A Letter From Bishop Chris
The Gospel Knows No Borders
Recently, I had the privilege of traveling to Kenya with a remarkable clergy and lay team from DOMA (several off their testimonies are included in this installment of the Messenger). Once again, I was reminded that the Kingdom of God is far larger, more vibrant, and more powerful than we often imagine.
One of the great gifts of global mission is that it allows us to see the work of God through fresh eyes. Our team went hoping to encourage our sisters and brothers in the Diocese of Maralal in the Anglican Church of Kenya, but as is often the case, we returned deeply encouraged ourselves.
Throughout our visit, we witnessed a deep hunger for God’s Word, joyful worship, faithful clergy serving in challenging circumstances, and lives being transformed by the power of the gospel. We heard testimonies of God’s provision, saw communities gathering around Scripture (and sometimes worship under trees), and witnessed the remarkable unity that Christ creates among people from different cultures, languages, and backgrounds.
These experiences reminded me of the Apostle John’s vision: “After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.” (Revelation 7:9)
Global mission is not merely one ministry among many. It lies at the heart of God’s purpose. From the call of Abraham to bless all nations, to Christ’s Great Commission to make disciples of all peoples, Scripture reveals God’s passion for the whole world.
Mission also changes us. When we see believers worshiping Christ in different settings and circumstances, our faith is strengthened. We gain a greater appreciation for God’s faithfulness and a deeper understanding of the global Church. We are reminded that the same Holy Spirit who is at work in our congregations is at work in villages, cities, and churches across the globe.
The Anglican bishop and missionary statesman, Leslie Newbigin, wrote: “The Church is not meant to call men and women out of the world into a safe religious enclave, but to send them back as agents of God’s Kingdom.”
That truth was evident throughout our time in Kenya. We met Christians who understand that the gospel is not merely a message to be believed but good news that transforms families, communities, and nations. We experienced the power of the Holy Spirit as we prayed for people and as we experienced powerful signs and wonders. Our God is really amazing and He generously shares his Holy Spirit with those who come to him in faith.
As your bishop, it is my desire that DOMA and all her congregations would flourish missionally in the years to come. This certainly involves local mission in our communities. It also calls us to go around the world with the Good News of Jesus Christ. It’s my hope that every church will have at least one missional partnership with a diocese or church in another part of the Anglican Communion and particularly through Gafcon or GFSA. I would love to see everyone of our members go out as missionaries or as international workers, whether for a few days, or over a short period to time, or even in a lifetime call of service to the Lord.
Let’s continue to pray, give, send, and go. Global mission is not the work of a few specialists; it is the calling of the whole Church. Every prayer offered, every missionary supported, every partnership cultivated, and every witness given participates in God’s great mission of drawing people from every nation to Himself.
May our hearts be enlarged by what God is doing among the nations, and may we join Him with renewed faith and expectation. As the psalmist writes: “Declare God’s glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!” (Psalm 96:3)
Blessings,
