About

Mission South Pacific

September 27th, 2007 · No Comments

Mission South Pacific (“MSP”) has a God-driven vision for Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. Our dream is to see a thriving network of spiritually strong, rapidly growing, self-sustaining and faith-filled congregations established throughout the entire region. MSP and its partners believe that this vision will be realized through the establishment of programs to train disciples to make disciples, (Matthew 28:19, 20), recruitment, training and deployment of missionaries and mission teams and assistance to established regional churches.

Why the South Pacific? For three decades, no mission teams have entered this highly urbanized region. Australia and New Zealand are outposts of Western trade and culture on the doorstep of Asia. Thousands of Chinese and other Asian students study in Australia and New Zealand. What gains are made for the kingdom in the South Pacific will directly influence the work in Asia. Australia is a close neighbor to Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.

We believe that God is working through MSP and our partners to turn a new page in the history of the church in Asia and the South Pacific! New churches will be planted. New disciples made. New training initiatives will be implemented. By working with God and by His provision, the vision can become a reality.

MSP works to realize this vision and accomplish these goals in the following five ways:

1. Sunset International Bible Institute (“SIBI”)

SIBI is our brotherhood’s most dynamic and productive source of trained missionaries. Our association with SIBI puts us in contact with men and women who have made a strong and sacrificial commitment to the spread of the gospel. Since our work is specifically with the Missions Track, Adventures in Missions (AIM) and Advanced Missions, we have strong interaction with those who have a missionary calling.

2. Regional Training Programs

Working with Sunset’s International Studies Division in Asia and the South Pacific, we have the opportunity to make a positive and significant contribution to the welfare of the church in the region now and in the future. Initially, we have begun a partnership with the Macquarie School of Biblical Studies (“MSOBS”) in Sydney to help revitalize and expand that training program utilizing the SIBI curriculum and personnel.

3. Recruiting and Training Missionaries and Mission Teams

Recruitment of short and long term missionaries for the South Pacific/Australasia region is integral to the work of MSP. Our work at SIBI brings us in contact with potential missionaries and mission teams. Additionally, we assist recruitment and training of teams from colleges and universities.

4. Assisting Established Churches

We assist established churches throughout the South Pacific by consulting with them and preaching and teaching for them at their request. Additionally, we have developed seminars and workshops to revitalize and mature the work of churches in the region.

5. Assisting Sending Churches

We are available to consult with sending churches and have seminars and workshops available to develop and augment your mission efforts. We can supply speakers on missions topics for mission emphasis occasions. We are available to serve as liaison between church and missionary or mission team.

Mission South Pacific is a registered non-profit organization. For further information, contact:

Mission South Pacific

4025 Fairmont

Abilene, Texas 79605

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Dwight W. Whitsett

325-673-9697 (office)

325-370-7448 (cell)

dwight.whitsett@gmail.com

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Sharon Sturgess, Chairperson

Robert P. Odle

Tracy Wilson

Randy Becton

Gaylord Sturgess

Ed Enzor

Mission South Pacific is based in Abilene Texas. It is affiliated with churches of Christ. The ministry is concerned with evangelism in the region of Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific Islands. Australia and New Zealand are highly pluralistic and secular societies with one of the highest suicide rates in the world. These cultures need what only Jesus Christ is able to provide: hope, purpose, love, meaning, reconciliation with our Creator and a lifestyle that really works. This is good news and this region is in urgent need of it. Will you partner with us in this glorious quest?