INTRODUCING JAMES MUIR

James served in the insurance business in Auckland and in Tauranga for 31 years before selling up to attend Faith Bible College in 1991-92.

In his FBC class of 54 students, several nations were represented, Australia, China, Cook Islands, Finland, India, Israel, USA and no shortage of Kiwis, both younger and older.

James Stage II Practicum took him to Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei and he has never lost his love for the peoples of Asia and his concern that they would come to know Christ.

After graduation James found his way back into the business world as an Industrial Chaplain serving the staff of several businesses in Tauranga & Western BOP.

Then in 1993, Des Short invited him to serve at FBC as the Student Outstation Ministry coordinator, and in time this developed into helping students to rethink their Biblical worldview through the very intensive world missions course – Perspectives on the World Christian Movement. At the same time, he established the ministry of Prison Fellowship Bay of Plenty to create opportunities for more ministry for FBC students in local prisons.

In 1995 after completing more personal research on the early missions history of Tauranga region and NZ, James became involved in a Christian reconciliation network now known as Te Kohinga – The Network. Today he serves as the facilitator for Te Kohinga which includes Maori and Pakeha Christians from many churches, including Ps David Dishroon (FBC 1979) and Dr Alistair Reese (FBC 1980)

In 1998 James with Sammy & Meddy Sta Lucia (FBC 1991) and other Asian friends established All Nations Christian Fellowship to enhance cross-cultural outreach opportunities to students in Tauranga’s growing international student community and the Asian &  Pacific Island communities of Tauranga.

Later he was asked to take on the role of FBC Missions Director (following on the heels of Kel Steiner – FBC 1970)  to coordinate students Stage II Ministry Practicum, here in NZ and overseas.

In 1999 James was invited to serve on the board of Asian Outreach NZ, then in 2005, Des Short suggested he apply for the position of NZ Director based in Tauranga, where he served for four years.

Many FBC graduates served with Asian Outreach in Hong Kong, China, Cambodia, Vietnam, India, Philippines and Pakistan.

Today James is still actively involved in helping coordinate prayer events in Tauranga City and helping churches to mobilize their people through the Kairos World Missions Course, developed by Max Chismon (FBC 1973) with his wife Dorothy based in Butuan City, Mindanao, Philippines. James is also active in networking within his community and strongly connected with Maori, Pacific Island and Asian Communities in Tauranga & Western BOP. He also leads the Tauranga FFF group building relationships with people from a Muslim background, linking with the nation-wide Friends of Friends Fellowships, in association with Bryan Johnson (FBC 1974.)

At the Tauranga City Mayoral Prayer Breakfast on 25th October 2018, Mayor Greg Brownless presented James with a Regional Award for 25 years of Outstanding Community Service to Tauranga Moana.

James was also part of the team that served the FBC 50th Anniversary Celebrations, so he was delighted and agreed when he was then asked to serve FBC Alumni and current students through the proposed Graduate Mentoring Programme. More on this in the coming weeks.

James is also delighted that his married daughters and their families still live in Tauranga so he often enjoys his grandchildren’s sports events and birthdays and Christmas and other family events together; this all helps him to stay young at heart and his feet on the ground.

Psalm 67 remains a strong part of his day to day motivation.