When cross-cultural missionaries move to a new place, they carry an unusual advantage. They don’t know the language, don’t understand the customs, and don’t yet know how things work. And that ignorance carries an unexpected gift.
With just two days to go, Bishop Steve and Rev Matt are making their final preparations for the 100km ultramarathon this weekend. And what better way to prepare than for the bishop to run 5km in his collar?
"Sometimes a Japanese person will come to our church, and it’s so obvious they are touched and want to make a commitment to Christ. Of course I invite them to receive Jesus, and the answer I often get is, 'But what if my family found out about it?'"
Thoughts, reflections, news and stories from across the diocese emailed to you every week.
"One runner dropped to his knees and asked for prayer right there at the finish line."
"Becoming a Christian is like a betrayal to your family."
"Seafarers sacrifice a lot. It’s a tough gig."
"I’ve never done anything like this before."
Ignorance carries an unexpected gift.
There is an innate part of us that aspires to what we were originally created for.
When God is present, emptiness never has the final say.
Love so amazing, so divine.
The big changes in my life have grown out of small, ordinary moments – not grand gestures.
We are called to be ambassadors of reconciliation.
"People in our community are already asking questions about meaning and spirituality."
We lead out of who we are more than what we say.
