Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth, peace to those on whom his favour rests!

This is the cry of a whole company of angels at the announcement of Jesus’ birth, as told in Luke 2:8-15. The shepherds who heard this angelic choir were probably getting over the shock of one angel who had appeared, telling them not to be afraid and that the Messiah had been born. Then, many more angels arrive, declaring God’s glory and offering peace to all whom God favours. Once the surprise wears off, the shocked shepherds make their way to Bethlehem to “see this thing that has happened”.

At that time, under Roman military rule, ongoing political tensions and heavy religious expectations, Jesus was born to the supernatural angelic announcement.

In this setting, the two things the angels declare are praise and peace.

This past year, I have had the privilege and joy of singing praises with our partners in their native languages, including hip-swaying worship in Zimbabwe and melodic traditional praise in Indonesia. Alongside our partners, we join the angels in their declaration, “Glory to God in the highest heaven”!

The birth of the Messiah is a praiseworthy event as it heralded a new peaceful era. Peace on earth for all of us who find favour with God, reconciled by the Son, restored by the Father, renewed by the Holy Spirit.

Much of our world longs for true peace. Like the time when Jesus was born, our partners serve their communities while facing great uncertainty and hardship due to conflict, political instability, religious persecution as well as difficult spiritual dynamics. They spend themselves to bring God’s peace into these situations.

As we celebrate Christmas this year, let’s join the angels in declaring God’s praise and recommit ourselves to the task of being peacemakers.

2025 will also herald new things for Global Mission Partners. Our Board has renewed our vision and mission statements, and our team looks forward to releasing a refreshed brand and website. I believe these will be small but important markers for our future in which I trust God will be glorified, and together, we bring more peace to our hurting world.

Vision (updated)
Our vision is to see every Christian active in God’s mission, offering hope, love and restoration throughout the world.

Mission (updated)
Global Mission Partners exists to inspire and resource locally-led, high-impact, community development and Christian partnerships.

Thank you for being an important part of the Global Mission Partners family. Your support is bringing praise and peace!

John Lamerton,
Chief Executive Officer