Caring for the nervous system of the body of Christ
We are pleased to announce John Wyndham’s book “From Everywhere to Everywhere | The Story of Sharing of Ministries Abroad is now available as an ebook on Amazon.
John’s book has also received a new cover update.
The book may also be ordered in paperback from the SOMA Store
Can we have confidence of the Spirit-filled experience?
Where in the Bible can we learn how to receive the fullness of the Spirit that Jesus promised to His followers?
These, among others, were the questions presented to Rev. David Crawford as the Charismatic movement spread throughout Australia in the early 1970s, resulting in congregations being shaken and hundreds of hearts being set ablaze with the Holy Spirit.
When the Anglican Synod of the Diocese of Sydney met in 1971 they asked for a committee to be formed to investigate this movement. This booklet is an updated version of the briefing paper prepared by Rev. David Crawford – presenting a biblical case for the Charismatic experience.
Although written more than three decades ago, Rev. David’s study reassures every child of God that Jesus’ promise to baptise His followers in the Holy Spirt, still remains available today.
This book can be purchased from Amazon either as an ebook or paperback.
Is the spiritual fire in your heart burning brightly,
or has it died to a faint smoulder?
The imagery of fire shines very brightly throughout the entire Biblical story. In fact, fire is often regarded as one of the most powerful images for God’s presence, power and judgement in Scripture. Right from the earliest pages of God’s story, the cherubim of God guarding the entrance into God’s presence, held “flaming swords which flashed back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life” (Genesis 24). Later when God appeared to Moses, it was through a mysterious bush which burned yet was not consumed (Exodus 3). Then when God presented himself before his people to give his law, his presence was seen as a ‘consuming fire’ (Exodus 19:8) and this fiery presence continued with them as they travelled through the wilderness.
The imagery of fire representing God’s presence and power continues through the New Testament, taking on the meaning of spiritual zeal and empowerment for ministry. John first prophesied Jesus’ promise that his disciples would be baptised with the Holy Spirit and with fire (Matthew 3:11). We see this promise fulfilled when the Holy Spirit was poured out upon them at Pentecost in the form of tongues of fire.
Certainly, from the moment the Holy Spirit takes residence in our hearts, the fiery gifts He brings are always living and active. He doesn’t merely dwell; He empowers, He refines, He emboldens, and He transforms. Yet, like a smouldering ember, the fervency of His presence within us can wane if left unattended.
In a world characterized by turmoil and strife, the need for the Holy Spirit’s transformative power has never been greater. We’re bombarded daily with messages of fear, division, and despair. In such times, fanning into flames the gift of the Holy Spirit becomes not just a suggestion but a necessity.
“For this reason, I remind you to fan into flames the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.”
2 Timothy 1:6-7 (NIV)
Paul personally knew the importance of keeping the Holy Spirit’s presence aflame within our hearts. It was for this reason that he urged Timothy to “fan into flame the gift of God” which was imparted to him through the laying on of hands. Flickers of this symbolism continue throughout Paul’s letters. For example, in Romans 12:11, he writes ‘Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord.” Interestingly, this phrase literally means “keep boiling in the spirit”.
Spiritual fervour is absolutely vital for ministry, Paul contends, which is why he urges Timothy to fan or stoke his spiritual fires into flame. Paul continues, “the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.” The Holy Spirit infuses us with courage, enabling us to overcome fear and uncertainty. He instils within us a profound sense of love, both for God and for others. And He equips us with self-discipline, enabling us to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and grace.
So, how do we go about fanning the flames of the Holy Spirit within us? It begins with a deliberate commitment to spiritual disciplines such as prayer (particularly, Jude writes, praying in the Spirit (Jude 1:20), meditation on Scripture, worship, and fellowship with other believers. These practices stoke the fire of the Spirit, igniting within us a passionate love for God and a fervent desire to live out His purposes.
Additionally, we must continually surrender ourselves to the leading of the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to guide and empower every aspect of our lives. As we yield to His promptings, we experience firsthand the power, love, and self-discipline that Paul describes. There is one other way we can be assisted in fanning the flames of the
Holy Spirit within us, and that is intentionally stepping aside to meet with other believers for the purpose of spiritual renewal and transformation.
Knowing the difficulty we all have in maintaining our spiritual fervour, Sharing of
Ministries Abroad (SOMA) is working with leaders from the Anglican Renewal Network of Australia (ARNA) to organise three mini Conferences called “Anglicans Ablaze Australia”. Learn more about these conferences in our latest Newsletter.
In closing, those familiar with A Prayer Book for Australia, will be aware of the spiritual practice of praying the Daily Offices. With an aim to keep our spiritual fervour white-hot and boiling, let us make a commitment to pray the morning prayer,
As we rejoice in the gift of this new day,
so may the light of your presence, O God,
set our hearts on fire with love for you; now and forever. Amen.
Yours in Christ, Reverend Melinda, National Director, SOMA
Read all the articles in our April May SOMA Newsletter …
National Director’s opening devotional
Is the spiritual fire in your heart burning brightly, or has it died to a faint smoulder?
SOMA Mission & Anglicans Ablaze mini-conference in Sth Gippsland, VIC in May
If your spiritual tanks are empty, or the fire for the Holy Spirit needs rekindling … head over to South Gippsland in May …
Anglicans Ablaze mini-conferences in QLD & NSW
The Anglicans Ablaze mini-conference in May is only the beginning. Two more conferences are being organised later this year …
Former SOMA Director, Liz Rankin’s induction
Rev Liz has settled into her new parish at Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads ..,
Upcoming SOMA International Mission to Tanzania
National Director, Rev. Mel and Rev. Wayne Walters will be joining SOMA International’s Revive East Africa mission in Tanzania …
Anglicans Ablaze Australia Blog
If you are a Charismatic Anglican, ablaze with the Holy Spirit, a new blog has been created to encourage, uplift and stir you to serve God in the power of the Spirit
New SOMA online bookstore opening soon …
The SOMA team have been working hard to bring a range of books which will be available for purchase soon through Amazon ….
And a great prayer for spiritual renewal to pray for your parish …
Regulars:
Written by Rev. Melinda McMahon | National Director of SOMA Australia
Greetings to all SOMA Missioners,
Perhaps you have had moments when the Lord
cuts into your thinking and suddenly you have
clarity of vision and a renewed sense of purpose.
One such time for me was at my first SOMA National Directors’ meeting in August this year.
It seemed like a new season for SOMA. Rev. Henry Blair had commenced as International Coordinator with SOMA UK and Rev. Andrew Allan-Johns, SOMA International Chair, had received advice that SOMA US was reluctant to participate in SOMA International missions. The prospect of this later separation evoked concern and deep regret. So, Rev. Andrew called us to pause in listening prayer, to be guided by the Spirit of God as to how we should proceed in this new season.
It was during this period of quietness that a scene from a movie, titled, “7 Yards. The Chris Norton Story”, I had watched a few weeks earlier, flashed before me. Chris Norton, a young footballer, had become paralysed from the waist down after a life-altering tackle. He was told by his doctors he would never walk again.
Immediately I saw the connection between the movie and the current state of the global Anglican communion.
Are not the legs of Christ’s Anglican body inflicted with paralysis, suffering such serious nerve damage, that her ability to walk and run is impaired?
The scene before me served as a reminder of the words a SOMA leader received in the early days of the formation of SOMA. He had heard Jesus’ cry,
“I weep over my broken body. When one part of the body is in pain, the other parts do not feel the pain …”[1]
It was precisely the pain of simmering friction within the global Anglican Communion in 1978 all those decades ago that prompted a prophetic word to form a ministry that would release the Holy Spirit to tend to the nervous system of the Anglican Church.
However, it was not the scene of Chris Norton’s paralysed body that the Spirit quickened within me. Rather it was the occasion when Chris awoke one morning with a noticeable sensation in his big toe.
So marked was the tingling that his body pulsated with a sense of hope and anticipation. Could it be true? Would God be so gracious as to do a work of healing in his body? Might it be possible that his dream to walk his fiancé down the aisle in the coming months come true?
And so it was. Hope fuelled faith, faith birthed perseverance, and after seven years of agonising physiotherapy, Chris’ dream became a reality.
In our current situation we might well ask:
How might the Spirit use SOMA to tend to the nerve damaged body of the Anglican Communion in this season?
Over the past five decades SOMA teams have fulfilled their calling to be the means by which the Holy Spirit brings healing, reconciliation, renewal and revitalisation, to the body of Christ, and especially to those in most need.
SOMA teams are, many ways, like the nerve fibres which bring the Holy Spirit’s healing and restoration to different members of Christ’s body.
The scene quickened by the Spirit enabled me to glimpse the significance of SOMA International continuing its missions across the world. Perhaps our continuance in bringing teams of Anglicans from various diocese to minister together in the power of the Spirit, might serve as a ‘tingling’ of hope to those of SOMA US, that the Lord Jesus would have his people continue sending His healing and restorative power to all members of the Anglican communion.
Is the Lord calling SOMA to be the fibres connecting the various members of Christ’s broken, injured body?
From its conception, a core value of SOMA has been its reliance on intercessory prayer for the release of the Spirit’s power throughout the body of Christ.
This call for prayer was highlighted at the most recent National Director’s meeting, when there was resounding agreement of the need for prayer to resume its rightful priority. To that end, National Directors were challenged to raise up intercessory prayer co-ordinators in each of their home countries.
However, Jesus taught us that there are situations when prayer alone may not be sufficient, when prayer needs to be accompanied by fasting. For prayer and fasting enables the Lord to teach us humility, to inspire us towards justice, to release us from oppression, and to enrich our sense of generosity (Isaiah 58:6-10)
The Lord’s promise is firm to those who fast in prayer:
“You will be given water when you are dry
and your strength restored.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like an ever-flowing spring. (v11b)
Is not this the very season when the body of Christ needs her strength to be restored and her innermost parts to be healed?”
In a recent conversation with John Wyndham, author of “From Everywhere to Everywhere: The Story of Sharing of Ministries Abroad”, I was reminded,
“Intercession is the foundation upon which SOMA’s ministry and mission are secured … in fact mission and ministry are the two legs that make it run.”
So, let’s keep running and praying that the body of Christ might be nurtured and maintained as mission teams go forth across the world to build up Christ’s body.”[2] During this Advent season of expectation of our Saviour’s return, let us “keep watch” and “be alert and pray for the coming of your Lord”. As SOMA Missioners who have responded to the call of the Lord Jesus, let us continue to be the fibres through which the Holy Spirit brings healing and restoration to our broken world. Yours in the power of the Spirit, Rev. Mel
[1] From Everywhere to Everywhere, John Wyndham, page 23.
[2] John Wyndham, From Everywhere to Everywhere, page 136-137.
Report written by Rev. Melinda McMahon, Rector of Southlakes Anglican Church and National Director of SOMA Australia.
In the last weeks of November, Rev. Andrew Allan-Johns the Chair of SOMA International visited Australia. Starting with a meet and greet with Rev. Graeme and Rev. Susan Liersch, Ministers of the parish of Wonthaggi/Inverloch in
Victoria. Then travelled to Newcastle to spend some time with the saints of Southlakes Anglican Church. As soon as he stepped off the plane in Newcastle, we drove up to the home of John Wyndham in Port Macquarie.
Some may not be aware, John is a pioneer of SOMA Australia and the author of SOMA’s historic book “From Everywhere to Everywhere”. (A book which is available for purchase from SOMA’s website). We spent a delightful morning discussing various aspects of John’s account of the formation of SOMA. John shared his prayers as he ‘passes on the mantle of anointing’ to the new SOMA teams and gave us many of the contacts he had established with SOMA supporters around the world.
We then returned to Newcastle, Andrew was able to spend time with the saints in my own church, Southlakes Anglican, during which he preached at both our traditional service and more charismatic evening service we call, “Encountering God’s Power and Presence.”
During the traditional service, I interviewed Rev. Andrew on some of the new initiatives SOMA International is introducing and next year’s mission to Tanzania (more on this below). Then Rev. Andrew preached from the first chapter of Ephesians on the church’s calling to demonstrate the kingdom of God through the ministry of healing. Rev. Andrew had several words of knowledge for healing for those present, which was a new experience for some. His visit inspired many of my parishioners to become more interested in SOMA, and encouraged me as I navigate the terrain of encouraging my somewhat traditional congregation to venture bravely towards Charismatic renewal.
SOMA Chair | Bishop Ian Lambert Reports
on the Healing Conference held recently in Melbourne:
The testimonies tell the story of our awesome God in action at the St Paul’s North Caulfield conference in November.
We commenced the weekend with an evening specifically for pastors/priests to provide an opportunity for them to worship, dine, network and fellowship together.
On Friday we heard of the wonderful healing legacy at St Paul’s because of the faithful healing ministry initiatives by Rev. Hickson at the turn of last century. Each session had inspired worship which led us into God’s presence and prepared us to receive great messages of encouragement and teaching.
Rev Dr Teresa Parish led each of the evening sessions and ministry times. What an inspiring and lively time we enjoyed with Teresa!
Rev Dr Mark Durie taught authoritatively on Healing and Deliverance and then on Life in the Spirit. Bishop Ian Lambert shared stories around our supernatural God from his ministry and missions using Elijah and the prophets of Baal narrative. On Saturday Bp Ian dealt with the difficult subject of when healing doesn’t come, and forgiveness. On Saturday afternoon there were six workshops, including: establishing healing ministry in local church; navigating renewal in the local church; spiritual gifts; and deliverance ministry.
St Paul’s were outstanding hosts, and the gathering ran seamlessly. Indeed, the large bold billboard outside the church on the highway: “WE PRAY STUFF HAPPENS!” was true to its word. The presence of God, the weight of His holiness – the kabod – was something to be experienced. People were healed, captives set free, words of knowledge, demons fled, and much weeping! Nothing more powerful than when God’s presence rested heavily on the clergy as those present were prayed for.
What outstanding young leaders in Rev Brendon and Virginia McDonald at St Paul’s, so ably supported by their lay folk. Looking towards more of the same over the years to come – bodes well for the Anglican Church in Melbourne! Praise God.
From 30 May to 7 June 2024 SOMA International is coordinating “Revive East Africa” mission in Tanzania. The mission is being hosted by the Diocese of Central Tanganyika (DCT) and will follow a provincial training model. At the outset, the Bishop will accompany three carefully selected teachers and trainers from each Diocese to receive teaching on the Holy Spirit. The SOMA international team will include three missioners per diocese.
Topics to be taught will include the role of the Holy Spirit, healing the sick, prophecy and the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the spiritual realm, deliverance, forgiveness and holiness. Teaching will then be extended further to diocesan leaders and lay invitees. The teams will consist of experienced missioner, international and diocesan leaders. Training will be in Kiswahili and translators will be used. Following this, diocesan leaders will seek to encourage those in their own dioceses to utilise the gifts of the Spirit.
For those interested in joining the international team, SOMA missions take place upon the request of the diocesan bishop and conform to local policies and procedures. As is the case in all SOMA Missions, participants travel at their own expense, but local hospitality is to be provided. Each missionary can contribute US$200 towards their hosting plus local travel expenses. To register your participation, please contact Rev. Melinda, National Director, at contactsomaau@gmail.com.
From SOMA’s birthing in the late 1970s, prayer has had a vital role in the organisation of missions, the spiritual protection of missioners, and keeping the fruit of the mission growing when it had finished. Would you like to be part of the SOMA Australia newly formed Intercessory Team?
At the recent National Director’s team meeting we were challenged to ensure prayer was given its rightful place in all our activities. We were challenged to raise up intercessors to be trained to become a more effective intercessors, and as well to receive regular updates on what is happening in SOMA around the world, so that they might be better positioned to pray for upcoming SOMA missions. Such an Intercessory Team would make an important contribution to releasing the Holy Spirit’s power and healing throughout the nervous system of His body, the Church. All SOMA National Director’s are currently in the process of organising a SOMA Week of Prayer for January/February next week. Please let Rev. Melinda, at contact@somaau.org know if you are interested in being more involved in prayer for SOMA.
The September 2023 SOMA Australia Newsletter is out now!
You may either receive this email via email, or a PDF version is available who would prefer to receive a copy that may be printed.
Included here is the opening greeting by new National Director, Reverend Melinda.
She writes,
Greetings to all SOMA Missioners,
Please allow me to start by introducing myself, as many may not know who I am, or where I’m from. My name is Melinda McMahon and I am the Rector of the Anglican parish of Southlakes which is located in the Lake Macquarie district of New South Wales. So, I’m part of the Newcastle Diocese.
For the past four years I’ve been in parish ministry, after ministering as a chaplain and a Scripture teacher for many years, as well as ministering as family worker in Tea Gardens and Bulahdelah.
But, most of all, I am passionate about fulfilling God’s mission in the power of the Spirit. Shortly after returning home from participating in my first SOMA mission to Northern Ireland, I was delighted to be invited to be the new National Director.
I would like to start our newsletters with a devotional, keeping our focus on the great commission which our Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ called us to fulfil.
In our parish, during the season of Pentecost, we have been following a devotional which journeys through the book of Acts, teaching us how to minister in the power of the Holy Spirit. I’d like to share the devotional of Day 14, entitled, “The Spirit of Pentecost is the Spirit of Mission”.
When Jesus promised His disciples the power they needed to accomplish the work He had given them. He said, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). There are at least five ways the Spirit empowers us to fulfill God’s mission.
The Spirit Compels Us to Witness | With the baptism in the Holy Spirit comes an inner compulsion to tell others about Jesus and His salvation. When Peter and John were ordered to stop preaching and teaching in Jesus’ name, they replied, “We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20). The Holy Spirit was in them compelling them to talk about their Lord. In the same way, the Spirit compels us to tell others about Jesus.
The Spirit Enables Us to Speak | Once the disciples were filled with the Spirit, they spoke with unexpected ability. The people were astonished that these ordinary men spoke with such authority. We can have that same “great grace” upon our lives if we will be empowered by the Holy Spirit as they were.
The Spirit Equips Us to Defeat Demons | Paul wrote, “The god of this age [Satan] has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ” (2 Cor. 4:4). Jesus overcame demons in the Spirit’s power, and so must we. This is another reason we must be filled with―and remain full of―the Holy Spirit.
The Spirit Empowers Us to Work Miracles | In Acts, signs and wonders were a key element in advancing the gospel. Following the Spirit’s outpouring at Pentecost, “awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles” (2:43). The same can be true today. If we will be filled with the Spirit and remain committed to God’s mission, the Spirit will work through us to perform miracles to the glory of God.
The Spirit Gives Us Boldness | The Spirit who empowers us for mission is who gives us courage to witness for Christ in the face of danger and threats. We know that Stephen was stoned, James was beheaded, Peter was imprisoned, and Paul was once stoned and left for dead. When we face hostility and threat today, we must be like those first Christians. We must be filled with the Spirit and continue to boldly proclaim the message of salvation.
You and I are called to fulfil Jesus’ mission. So let us ‘Go in love and serve the Lord, in the power of the Spirit’ wherever the Lord has placed us, wherever our missionfield is. Yours in the power of the Spirit, Rev Mel.
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