New Missionaries are Commissioned at General Assembly
The Common Board for Global Ministries today commissioned seven persons to serve in mission stations across Latin America, East Asia and Southern Africa.
The new missionaries will represent the combined mission boards of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ.
“One way we participate in the ‘Healing of the Nations’ is through the presence of missionaries who serve as a result of invitations by our overseas partners,” said the Rev. David Vargas, president, Division of Overseas Ministries and co-executive of Global Ministries.
“Today we send out from among us those who have responded to God’s gift of abundant grace by offering their witness and presence to journey with our brothers and sisters from our doorsteps to the ends of the earth,” Vargas said.
Assisting him with the commissioning ceremony was the Rev. Cally Rogers-Witte, Executive Minister of Wider Church Ministries with the United Church of Christ, Cleveland and co-executive of Global Ministries.
The church seeks to be empowered by the Holy Spirit,” said Rogers-Witte, as it commissions the candidates “in ministries of critical presence… to be timely and appropriately meeting God’s people and creation at the point of deepest need.”
Approved for missions appointments by the Disciples/UCC global mission board was:
• Alan Dicken, global mission intern, Christian Commission of Development in Honduras,
• Thomas Morse, Sichuan Radio and TV University, China,
• Ryan Turner, global mission intern, Deep Griha Society in Pune, India,
• Donald and Maryjane Westra, United Church of Christ in Zimbabwe,
• John Campbell-Nelson with the Evangelical Church of West Timor, and
• Nicholas Green with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of El Salvador.
Disciples General Minister and President Sharon Watkins prayed for the appointees’ strength, energy and creativity to fulfill their callings in places of greatest need.
“We celebrate their call to do justice, and to love kindness and walk humbly with God,” said Vargas. “They will go forth and witness to God’s grace and love, and they will receive grace and love from those they accompany.”
The General Assembly also recognized the ministry of Kevin Howe who completed a term with the Christian Commission of Development in Honduras.
Written by: Cliff Willis