new to the church and

has shown a real flair for the guitar, so I’m hoping to get him to the stage where he

can get involved in leading some worship.

I find it important and helpful to remember that all that I’m learning and how

I’m growing and changing are just as important as what I can offer.

I really have the sense that my short term placement here is being used by

God to build for something in the future. When I return to the UK, I’m going on to

Cambridge University to study modern and medieval languages.

I would recommend this experience to anyone who is passionate about

people and wants to challenge themselves in a completely new context.

Viva Bolivia!Henry Scriven reports on his recent visit

On my first visit to Bolivia in December 2011 I was able to visit all the

churches and most of the leaders in the diocese. La Paz is the capital city

(although Sucre is the official capital) and is the highest capital city in the world.

There are two churches in the city: Christ the Redeemer in Calacoto and Christ the

Saviour in Sopocachi.

The latter is right in the centre of the city near the university

and occupies a couple of floors in a block of flats. There is a lot

of construction going on and there are opportunities for growth.

Pray for an upcoming campaign with Franklin Graham involving

Bishop Frank and Shawnee Lyons in Cochabamba


many churches in which Pedro Villareal (Sopocachi) is very involved.

Bishop Frank Lyons (SAMS USA) lives in Cochabamba, where he is helped in

Trinity church by Deacon Tammy Firestone (SAMS USA) and retired priest Pepe

Zubieta. The magnificent Cristo statue is bigger than the one in Rio, but does not

dominate the city in the same way; the prayer is of course that Jesus will rule over

a city with many social and economic needs. As in Peru many of the rural poor are

now the urban poor.

Tarija in the south has the best vineyards in Bolivia and the owner of one of

them is very friendly to the church. But generally the church is quite poor and

needs to raise money to move from their rented building. The new daughter

church (Holy Cross) is in a brand new area on the outskirts where people are

claiming land and building shacks. The pastor, Lito Justiniano, works with children

and young people (mainly in after school programmes) in a very basic building

surrounded when I visited by a lot of mud!

We have two Latin partners (both clergy) in Bolivia: Lico Bascunan works

in Santa Cruz; his grown family are all involved in ministry. Walter Barrientos is

at Redeemer Church in Calacoto and has in a short time seen the congregation

grow. Hopefully, with increased links in the Birmingham diocese we can continue

to support this small but growing diocese.

In Santa Cruz I was given a plaque. It expresses gratitude to me for my work in

mission. But I was assured that what they meant was they are grateful to God for

the help of SAMS in planting the church, Christ the Light of the World.

Santa Cruz is expanding rapidly and there is a whole new area by the airport

where new factories, shopping centres and housing estates are going up. The

church is there, too, working with children and hopes to buy a building to start

services there as well.

I went to a midweek prayer meeting and was impressed with the number of

people (over 30) in small groups interceding fervently and listening to God. Also

in Santa Cruz the small daughter church, Christ the Bread of Life, is working with

children and with a marriage course, which is attended by non Christians as well

as church members.

With 80,000 students in many different universities

(including a Baha’i university) the churches are working

with SIM mission partners in an adventurous multi-

purpose centre (El Alfarero). So lots of things going on

and always need for more prayer and support to meet

the opportunities.Theological studygroup in

Calacoto, La Paz


Helping reverse an identity crisisErika Montoya works as a volunteer social worker

in the legal defence department of Comunion Peru, a non-

governmental organisation (NGO) of the Anglican Diocese of

Peru – supporting children and adults to obtain birth certifi-

cates and national identity cards where they are missing.

She says she is proud of the work she does, as are her

parents – associate mission partners Julio and Norma Montoya.

“I work very hard for love of neighbours, so that the people do not feel discriminated against

because they are without a number and a surname and not citizens of our country,” she said.

Erika’s work for this important church programme was profiled recently in a newsletter by the

International Anglican Family Network (IAFN), of which CMS is a partner.

IAFN explains that in Peru, many adults and children living at the margins of society or in

isolated, rural communities have no birth certificate or national document of identity.

No form of government recognition means no access to a broad range of basic social goods

such as government health insurance, healthcare, education and the state ‘glass of milk’ subsidy

programme – and exclusion from formal participation in society. It can also mean that social

exclusion and poverty perpetuate from generation to generation, since adults without a national

document of identity are unable to register their children.

Comunion Peru works alongside hundreds of families and individuals to assist them in gain-

ing their legal identity.

The Peruvian government runs campaigns encouraging identity card applications and offers

the service free of charge to people who are poor, or who have disabilities or special needs, or

are over 65. However, the government doesn’t have sufficient staff or capacity to go searching

for people who are unregistered.

This where the churches come in. As they are naturally based in communities, churches can

make the necessary practical links and educate people about the importance of registration.

There are also instances where individuals are too elderly or infirm to travel to the state registra-

tion office, so Comunion Peru arranges for the registration process to be taken to them – by picking

up and taking the registrar to the person’s house.

Two years ago, the Peruvian government decided that children should have an identity card

from the time of their birth, instead of waiting until the age of 18. To obtain this card, a birth cer-

tificate must be shown. Where a baby is born in a hospital, parents can obtain a birth certificate

before returning home. But it may be that they can’t afford to travel back to the city to collect

identity cards.

Erika explained how, in one instance, because of the good relationship built up between the

Anglican Church and the state registry office in Lima, she was able to collect identity cards on

behalf of 100 children.


New church for Chile? Mission partners Daniel and

Ellelein Kirk, with their young

children David (7) and Joshua

(4), are on leave in the UK for six

months. In June, they will return to

the coastal city of Vina del Mar in

Chile, where they have lived since

2005. Daniel is assistant minister at

La Resurreccion, an Anglican church

in Gomez Carreno, just outside

Vina. His work includes teaching,

training, preaching, pastoral duties,

leadership training and small group

discipleship. Ellelein is involved in

women’s discipleship groups and

parenting workshops. Daniel visited

CMS’s Oxford offices recently to tell

SHARE about the couple’s ministry

and their plans for the future. What was the biggest challenge in your ministry last year?

During 2011, after eight years

of faithful service, the pastor of La

Resurreccion, Danny Morrison, felt

God was calling him on to new

things. So he returned to the UK

in August. So I had to look after

the church and work with the

leaders of the church council and

the pastoral team to plan for the

future and find a pastor for the

church. We are praying that God

will provide enough money from the local

congregation to pay completely for the

pastor full-time. I think we are 90 per cent

towards raising the funds. What can you tell us about the potential new pastor?

It will be a Chilean person who has

been a pastor in another church for about

10 years. The congregation know and love

him very much, as he preaches at our

church regularly. But I can’t say any more

as nothing has been officially agreed yet.

Can you describe the congregation?

It’s 42 years old and quite a mixed

congregation. We have a burgeoning youth

group of 25 people. Under Danny’s eight-

year ministry, the church grew from 20 to

80 people.

What are you planning to do when you go back to Chile?

We feel called to plant a church in

Valparaiso in the second half of 2012. We

have spent a lot of time in the past year

preparing people and setting things up.

We are hoping to have a team of about

25 people to work with, and to start with

small home groups in different cerros

(hills) – each with a clear plan for evange-

lism and service in their neighbourhood.


Currently we have about 15 youngsters in their 20s who are keen to get involved.

We are now praying for some older couples and families to give more stability and

experience to the team.

Why have you chosen Valparaiso for the church plant?

Valparaiso was the main port of Chile for centuries. It is the place where most

novelties enter Chile, including Protestantism in the 19th century. St Paul’s, the

oldest existing Protestant church, is a tourist landmark sitting atop Valparaiso’s

most famous hill, but this Victorian building that fits 450 people has no commu-

nity now and only opens on Sundays for a musical recital.

The city, which still houses the Chilean Congress, is run down in many places

and is very different from neighbouring Vina del Mar, which has a more modern

and touristy feel with a long stretch of pristine beach. But with over 270,000

people, Valparaiso is still one of the largest cities in Chile and many people can’t

understand why there is no longer an Anglican presence there.

Progress report: CMS and SAMS merger good for global mission vision, review finds

CMS mission partners and Latin partners working in Latin America and

Iberia have welcomed the merger of SAMS and CMS – saying it opens the poten-

tial for involvement in world mission that is ‘from everywhere to everywhere’.

That’s the message from a recent merger review survey. When the two societ-

ies merged in 2010, it was agreed that there would be a review of the effects of

the merger every year for the first three years.

“The merger between SAMS and CMS gives an excellent view on world mis-

sion,” said one respondent.

The review was conducted among 160 Latin America based mission partners

and Latin partners, vice presidents, trustees, former members of SAMS general

council and delegates who attended the CMS Adelante conference in March 2011.

The exercise elicited a range of honest, reflective comments, according to

chairman of the merger review group, Canon Penny Avann.“It has to be said that concerns were expressed about the loss of identity and

focus on South America and Iberia,” she says. “But the general consensus from

respondents was one of optimism about the future.”

Penny continues: “By and large, mission partners and Latin partners in Latin

America and Iberia were enthusiastic about the merger and felt it was a positive

move – opening the potential for involvement in world mission in a new way, thus

making more real the truth that mission must be ‘from everywhere to everywhere’.”

Pat Blanchard (centre) with her Shalom family

Penny said: “In the UK, some respondents felt a misunderstanding and lack of

communication had increased the sense of loss of the ‘SAMS family’. Others were

concerned about the loss of much-loved personnel.”

The majority of respondents agreed that SAMS members had been warmly

welcomed into the integrated organisation and much had improved – not least

the information and prayer booklets.

One person replied: “We are personally very encouraged and motivated by

the interest and support we have received in our work from individuals within

CMS, including Henry (Scriven), Jo (Hazelton) and Paul [Thaxter].”

The review group comprises CMS trustees Ann Tyndall and Jonathan Brant,

Penny Avann and CMS mission director for Latin America Bishop Henry Scriven.

Later this year another review will be conducted, Penny explained, with more

information on how people can get involved to follow in due course.

For more information about the merger review, email: [email protected]

To join the Latin America forum of CMS and stay connected, contact:

[email protected] or phone (01865) 787418.

The Kirk family are in the UK until June 2012 when they will return to Vina del Mar, Chile.Andy and Rose Roberts are due back in the UK from Brazil in March and will be here until August 2012.Linn Tedman is due to come back from Paraguay in July to retire after 15 years of service with SAMS and now with CMS.Latin partner Danny Morrison has recently left his parish in Vina del Mar and was licensed as Associate Priest in the Benefice of St Matthews, Triangle and All Saints (with special responsibility for Triangle and All Saints churches), Ipswich, Suffolk on 11 January. We thank God that this opening has worked out for Danny and trust that he and his family will settle into living in the UK quickly.Short-termers: Mary Brown returned to the UK in November after six months in Lima running dressmaking and sewing skills workshops with disadvantaged women and children. Suzanne Irvine is now based in Arequipa helping in an orphanage.

Charlotte Bull and Heidi Elkington are involved with the children’s and youth work within the Diocese of Peru based in Lima. Stefanie Drayson Le Tissier and Ben Wilson both arrived in Lima, Peru in February 2012 to volunteer with the diocese. Victoria Martineau returns to the UK in February after volunteering for just over a year in Ecuador working with CMS mission partner Jill Ball at a centre for children with learning disabilities.Please continue to pray for mission partner Sue Woodcock in Barcelona, Spain, who is continuing to receive treatment for pancreatic cancer.You can find out more about where and when these Globe+crossers might be in your area by going to the CMS website www.cms-uk.org and clicking on the world map (there’s a link on the home page). Click on Latin America and the We’re Visiting section is on the right of the page.

Globe+crossersSHARE SPRING 2012 15

NEWSLatino Advance conference: 10–12 May 2013

The Adelante conference last year was a wonderful time of connecting and building for the future. For those unable to join, and others who want to do it all again – join us for Latino Advance 10–12 May 2013 at High Leigh, Hod-desdon, Hertfordshire. Put the date in your diary, says the Latin America Forum, which organises

the biennial Latin America weekend conference.

CMS Sunday needs you!

The Latin America Forum is supporting CMS Sunday on 10 June 2012 and is seeking volunteers to go out into parishes and tell people about CMS mission work in Latin America. For more information about CMS Sunday and speak-ing in local churches, email church networker [email protected] or call him on

01865 787515.

People In Print

Bishop David Leake, former bishop of Northern Argentina, has penned a new book called Under an Algarrobo Tree.

David’s remarkable story of his years in the Chaco in Northern Argentina is a compelling account told with disarming modesty, accord-ing to Graham James, Bishop of Norwich. “This Norfolkman in Argentina can’t help loving people and loving God. In these pages you will discover why so many people love him,” he says.

“It is the fascinating story of someone who did not just visit the Toba and Wichi Indians of Northern Argentina, but who was born, lived and worked among them. The book is full of amus-ing, vivid and poignant stories,” adds Bishop Patrick Harris.

The book has been published by Loxwood Press. Tel: 01903 232208

Bob Lunt has penned Cien años de la mis-ión anglicana en el norte argentino 1911–2011. This is an absorbing history of Anglican mission in Northern Argentina, published by the Diocese of Northern Argentina. Translations are being made into the Wichi and Toba languages. To

receive a copy, please contact the diocese.

Prayer for new executive leader search, statement issued Friday 10 February

CMS trustees interviewed candi-

dates for the role of CMS executive leader in early February, following Tim Dakin’s selection as bishop of Winchester. After much discussion and prayer, the trustees decided not to appoint a leader from among the candidates interviewed. Please continue to pray for the right person to be found to fill this important position. In the mean-time, the CMS senior management team will continue to share in leadership responsibilities.

Barbara Kitchin: 11 May 1926 – 23 Dec 2011

Barbara was born in Watford and asked God into her heart at age eight. She trained as a pri-mary teacher and taught at three schools in the Watford area. One night at church she heard and responded to the call to serve the Lord overseas.

In 1955 she was accepted by the South American Mission Society (SAMS) and went to the Argentine Chaco, where she spent 25 years amongst the Wichi and Toba Indians, who remember her with huge affection and great respect. Barbara produced reading books in the Indian languages, she established many rural schools, trained teachers and persuaded the government to provide education for the Indians. She established radio work in the Wichi language to develop education throughout the Chaco.

Returning to the UK in 1980, Barbara served for six years as the NE area secretary for the SAMS, encouraging individuals and churches to support and to learn from the church in South America. She retired to Whittington College,

Felbridge in October 1986.

Barbara was an appreciated colleague,

auntie to many missionary children, much loved

godmother and a faithful friend. Above all, her life

spoke of her love for and trust in Jesus Christ.

By Phil and Rosemary Tadman

share magazine spring 2012

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