Dear friends,
We have some very big news to share with you:
Earlier today it was announced that
Phil will be the next
SIM International Director
The following is the message that was sent to all of SIM earlier today (June 20).
Dear SIM
It gives me great pleasure to send you this email at the conclusion of the voting process for a new International Director.
The nomination of Phillip Bauman as the new International Director (ID) of SIM by the Board of Governors has been overwhelmingly affirmed by the Global Assembly and members of the mission. The Board of Governors will give a final ratification of this appointment in the next few weeks. Subject to this ratification, Phil will assume the role of ID of SIM on 1 March 2024.
We give thanks to God for His faithfulness and guidance through this whole process.
Now as a Mission may we be praying
for Phil in his humble willingness to take on this role;
for Joshua and Joanna as they have many meetings and travel in the next few months
for Phil and Andrea as they have a time of sabbatical and preparation towards the end of the year.
With my warm greetings to you all.
Gillian Phillips
Chair, SIM Board of Governors
A brief Q&A in light of this news...
Will you need to move to take on this role?
We do not plan to move. SIM's International leadership and services personnel live in a variety of places around the world. The Board agreed there was no need for us to relocate as that would be additional upheaval to an already significant transition.
How are you feeling about being asked to take on this role?
SIM has a very robust search process so we have been prayerfully considering this for many months. The role is daunting and intimidating and Phil feels very inadequate but God has given us a very real sense of peace. We are trusting God to equip us for the journey ahead.
What will Andrea do?
Andrea anticipates completely handing over her Middle East Personnel Coordinator role to a very capable colleague who has already taken on much of that role. Andrea anticipates continuing to work with Helen in supporting SIM's Personnel Coordinators as well as travelling with Phil.
How do your kids feel?
Our kids have been part of this journey and are very supportive.
Will you still need financial support?
Yes. SIM members raise financial support, regardless of their position. We anticipate increased support costs once Phil starts this role in March 2024. (SIM does cover our basic travel costs.) Your prayers for provision are appreciated.
Will you need to do a lot of travel?
Yes. SIM has a ministry presence in more than 70 countries around the world and so there is a need for the International Director to do significant travel. Given the amount of travel, the Board of Governors is asking that we travel as a couple where it is reasonable to do so.
For prayer...
Praise God
For the International Director Search Committee that oversaw a very robust, confidential process that was immersed in prayer.
For the strong affirmation of the nomination by the Bord of Governors as well as the global membership of SIM.
For the support and encouragement of colleagues and close friends through the search and affirmation process.
For a clear sense of peace knowing many challenges lie ahead.
For Joshua and Joanna's leadership while Joshua has been ID for the last 10 years.
Pray
That God would continue to guide us and grant us his peace as we prepare for this transition.
That Phil can work effectively with Joshua and colleagues in the coming weeks and months to hand over responsibilities of his current role in preparation for sabbatical.
For Andrea and her colleague as they hand over the responsibilities for the Middle East Personnel Coordinator role.
Thank you for your prayers and interest.
About SIM...
Comprised of 48 member entities in 10 global regions
Overseeing ministry in 70+ countries.
With ~4000 workers from 60+ nations