To Be A Missionary

Missionary Chuni Pema shares the Gospel in a Filipino Prison

After almost 20 years with One Mission Society New Zealand, Ps Chunillal Pema has decided to begin his journey to missionary retirement. He shares with us what he's learnt through his time in ministry.

"Speaking to 25,000 spiritually hungry Indian believers; baptising over 200 Bangladeshi believers in a fish pond over one afternoon; breaking the soil of a church plant in the Indian jungle, and returning two years later to find a fully functioning Church.

Chuni helping baptise Bangladeshi believers

Working with mountain tribes in the Philippines; ministering to those held in prison and seeing the power of the Holy Spirit work in their lives; being able to share the burden of mission with young and old alike across New Zealand. These are just a few of the miraculous and soul enriching experiences I have had the privilege of participating in over my 18 years of missionary work with OMS NZ.

My first seven years were spent as the Executive Director of OMS NZ where I had the thrill of seeing numbers of key men and women take up the challenge and call of mission overseas. Part of my role was to speak to churches and groups about missions work around NZ. On one such occasion, I saw many young boys and girls come to Christ. The call for OMS NZ was to train missionaries for overseas mission, but this experience revealed to me that we have a whole backyard full of souls to lead to Christ, without leaving the shores of Aotearoa.

Watching as God transformed broken lives and brought reconciliation to families, churches, and communities; facing pastors who tearfully relate their experiences of persecution; listening lovingly to the pain of those who face the struggles of lack of finances and helpers - this and so much more is and has been the honour of being a missionary.

Chuni sharing with his community in the Cook Islands

Indeed there are certainly bright praise worthy moments which shall never be forgotten, but there are seasons when trouble comes with a capital T into your life and suddenly you must work through the mine-field of temptation, discouragement, and despair. Once through the fire, you realise that God has been with you all the time and never once left you, and that every tear was precious to Him. This is a missionary’s life, full of real people experiencing real life and real situations, but with the strength and love of a very Real God!

I would be remiss if I did not mention those who, although physically unable to stand on the mission-field, stood with hands clasped in prayer, pockets empty from giving sacrificially to support me, and hearts in unity with all that God was doing in my life. Their trust, love and faithfulness so often bolstered me up and reminded that I was actually part of a greater team and that I was never, ever alone, not even once! Thank you all!"

Thank you Chuni for your dedication to see souls saved! We pray a blessing over you as your begin your retirement phase.