We are continually thankful for all who partner with us in cross-cultural gospel mission. Through prayer and regular financial giving, this partnership is helping plant gospel seeds around the world. Could you give generously by 30 June, to see more people around the world find lasting hope in Jesus?

Chris and Karen Webb live and serve together with their three children in the regional town of Broome on the North coast of Western Australia. Chris is one of the ministers at Broome Anglican Church, where he holds particular responsibility for the Broome Peoples Church congregation which seeks to reach and disciple Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

CMS has a long history of partnership in North Australia, although the Webbs are the first CMS missionaries in the Kimberley region. Chris and Karen are acutely aware of the foundations laid by past generations of missionaries, and the faithful labour of Christians who have gone before them. In their words: “we are still watering seeds that they planted long ago”.

Time and again 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 has been a source of deep encouragement to the Webb family. Chris explains:

“It often relieves our burdens when we are reminded again that only God can bring about spiritual change in people’s lives. This frees us to ‘plant’ and ‘water’ faithfully even when the fruit of our ministry is hard to see.”

In Broome, as in many regional and remote communities in North Australia, Aboriginal people routinely live in extended family situations affected by substance abuse and generational trauma. Yet the gospel holds out real hope for this life and the life to come. Chris and Karen share:

“As Aboriginal people face higher rates of chronic illness, trauma and lower life expectancy, Jesus gives believers the hope of a future with God that is free from suffering. And his Spirit gives them real strength to resist the cycles of addiction that damage so many lives in their communities.”

CMS are committed to the Webbs serving long-term in Broome, allowing them time to build trust with local people and gain insight into culture and language. This approach has encouraged Chris and Karen to learn from the past and see the present need to disciple the next generation of Aboriginal Christian leaders. They share:

“From the 1950’s onwards, many Aboriginal Christians were trained and equipped to serve as evangelists, pastors and church leaders. They were wise and mature leaders that Aboriginal churches looked to for guidance and stability. Most of them have now gone to be with the Lord and we are praying that God will raise up others to walk in their footsteps.”

In addition to your regular financial giving, would you prayerfully consider a generous gift to the CMS Lasting Hope Appeal by 30 June? Your support will enable us to confidently send and support CMS missionaries as together we work to see a world that knows Jesus.

We are so thankful for your joyful support. Through the generosity of people like you within the CMS fellowship, God’s word is being proclaimed to people around the world and by his Spirit many are finding lasting hope in Christ.