Former CMS missionary Amy Vink is now in the presence of her risen saviour. With her husband Jono, Amy served for served at Bunda Bible College in the Mara region of Tanzania for 14 years. But Amy will be also remembered as the founder of the Rehema Project, based in Musoma, Tanzania. Described as ‘the voice of the voiceless’ Rehema provides a voice for local women through employment, training, and empowerment. It is an official Anglican Church of Tanzania, Diocese of Mara project.
The project has two income generating enterprises – Rehema Café and Rehema Crafts and is (mostly) self-sustaining. The project employs local women, who prepare excellent food in the café and produce beautiful local craft products for sale locally and internationally. Any profit generated from the café and shop goes to Rehema Assistance which benefits women and children in crisis.
As a Gafcon delegate, along with many others I visited the cafe, and experienced the living fruit of Amy’s work
Amy’s passing has reverberated from Australia to Tanzania and beyond. “It is with great sadness that we share the news of Amy Vink’s passing,” Heather Johnson, a CMS UK missionary and Rehema café coordinator posted. “Amy started the Rehema Project and was a guiding light to so many in Musoma, Mara, especially the women of Rehema Project, and the many recipients of assistance through the project. May she rest in peace she is now with her saviour in glory.”
Heather quotes from Amy’s husband Jono’s message: “In God’s perfect timing, after a life of love, service, determination and brilliant humour. Our Amy who burned so brightly, serving her children and family, her friends, our families, our communities and her Lord Jesus, has been welcomed into her heavenly home and eternal family. Great gain for her, and terrible loss for us, even as together we remain united in Christ.”
“I am immeasurably thankful to have been the other part of her whole.”
Johnson adds, “The whole family thank you for your love, prayers and support.
“We are in awe in regards to how God has been with Amy and all of us, strengthening us in our grief. He loves.”
Image: Amy Vink and friends. Image Credit: Anglican Diocese of Mara Facebook.