We thank God for our mission workers and their commitment to mission. In the past few months, they have shown their great adaptability and flexibility in continuing to serve. Below, you can read about how two of our mission workers, Mike and Kerry Fischer, have seen the faithfulness of God at work during this unprecedented and difficult season.  

During their three-month short-term trip to Peru in 2017, mission workers Mike and Kerry Fischer learnt for themselves just how adaptable and innovative Peruvians are. On one occasion, they saw a woman selling potato bake at a bus stop. She had prepared the potato bake at home then paid a local baker who had an oven big enough for her to bake it in. She didn’t have a vendor’s cart so; she used a wheelbarrow and served the hot food to those waiting for their bus in the chilly afternoon air.  

In this past season, many of our mission workers have adapted and learnt to be innovative in how they serve due to the impact of COVID-19. Mike and Kerry had their flight booked in April to leave for long-term service with SIM in Peru. However, they were forced to delay their departure when international borders began to close. Despite the unexpected and sudden change of plan for the couple, they have faithfully adapted their service while waiting patiently in Australia for clarity on when they can leave to start their ministry in Peru.  

Mike has found an efficient way to embark on the language learning that he would have otherwise commenced upon arrival on the field. Five mornings a week for 1.5 hours at a time, Mike meets up with his language tutor, Litos, in Peru via Skype. Despite the limitations of learning a language online, Mike has been making ground in getting a handle on Spanish. Mike said, “My vocabulary has broadened and my understanding of some of the basic rules of the language has deepened. Thankfully Litos is an experienced and patient language tutor, but even so I have managed to get him cracking up with laughter often enough!”  

Mike is also serving as a SIM Mission Mobiliser in Western Australia during this waiting season. The role of a Mission Mobiliser includes sharing about God’s heart for the nations with churches, colleges, schools and other communities in his region. It also involves walking alongside enquirers and supporting mission workers who are already serving around the world.  

Mike has been a great support to the SIM Home Ministry Team, helping to facilitate applicants on their mission journey. He is also providing pastoral care for WA-based SIM workers who are also facing challenges in drastically adapting their ministries in this season.  

Alan Millhouse, member of the Home Ministry Team, said, “Mike played a critical role in taking time to listen and support some of our missionaries as they returned home under difficult circumstances. Along with the listening ear, Mike has been able to draw on many years of pastoral experience which has been welcomed by all.”  

Mike shared, “With a few SIM workers having had to return to WA as a result of the pandemic, there has been a fair bit to do. Recently, I was able to meet with someone enquiring about short-term mission with SIM, and help them think through some of the possibilities and opportunities. Pandemic or not, the Gospel barrels onwards.”