A Supporter's story - The Revd Ken Hewlett
I first became conscious of ABM at the age of 8 or 9. The Rev’d David Cobbett, who was the curate in the parish of All Saints New Lambton, and Bishop Fortesque Ash imparted their enthusiasm for mission to me. My parish was an enthusiastic and regular supporter of ABM and there were always publications and references to the work ABM was doing.
I was also influenced by big mission rallies held in the Newcastle Diocese when missionaries such as Bishops Philip Strong and David Hand told stories of their work and of the people they worked with. I was a member of the Comrades of St George, a young people’s group which supported mission. ABM was part of my consciousness of what the mission of the church was on about.
I moved to Sydney and through the Young Anglican Fellowship, became friends with three of the missionary students. I married Bev Hodge who became a missionary teacher in PNG. At Christ Church St Lawrence, my parish church, there was a constant stream of missionaries and missionary Bishops passing through. They kept us informed of what the church was doing overseas. Canon Coldrake and his family were regular parishioners at Christ Church and he often preached. It was a great experience to benefit from his wisdom and insight as he had a great gift of teaching the theology of mission. I was also inspired by the commitment of people such as John and Moya Holle, and Mrs Crutwell and her son Norman who was a priest in PNG.
After my ordination, I strongly encouraged my parishes to support ABM, with special emphasis on the Lent Appeals. Lent is ABM’s time as there is a strong connection between the mission of the church and the theology of the cross and the resurrection. As Chairman of the ABM Melbourne Committee, and a member of the ABM Provincial Committee, I continued my close association with ABM.
It is interesting and very positive that ABM now supports local missionaries in their own countries rather than the previous practice of sending white missionaries overseas. Right from the early days of my involvement, ABM saw our relationship with overseas churches as that of Partners and had a clear understanding of partnership being a mutual sharing of resources and insights. The earlier missionaries from Australia and England laid the groundwork for the local people to take over and their contribution to our Partner Churches was invaluable.
The introduction of the Project Book was an excellent tool and I still find the Prayer diary, and weekly inserts for the Parish bulletin are very helpful in encouraging people to work and pray for mission.
The Revd Ken Hewlett
Vicar of St Oswald’s, Glen Iris
December 2009
