Christ is Risen!!
What joy and a privilege we have to serve the King of the Universe, the One who died and rose again to give us hope and life!
Thank you to the many who have prayed with us over the last number of weeks as Phil started his new role as International Director of SIM. The weekend of Feb 23rd and 24th was a great time. On the evening of the 23rd there was a wonderful celebration for Joshua & Joanna Bogunjoko. Joshua served as International Director for almost 11 years!
Photo credit : John Dudeck
Joshua and Joanna being honoured by Gillian Phillips, Chair of the the SIM Board of Governors
Joshua and Joanna with their children Jochebed and Joel
On Saturday Feb 24th, there was a service to commission Phil into the role of SIM International Director. Gillian Phillips oversaw the proceedings and gave the charge to Phil as he takes on the new role. Our friend and colleague Keith Walker gave a Gospel-centred challenge from the book of Romans. Joshua Bogunjoko shared encouragement as he handed over the baton of leadership and again challenged Phil to the keep the main thing the main thing. Our friends and mentors, Malcolm and Liz McGregor, were also present and led the prayers of dedication. There were many other friends, family and colleagues that were able to be with us.
Phil is taking on a daunting role and we are grateful for the support of so many.
Photo Credits: John Dudeck
A special highlight was to have the previous International Directors that we served under present at the commissioning. Dr. Jim Plueddemann (left) served from 1993-2003, Malcolm McGregor (left of Phil) from 2003-2013 and Joshua from 2013-2024.
A recording of the commissioning service can be seen here.
More photos of the commissioning are available here.
It was extra special for us to have each of our kids with us for the commissioning service. (A sign on the SIM USA campus pointing to Ghana seemed an appropriate backdrop.)
The first month...
Since the commissioning, Phil was able to attend the Sports Friends Global gathering. Sports Friends is a ministry of SIM that focuses on using sport in outreach and discipleship. It was great to spend time with this group of 70+ people and hearing of the different ways God is choosing to allow them to use sports to make disciples in a wide variety of contexts.
Shortly after Phil returned we both were able to participate in the Flourishing People Workshop that Andrea helped organise for colleagues involved in people management, development and care. It was great to be with 100 people from around the SIM world to specifically consider how we can develop communities of grace where our workers can thrive. Andrea especially enjoyed the opportunity to be together in person with so many people that she works with and usually only sees over Zoom.
Where is God Leading?
In the coming weeks Phil expects to spend a few days at a conference with a large church in the Middle East that is sending Gospel workers. We are exploring ways SIM may be able to partner more closely with them. Following that we will both be together in Austria with Phil's Executive Team for in-person time together as we seek to grow closer as a team. The following week we will remain in Austria to be together with other leaders and mentors in SIM's Leader Development Initiative. The couple we are mentoring got their visas and so we look forward to reconnecting with them after almost a year of online interactions.
At this point we have no travel for May or early June so we look forward to being closer to home.
There are many things about the future that we don't know as we move forward. There are a couple things we do know. We cannot and must not do this alone! We are grateful for the Board of Governors that provides accountability to Phil as well as the leadership team that Phil works with. God has provided many godly people for us to work with and we are deeply humbled.
We value your prayers as we continue this journey.
For Prayer
Praise God
For Joshua and Joanna's leadership while Joshua has been International Director for the last 11 years, and a great time celebrating with them.
That God was honoured and glorified at the commissioning service and for the many colleagues, friends and family that were able to attend.
That our kids were all able to be present at the commissioning, and for their support of us.
For good transition and handover with Joshua and for a smooth first month in the role.
For safe travels, for Phil to the Sports Friends Global Gathering and for both of us to the Flourishing People Workshop.
Pray
That we will remain sensitive to God's leading and that we would rely on him.
For wisdom to discern what invitations and opportunities to accept to best serve in the roles he has given us.
For a good time meeting in person with the Executive Team later in April. Pray that we will be able to grow together as a team.
For God's care and protection over us and our kids.
Thank you for your prayers and interest.