Join us on the adventure of God’s mission
Alastair Bateman, CEO of Church Mission Society, introduces the new-look CMS Magazine, which reflects our renewed vision
We’re excited to be launching a new magazine (and a new website!) as part of our renewed vision: “We long to see our world made new through the love of God as we follow Jesus to the edges.”
Just as we have been on a journey of discerning God’s call on CMS at this time, we invite you to join us on that journey now – to rediscover the adventure of God’s mission together.
New life is coming
I hope you are as inspired as I am by the stories you will read – stories of God at work and lives changed as CMS people in mission follow Jesus in their contexts.
From a Syrian woman finding faith in Lebanon after encountering “the love of Jesus and the kindness of some of his followers”, to Jay Lilley discovering through a boxing community set up by a CMS pioneer student in Essex that “his kind of people” do go to church.
New strapline
Our new strapline captures the heart of what we feel called to as an organisation: With Jesus. With each other. To the edges.
Just as Jesus spent time with people at the edges, those who were often avoided, we are called to connect with people at the edges: of church, of society or of our comfort zones. That’s where we are most likely to experience God at work!
Two of our mission directors, Andy Roberts and Jonny Baker, explore more about those edges and why they are encouraged by life there.
Going together
As we follow Jesus, we know our call is to join in however we can, knowing that wherever we go, Jesus is with us. And we do that as part of a family of Jesus-followers, listening to and learning from each other. Mission partner Alison Giblett shares why she chose to stay in Ukraine with her community (including CMS local partners Valery and Anya) as war broke out – alongside them doing whatever she can, with Jesus, to serve those around them.
I’m also thrilled that you can get to know Joan Busolo, our new regional manager in Africa (page 16). Joan is one of those people joining in with what God is doing through CMS, and we’re delighted she is part of the team, bringing a new voice and a new perspective.
Thank you for being with us on this journey – for your prayers, for your giving and for the many other ways in which you join in with God’s mission.
