No need for Chinese whispers - CMS New South Wales’ top executive has announced he will be relinquishing the position he has held for more than a decade to return to Hong Kong’s mission field.
The General Secretary of CMS NSW's branch, the Rev John Menear, will leave his position after 13 years and return to St Andrew's, Kowloon in the Diocese of Western Kowloon, Province of Hong Kong where he was Rector from 1983 to 1989.
Mr Menear says a number of reasons led to the decision.
"Having worked overseas and being involved in mission, my wife Janelle and I always prayed that we might have the opportunity to one day do it again," he says.
After spending the past year with CMS thinking about China " including sending five people there next year " Mr Menear reconnected with his Hong Kong community.
"I read about the church in China and familiarised myself with its development. I had a growing excitement about being a part of it," he says.
Mr Menear will take over as Vicar from October, replacing the Rev Paul Kenchington, the Vicar for the last five years.
Since Mr Menear last ministered in the Diocese of Hong Kong and Macau, it has become a province containing three dioceses and St Andrew's has tripled to 1200 attendees on a Sunday.
Mr Menear recalls his time as CMS NSW General Secretary with great thankfulness.
"Looking at the board of photographs of all the missionaries serving with CMS, it's a blessing recognising that I've been a part of the process."
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