Responding to the Challenge
Mission Afloat
This is one of a series of interviews in which
Bruce Geeves follows up those people who have responded to
the Bishop’s
challenge to ‘take a risk.’ Allister Martin talks
about the expectations and development of his vision for
Mission
Afloat and what he has learnt.
Bruce Geeves: Allister, tell me about this
vision for young adults to be challenged to faith by
relationships and sailing. What was going on in your life
before you got a vision for this kind of ministry?
Allister Martin: I had a background in sea and
fishing and fisheries research – this involved
exploration and trawling. I was challenged by the sea and
its expanse.
On holidays as a child I saw the boats at St Helens. Then
I was involved with education at secondary level Maths and
Science.
When I was at Woodbridge High School I started a sailing
club. Kids responded to making boats, reading weather maps,
using a compass, all of which used Mathematics of some kind.
They learned in the practical application. We got a few
grants and set up a sailing club.
Teenagers were learning from the activity. From there my
wife Jill and I established Kingston Christian School and
then I was involved in an unemployment program, then Mission
Afloat.
Was there much encouragement when you started?
Alister
Palmer who was at that time in the Missions Department
encouraged me. He had an ability to connect people to each
other, and a capacity to see ideas. Congregations were
supportive. At Kingston
the Mothers’ Guild supported us as a special project
for two years. Glenorchy
Parish helped as well.
So how did it start?
I presented a business plan with Ray Phillips and Ian
Edwards. The Bishop was very supportive – some people
had to be won over. The Bishop stressed that we must find
ways of sharing our faith and reaching into the community
with creative challenging activity.
The buildings we wanted to use were run down and
BayWest and
Lenah Valley
were supportive financially.
No doubt there were frustrations and some unhelpful
things said.
Well, we had gone through a very difficult time with the
Safe Ministry, which had taken its toll. People were careful
about who would go about youth ministry. But we were
encouraged by support which was shown.
What have been the highlights in this new
ministry?
The great support we get from our volunteers – we
could not go on without them. Let me say that we have people
who give very generously to us. For instance, Kingston
Joinery has given us free project material.
We have engineers who design and invent pieces that we
need. I am amazed at the quantity and the expertise of
volunteers. We have a prayer team that meets on Monday night
and recently we have been given a boat.
What would you say to someone starting with a vision
for this kind of ministry?
Know that you are called. You must have a passion, and
you must be flexible.
Mission Afloat News may be found here.
|
