Oceania regional visit

At the invitation and support of the CMDF Australia National Organising Committee, I had the privilege to visit Fiji, New Zealand and Australia from 6 April to 4 May 2005.The aim was to share information and raise awareness of the International Christian Medical and Dental Association and of the World Congress, including the Student plus Young Graduates pre-conference, in Sydney Australia in 2006.

Fiji

After an abortive first approach to Nandi (pronounced Nadi) airport, due to a violent thunderstorm, we landed safely to be met by Dr Roger Sheehy. Previously a missionary doctor in Fiji for fifteen years, Roger is now teaching Missiology as a team member of Worldwide Evangelism for Christ. Opportunities for networking were exciting as there already were regular links with the Medical Students, the Nurses Christian Fellowship, the Healthcare Fellowship International, and a care group of Doctors/Dentists of the Mary Hearth Christian Fellowship. Upcoming medical and dental conferences scheduled for August 2005 in Fiji would be targeted to promote the ICMDA and the World Congress.

New Zealand

Auckland was the first city visited. What was to follow a first meeting was a wonderful revelation of the Lord’s under-taking, guidance and presence. As we met with wonderful people in homes, coffee shops and medical school lecture halls, talking, sharing, enjoying fellowship and praying together, we had a deep sense that the Lord Himself was urging us all on His call to witness, mission and service for the Kingdom within the health profession. So on to Wellington, Dunedin and Christ Church where each city demonstrated a special as well as particular significance for Christ. The hospitality of all who had us to stay added hugely to the experience of joy and unity in God’s family. Our prayer is that, with the opportunity to participate in such a world event, the Christian Medical Fellowship in NZ will be inspired by the Holy Spirit to a renewal of life and purpose.

Australia

In Australia, apart from the two focal points of the National Organising Committee meeting in Sydney (28 April) and the National Conference of the CMDFA in Adelaide (20-24 April), opportunities to meet with CMFDA in Hobart (Tasmania) Melbourne, Brisbane, Townsville, Canberra, Sydney and Perth were arranged. The links between the student, young graduates and graduate groups continue to stimulate an appreciation of the value of fellowship and support in the maintaining of faith in Christ as Lord. The Adelaide Conference was a special experience of this as more than 90 students and young graduates, attending the parallel Impact Conference, joined in the experience.

Due to flight delays I was not able to attend the meeting in Perth. This was very disap-pointing. As with all the other meetings, key people are committed to encouraging as many as possible to attend the World Congress in Sydney 2006.

See you there!