Jesus's Ministry Around the World

A note from Bishop Dan and Canon Brian McVitty about World Mission Sunday and the Missionary Diocese of Mahajanga

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Our precious Gospel is for all nations and on this upcoming World Mission Sunday (Feb. 23rd) churches across our diocese will be praying for Jesus’s ministry around the world. 

Many of us will be praying for Bishop Darrell, Sarah and their son Chase Critch in their new work in the missionary diocese of Mahajanga in Madagascar. At our recent synod, it was very moving to hear them share about how God has led them into this ministry and what was before them. We then prayed for them and, as their sending diocese, commissioned them with our ongoing prayers and support.  

It was a great joy, and eye opening for me (Bishop Dan) to attend Bishop Darrell’s consecration service and celebration in Mahajanga in December. All the clergy and many of the lay leaders of the diocese were gathered there and I was impressed by their deep love for Jesus and their servant hearted ministry. At the same time, I was struck by the many and great challenges that they face as they serve Him in an area with much poverty. 

On this World Mission Sunday we invite you to pray for the Critch family and their diocese, and to continue to do so as a regular part of your prayer life. Bishop Darrell writes a Substack newsletter that is very helpful for your prayers, which you can find and subscribe to here.

Finally, if you would like to give financially to the work of the diocese of Mahajanga, you can double the impact of your gift from now through Lent. Our Diocese of Canada, as part of our On Mission priority, will match your givings through Lent up to $10,000. You can give online using the link below or by indicating "Diocese of Mahajanga" in your online gift or cheque.

It is a deep privilege for us to be part of God’s work of salvation throughout the world. May we find our commitment to mission in our own churches vitalised as we experience our unity in Jesus with our brothers and sisters in their Gospel ministry overseas.

Yours in the grace of Jesus,

Bishop Dan Gifford

The Rev. Canon Brian McVitty - Canon for Mission