A VISION FOR ARM AMBASSADORS

It matters not whether you are the Bishop of New Westminster or a liturgist from Jarvis Street, another gospel is another gospel! Yes, we are to continually grow in our under-standing of God and His word, but we have no license to refashion the Good News in our image. I, like so many, become angry at the uncritical press our Church’s media gives these new gospels, and I find myself asking, "where are the voices of historic Christianity? Where are the voices calling for renewal of the faith as opposed to a new and updated gospel?"

In this issue of AFR it is our hope to share with you genuine good news. A part of our good news is that ARM intends to be a voice for the Gospel and a voice for the renewal of our beloved and battered church! These times call for bold action.

In what follows you will read a part of our action plan for renewal. My prayer is that God will power-fully move by his Holy Spirit in you as you read, and that you might agree with us in prayer concerning this vision. "Even now Father move among your people, by your Holy Spirit, that these words not remain merely ink stains on a page but become vitally useful in the renewing of the Church for whom your Son died. In your name O Father, Son and Holy Spirit I pray. Amen"

The words of the missionary William Carey, "Attempt great things for God! Expect great things from God!" are particularly poignant to me at this moment in the history of Anglican Renewal Ministries. We have before us a great vision, and we are expecting great provision.

The element of the ARM vision which I find particularly exciting is the appointment of an ARM Ambassador. After his retirement as the Bishop of Brandon, in July 2001, the Right Reverend Malcolm Harding will become our first Ambassador, working half time for ARM.

As Ambassador he will encourage renewal-minded clergy and leaders to fan into flame the gift which is theirs (2 Timothy 1:6), especially those who have attended our Leadership Training events. It is easy for leaders to feel isolated and fall prey to frustration. He will act as mentor and spiritual father, encouraging leaders to press on towards the mark.

Bishop Malcolm will also be available to lead conferences, missions and other renewal events across this country. It has been some time since ARM had a representative to do such events. There is a deep hunger for spiritual things across this land. We stand on the verge of a spiritual harvest such as we have not experienced in our lifetime! The fields are white unto harvest and we believe it is time that ARM become more active in sending labourers. Though we are stretched beyond our resources to employ one Ambassador, it is our vision to appoint more in the not too distant future.

I believe that the appointment of Bishop Malcolm as our first Ambassador is an apt one. He has been involved in Renewal since its earliest days. He has a deep and abiding love for this Anglican Church, and has the respect of church leaders in every corner of this nation.

This appointment marks a watershed for ARM. The Board feels that we, like Julius Caesar, have crossed the Rubicon. There is no turning back! There is only moving ahead! This is a bold move but we feel God is calling us to be bold for He is with us in this venture. Like Joshua and the people at the Jordan before they crossed into the promised land, we do not have the resources in ourselves to do the work that God is calling us to do. Yet we know that God’s arm is not short. He is able to supply all our needs. As another great missionary, Hudson Taylor said, "God’s work done in God’s way, will never lack God’s supply". I am not sure that life gets more exciting than this! This is the abundant life which is the promise to all His children.