The mission of CMF is to unite ande quip Christian doctors and nurses to live and speak for Jesus Christ. We long to see lives transformed by the power of the Gospel, through discipleship, evangelism,mission and promotion of Christian values. And yet we only accomplish a fraction of what is possible.
Picture more medics and nurses grasping opportunities for mission. Imagine resourcing churches more widely. Consider how we could support burnt out healthcare professionals more thoroughly. I'm sure you can add examples.You see, CMF isn't just a staff team in an office; it's each and every one of us. To grow to full maturity in Christ we need each other - in order to be both encouraged (Hebrews 10:24-25) and equipped (Ephesians 4:11-13).
As I look at our membership, I am reminded that God has prepared in advance good works for each of us to do (Ephesians 2:10). Could it be that many of those might be in the places we spend most of our time? And then I ask myself some questions. How can church leaders effectively disciple individuals in their specific circumstances when 50 or 60 professions might be represented in their congregations? How do we reach unbelievers who attend appointments, but no longer set foot in church? How do we inspire students to live out their faith for their whole career? And how will we prepare and send those who can cross cultures with medicine to reach the unreached?
Over the last two years we have been assessing how we equip and support members in their regions. We long to see a multiplication of volunteers, members who have grasped this vision. Building on the work of the links scheme, we are prioritising a new volunteer ministry. Our vision is to establish teams in each region, which we believe will result in, among other things:
We believe that CMF is a vehicle to see the Kingdom of God through healthcare, to the ends of the earth. Excited? I hope so. Please join us on this new journey as we work together to Connect & Grow, Speak & Serve. For what goal? The most compelling, satisfying and life-giving of all - 'so that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ' (1 Peter 4:11).
Felicia Wong has been appointed Head of Graduate Ministries from September, succeeding Pablo Fernandez who is retiring. Felicia is a GP and has been active in local CMF work in South London. She is a member of Christ Church Earlsfield. Look out for more about Felicia in the next CMF News.
Rachel Owusu-Ankomah will succeed John Greenall as Head of Student Ministries starting this autumn. Rachel joined the team last year as Associate Staffworker at St George's, London. She says: 'I'm excited to meet and encourage CMF students and see how God will use us this year and beyond'.
On Saturday 17 June, the Board approved the audited accounts for 2016. CMF had an operating deficit of £109,672. We had planned on a deficit of £75,000 so we were almost £35,000 above that level. The results were impacted by a shortfall in income from membership subscriptions, book sales and the appeal to the Friends of CMF. However, the encouraging response to the Spring and Christmas Appeals helped to offset some of the shortfall. Costs were broadly in line with those budgeted.
The budget for 2017 is a deficit of £35,000; this is the last year of the intentional deficits authorised by the Board in 2011. Going forward from 2017, CMF is aiming for cash surpluses every year to give the ministry a firm foundation for the future.
Picture more medics and nurses grasping opportunities for mission. Imagine resourcing churches more widely. Consider how we could support burnt out healthcare professionals more thoroughly. I'm sure you can add examples.You see, CMF isn't just a staff team in an office; it's each and every one of us. To grow to full maturity in Christ we need each other - in order to be both encouraged (Hebrews 10:24-25) and equipped (Ephesians 4:11-13).
As I look at our membership, I am reminded that God has prepared in advance good works for each of us to do (Ephesians 2:10). Could it be that many of those might be in the places we spend most of our time? And then I ask myself some questions. How can church leaders effectively disciple individuals in their specific circumstances when 50 or 60 professions might be represented in their congregations? How do we reach unbelievers who attend appointments, but no longer set foot in church? How do we inspire students to live out their faith for their whole career? And how will we prepare and send those who can cross cultures with medicine to reach the unreached?
Over the last two years we have been assessing how we equip and support members in their regions. We long to see a multiplication of volunteers, members who have grasped this vision. Building on the work of the links scheme, we are prioritising a new volunteer ministry. Our vision is to establish teams in each region, which we believe will result in, among other things:
- A local expression of faith in and through our vocation. Supported by the staff team and volunteer leaders, allowing us to provide stronger training, advice and support for all volunteers to be more effective at home and overseas, as students and graduates.
- Ministry to multiply. Members supported in a difficult working environment, resourced to grow in their gifts and encouraged to live out their faith in their day to day lives.
- Flourishing prayer. Prayer requests more rapidly disseminated and locally applicable. Stories of transformed lives gathered and communicated to members to pray with greater clarity.
- A more integrated way to connect. Better connected networks means new members in regions can be more efficiently contacted and linked.
- An opportunity for growth. As the network grows, passionate volunteers get the opportunity to pray for one another and share best practice. Training and equipping is ongoing and specific to develop each member's unique gifts and passions.
We believe that CMF is a vehicle to see the Kingdom of God through healthcare, to the ends of the earth. Excited? I hope so. Please join us on this new journey as we work together to Connect & Grow, Speak & Serve. For what goal? The most compelling, satisfying and life-giving of all - 'so that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ' (1 Peter 4:11).
New senior appointments
Felicia Wong has been appointed Head of Graduate Ministries from September, succeeding Pablo Fernandez who is retiring. Felicia is a GP and has been active in local CMF work in South London. She is a member of Christ Church Earlsfield. Look out for more about Felicia in the next CMF News.
Rachel Owusu-Ankomah will succeed John Greenall as Head of Student Ministries starting this autumn. Rachel joined the team last year as Associate Staffworker at St George's, London. She says: 'I'm excited to meet and encourage CMF students and see how God will use us this year and beyond'.
Finance update
On Saturday 17 June, the Board approved the audited accounts for 2016. CMF had an operating deficit of £109,672. We had planned on a deficit of £75,000 so we were almost £35,000 above that level. The results were impacted by a shortfall in income from membership subscriptions, book sales and the appeal to the Friends of CMF. However, the encouraging response to the Spring and Christmas Appeals helped to offset some of the shortfall. Costs were broadly in line with those budgeted.
The budget for 2017 is a deficit of £35,000; this is the last year of the intentional deficits authorised by the Board in 2011. Going forward from 2017, CMF is aiming for cash surpluses every year to give the ministry a firm foundation for the future.
