What do you do at SIM NZ? If you could describe your role in no more than two sentences, what would you tell us?

I am the other ‘half’ alongside Alan Murray (my husband) for leading Communications/Media. I create the content, and Alan makes it look good!

Tell us about your journey into global missions

My first memory of considering mission work came about through a guest speaker at my church. I was a beginning primary school teacher in a small rural community and settled in the local church. A missionary came to speak about their experiences, and it was here that God first stirred my heart.

Many years later, after different experiences with short term mission trips to the Philippines and Turkey, and two years at Bible college, I met with Nigel Webb as I was interested in working for the SIM NZ home office. After a whirlwind of events which included an interview with SIM NZ, being declined the job, a prophetic word saying ‘it’s not over yet’, to being offered a role with SIM while driving to a missions conference in Tauranga, I moved from Christchurch to Auckland to work for SIM in 2007!

Sometime later, I met Alan, we married, and then we went short term with SIM to Thailand. Years later, we applied to return to Thailand long term, our children in tow. Then COVID hit, and we questioned where the Lord wanted us. An opportunity arose with SIM to support the establishment of a new online Christian international school. With the decision to downsize our financial footprint, we moved down to Christchurch.

Soon, disappointment and disillusionment kicked in. The online school folded, and we were left wondering what to do.

God had another, and yet even more super idea. In our move to Christchurch, God was leading me to write again. In that journey, Zoe (then SIM NZ Comms) began to tap our shoulders, encouraging us to consider taking on the Comms/Media role. And that’s what we did! Since the beginning of this year, we have officially taken over from Zoe.

Why do you enjoy working for SIM?

I think the biggest privilege is being able to ‘give a voice’ to our mission partners by writing their stories alongside them. Hearing about their joys and challenges has been a gift, and knowing that they are ordinary folk who have simply said ‘yes’ to the call of God on their lives. I also enjoy being creative – it’s so awesome that, in my job, I get to write stories!

What are some of the challenges in your role?

Sometimes it can be a challenge when working remotely. I am a ‘people’ person, so working by yourself a lot can be tedious at times. However, I can get a lot done! Communication while being remote can also be hard at times. Also, life can get quite busy (including other aspects of my role), so trying to find spaces to ‘write with intent’ can be a bit tricky.

Tell us about your family

Alan and I have been married for 15 years, and we have two awesome children, Abi who is 13 and Ethan who is 11. We love watching God work in their lives and some of their comments and questions while we read the Bible together, have a profound impact on me. We had the opportunity to take them to Cambodia last year and what an experience that was for them!

What do you enjoy in your spare time?

I like writing, especially more reflective pieces about God and his relationship with us. I enjoy going outdoors for a walk or bike ride. And there is nothing better for my soul than an excellent coffee with a good friend!

A lesson you have learnt in life that you would like to share

Which lesson do I choose from? The most prominent and recent lesson would be that no matter how I mess up, God’s plans and purposes will still prevail. It may not be in my lifetime, but in the lifetime of future generations. I can see this being outworked in my own children. God chooses me for specific purposes; however, I need to look at these within the bigger picture of God’s plan for this world. Keep everything in perspective!

How can we pray for you?

It has been hard for us to settle into a house here in Canterbury. Please pray that we would settle into the right place, and that God’s purposes would be worked in and through us. Pray for Abi as she transitions from primary to high school. Pray for Alan and me in our ministry roles at our church. Pray for us as we continue to develop our Communications role and all that this involves. Thanks!

To give to the SIM NZ office, visit here.