The South American Mission Society GB traces its origins to the mid 19th century with Allen Gardiner’s Patagonian Mission, begun in 1844. Gardiner and his companions set out for Tierra del Fuego, a remote archipelago at the southern tip of South America, and among the world’s southernmost inhabited regions. However, tragedy struck in 1851 when Allen Gardiner and several of his colleagues died of starvation on Picton Island. Their sacrifice had a profound impact, inspiring the establishment of the South American Mission Society GB in 1854. In Dublin and Belfast, 1856 marked the beginning of the SAMS Ireland story. Learn more about the people, stories, and legacy of SAMS Ireland by visiting the Living Archive Project via https://livingarchive.info/
More than a century and a half later, that story continues as SAMS Ireland seeks to deepen relationships between churches in Ireland and South America, fostering mutual encouragement, shared learning, and partnership in God’s mission. SAMS Ireland believes that mission is, first and foremost, the activity of God. It is God in Christ who bridges the gap created by sin. Through the cross and resurrection of Jesus, redemption, reconciliation, and restoration are made possible for all humanity. As Christians, we are therefore called and equipped by the Holy Spirit to participate in God’s transforming mission; one that impacts not only individuals, but also communities and the wider world, as God’s kingdom is made known.
SAMS Ireland seeks to walk alongside the church in South America. In doing so, we learn from one another as we explore the missional implications of “walking in Christ.” As theologian Sinclair Ferguson observes, “Walking in Christ means living a gospel-centred life, grounded in the reality of Christ’s death, resurrection, and ongoing work in the believer’s life. It is about embracing a new identity, citizenship, and character shaped by the gospel.”
The Apostle Paul frequently uses “walk” as a metaphor for daily life, discipleship, and conduct. This shared language reflects a lived, spiritual reality:
To walk together in Christ is to participate in God’s mission in the world. This is not an optional extra, but a calling for all Christians. It is a life shaped by the Holy Spirit, forming us into the likeness of Christ as we share in both the challenges and joys of discipleship. In this shared journey, we discover what it means to belong to the body of Christ. Mission is not simply something we do, it is who we are. It is not reserved for a few, but lies at the heart of Christian discipleship. We are called to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to share that love with others.
SAMS Ireland partners with churches across South America in God’s mission through:
Walking together in Christ means the church in Ireland and the church in South America sharing their God-given gifts, empowered by the Holy Spirit, in order to serve as one in fulfilling God’s purposes.
Psalm 65:1-3 Praise awaits you, our God, in Zion; to you our vows will be fulfilled. You who answer prayer, to you all people will come. When we were overwhelmed by sins, you forgave our transgressions. Psalm 65 is a song of praise that celebrates God’s grace, forgiveness, and faithfulness.
Sovereign God, We thank You that You are the Lord of all the earth, and that in Your kindness You invite us to share in Your work. Thank You for using ordinary people, ordinary conversations, and simple acts of faithfulness to accomplish Your extraordinary purposes. We pray especially for Geoff
