CHRISTIANS WHO WORK the land have found an unusual way to support missionaries who take the gospel on the high seas.
Sheep farmers are giving some of their livestock to help feed crew on board the 1,000-ton Island Mercy, which twins free medical aid with evangelism on its voyages throughout Pacific region.
Donated meat worth NZ $20,000 a year goes to the ship from a dozen farmers across the South Island, providing "a tremendous practical help to our ministry" according to director David Cowie.
With supply now outstripping the demand of the crew, the extra food is being raised for sale, with proceeds going to help fuel and equip the Island Mercy - part of the international Mercy Ships fleet - for future trips.
Initially lamb, donations now also include pork, poultry, fruit and vegetables. The first cattle reared specifically to help support the missionary work are due to go under the hammer at auction this month, and could raise a further NZ 17,000 according to pastor Newton Wills, who started the "farmers' fund" several years ago.
"Many Christians have a heart to give to missions in some way, but it isn't always encouraged, and often they just don't know how to go about it. If you can show them a way they can help from their own resources, they are more than willing to be involved," said Wills, of Gore Apostolic Church, Gore.
"The potential to support missions from the land is almost unlimited. If every Christian farmer was to take five per cent or ten per cent of their grazing land and set it aside for God's work, there would be enough resources to change whole nations across the Pacific."
The farming donations showed how everyone could be involved in missions in some way, said Cowie, Mercy Ships' Pacific director. While not everyone was called to go on the mission field, and may not be able to donate money, their use of natural God-given resources could be a great source of support in reaching the world with the gospel, he added.
Based in Tauranga, the Island Mercy has sailed thousands of miles throughout the Pacific over the past few years, providing free dental and eye clinics, and helping with community development projects.
The now four-strong Mercy Ships fleet was founded in 1978, as the maritime division of Youth With A Mission.
Last updated: 1996, June 08 /pf