Dispatch: Spring 2013

SPRING 2013

DispatchNews & reports from Mission Africa

An act of faith: the Prophetic Trees at Bouroum-Bouroum‘God broke my heart in Burkina’: one short-termer’s experienceAn enthusiastic hunger: Bible teaching for rural pastors

Focus on Burkina Faso

A lasting impactPlanning your legacy today will help ensure that lives continue to be transformed tomorrow

The gift of a legacy to Mission Africa can help ensure that your faith and values continue into the future and bless the next generation. It’s also a way of thanking God for the many good things He has given us throughout our lives.

We are blessed with gifts from supporters who have decided to leave all or part of their estate to the work of Mission Africa. Their gift ensures that the work that they supported during their lifetime can continue after their death.

Contact Mission Africa’s Finance Officer, Julie McConnell, for more details:02890 402850 I [email protected]

Help play a

vital part in

sustaining the

work of

Mission Africa

Mission Africa (The Qua Iboe Fellowship) is deemed to be a Charity by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland.Recognised as a Charity by HMRC: No XN45493. Registered in Company House, Belfast as a Company Limited by Guarantee, R611.

The doors of opportunity are open

After the great excitement of the 125th anniversary year, it’s ‘back to normal’ for the mission; but being Mission Africa, that doesn’t involve sitting still. In the year to come, we will be introducing you to new missionaries and announcing new opportunities that have been presented to us. We can say with conviction that God has His good hand upon the mission and that He continues to bless us in a multitude of ways. One area where we have seen much blessing over the years is in Francophone Africa – Burkina Faso and Chad. In this edition of Dispatch, we have a very definite emphasis on Burkina Faso in particular, and we trust that the articles that you read here will be a positive encouragement to pray for the work of the mission there.

It must be said, however, that it has been a cause of growing concern for us that, at a time when our numbers in Nigeria have grown significantly, our staff numbers in Francophone Africa have diminished, and seem to be continuing to diminish.

Even as I write, Roy and Jane Jones are in Chad, making preparations to return to the UK; Roy hopes to work in Chad

on a short term basis in the future. Ana van Brakel is our only full time worker in Burkina Faso, although it is great that Jeremy Nash is able to make short term visits.

We very definitely need reinforcements for the work in the Francophone nations. For some time now, I have asked supporters to make this a matter for prayer – and I am making that appeal again. In 2013, please make it your goal to pray as often as possible for workers to go to Chad and Burkina Faso. The doors of opportunity are wide open in both countries – we can use evangelists, Bible teachers, rural development workers, teachers, doctors and a host of others! These workers are desperately needed to

make the Gospel known in

countries where there

is a growing thirst for the truth of Christ.

We bid you a warm welcome to this latest edition of Dispatch, and - belatedly - wish you God’s richest blessing in this new year.

Paul Bailie

In a break with our previous policy, we no longer expect candidates to Burkina Faso or Chad to come with good French; instead, we now ask that candidates express a willingness to learn French to an acceptable standard. Much of the initial training in French can be done in the UK before further studies on the ground in Africa. We believe that the need for pre-existing French qualifications may have deterred many from joining the work, and we hope that our new approach will encourage people to consider serving the Lord in a context that they might previously have thought impossible. However, without much prayer for this new initiative, we cannot expect God’s blessing, so once again I would plead with all our supporters to keep this vitally important need high in their list of prayer priorities. For

Rodger Crooks

RECENT FUNDRAISING EVENTSSIMON & KAREN HAMILTON’S COFFEE MORNING FOR PACT & BASSA LIBRARIES£1,000

GLORIA KEARNEY’S READ-A-THON FOR PROJECTS IN BURKINA FASO£800

those in the Belfast area, a special prayer group for Burkina Faso and Chad has been established – details are available from the office. We would like to see similar groups formed in Scotland, England and Wales. In the past we have prayed for the provision of suitable staff for Nigeria, and we have seen these requests answered in remarkable ways. Let us look confidently into 2013, praying that God would answer our requests for Burkina Faso and Chad! In Christ,

Rev. Dr. Paul Bailie,Chief Executive

GENERAL FUNDS

MISSION AFRICA INCOME

FUNDS FOR PROJECTS

JULY-DECEMBER 2012TOTAL: £412,518

£103,927

£211,541

LEGACIES£97,050

NewsMission Africa’s longest serving missionary, Iris Ogbonna, recently announced her retirement, after 33 years of ministry. She and husband Rufus will continue to live in their local village, Azuiyi. We are grateful for the major contribution both of them have made in their many years of serving the Lord in Nigeria, and pray that they will continue to sense God’s hand on their lives.

We are also thankful for the dedication and commitment of Roy and Jane Jones - our only full time missionaries in Chad. As many of you know, they have decided to return to the UK because of health concerns. They flew back to Chad at the start of the year to pack up their belongings and say farewell to colleagues and friends. They will return to the UK in a few months time. We sincerely thank them for their years of service with Mission Africa, and look forward to exploring ways in which Roy can continue to minister short term in Chad, and provide training and advice. Last October, Roy and Jane became the proud grandparents of little Abigail Faith, born to daughter, Sarah and son-in-law Mark.

One of our own missionaries, Lesley Ann McAuley, is grateful for good health during her pregnancy. She plans to return to the UK for the birth, scheduled for some time in April. Paul and Lesley Ann are also thankful for the medical team that recently visited them at Holley

Hospital in Ochadamu. Led by Mission Africa Council member, Caroline Bustard, the team was made up of Dr. David McComb, Dr. Marshall Garvin, Tricia Holley, Anne Witherow, Eleanor Hayes, Liz Hoy and Donna Watson. Another team is planned for September - our website has more details.

Last September was a busy month, with many missionaries and church leaders from Nigeria flying over to the UK to attend our 125th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service in Belfast. Iris Ogbonna and her daughter, Eunice, were over briefly, as were Pamela, Musa and Gracie Gaiya. We also received a visit from leaders of the United Evangelical Church (UEC) - Rev. Dr. Nathaniel Issah, Rev. A.S.J. Udoyen, and Rev. Akoh Abraham.

In November, Charles Beattie was back in Belfast for three weeks to defend his PhD thesis. Pray for him as he has another six months editing work to do before final completion.

Rodger Crooks For the latest news from Mission Africa

Rev. A.S.J. Udoyen, Rev. Akoh Abraham, George Verwer, Rev. Paul Bailie, Rev. Nathaniel Issah and Rev. Ian Fleck - with Ian’s new book

Next to arrive back were Ricky and Angie Fitzsimmons, along with Noah and Ellie. They are in the UK on deputation. Pray for them as they thoughtfully consider their future.

The Fitzsimmons were closely followed by Billy and Linda Abwa, along with Nathaniel and Niah, who returned to Northern Ireland in December for several months deputation. Pray for them as they travel around meeting friends, family and speaking in churches about the work of ADVANCE and Circle of Hope.

Give thanks that Samantha Seed has returned to Jos to resume her ministry. Pray that God will help her in all the readjustments and continue to make use of her in the work of the kingdom through the Fellowship of Christian Students.

Lynsey Bell is still in Northern Ireland completing her deputation before returning to Nigeria at the end of March, when she hopes to become more involved in the Open Doors Special Education Centre and the Grace Gardens ministry to vulnerable women - both in Jos.

Also on the move: Jeremy Nash, Robbie Toop and Paul Bailie spent 12 days on a fact-finding trip to Nigeria before Christmas. They enjoyed significant times of fellowship with the missionaries and their families, and left with a good understanding of what God is doing in the areas where Mission Africa is working. During the visit, Paul took part in the UEC National Conference. Jeremy also visited Burkina Faso in

October, where he distributed Bible correspondence courses.

Sid Garland made two successful trips to Kenya and Nigeria at the end of last year with ACTS. Give thanks to God for all that was discussed and achieved.

Short termer, Abigail Ainscough, is in Nigeria for four months until the end of March, helping out at the Gidan Bege centre for street children in Jos. This is her second visit to the country with Mission Africa.

Ana van Brakel in Burkina Faso is recuperating after a recent fall from her motorbike. She fractured her elbow and injured her knee after colliding with another bike. Pray for complete healing, a quick recovery, and safety as she travels on the roads and dirt tracks.

We are thankful to God that Donald and Ruth Garvie and their three children have been accepted for service in Nigeria. Give thanks for this positive development and pray for all the necessary preparations.

Niah and Nathaniel Abwa enjoying the recent snow in the UK

Celebrating 125 years of mission in Africa

On 29th September 2012, Carnmoney Presbyterian Church in Northern Ireland was filled with the happy sounds of reunions, as Nigerian friends and those who had travelled from England and Scotland, joined local friends of Mission Africa for a special Service of Thanksgiving to God.

About 600 people came together to praise God for his faithfulness to the Mission since its inception in 1887, to hear George Verwer of Operation Mobilisation (OM), to join in worship led by Alistair Hamill and his band, and to share in the grand finale of the 125 celebrations.

Rev. Dr. Nathaniel Issah brought an address from the United Evangelical Church in Nigeria. He was accompanied by Rev. A.S.J. Udoyen (UEC General Secretary) and Rev. Akoh Abraham (Administrator at Holley Memorial Hospital).

Musicians from The Redeemed Christian Church of God in Belfast led a time of African worship, which helped set the scene for what was described by one person as “a very African evening”.

Eleanor Ingram, Chairwoman of the 125th Anniversary Committee, looks back on Mission Africa’s highly successful Thanksgiving Service held last autumn.

The Chairman, Rt. Rev. Ken Clark, interviewed Iris Ogbonna, Pamela Gaiya, Sid and Jean Garland, Roy and Jane Jones and Jeremy Nash, asking each of them to share a little about their ministry and to describe the work and example of an African friend.

Four videos added much to the memorable evening. The first recalled Samuel Bill’s arrival at the Qua Iboe river and early mission work. Then came interviews with some who had served in Nigeria within the past 40 years. The Nigerian guests spoke of the UEC national church today, and greetings were brought from current missionaries.

George Verwer closed the evening with the challenge of mission today.

RCCG Choir singing at Carnmoney Church

GEORGE VERWER: ‘MESSIOLOGY’ “The first word I want to give you is one I invented myself. It’s the word: ‘messiology’. It’s based on a George Verwer proverb: where two or three of the Lord’s people are gathered together, sooner or later there’s a mess. If we’re honest, this part of the world - Northern Ireland - has been very messy, much less so right now. And yet God worked in the midst of it. Maybe some people, even professing Christians have wrong attitudes - and need to get that sorted out. But God works with clay vessels. We’re all human, we’re deeply rooted in our culture. We often have a problem with this. But you know, God doesn’t seem to have as many problems as us. Isn’t that good? God in his sovereignty and his love reaches out into all different communities, all different cultures. That’s one of the reasons why the church globally is quite messy. Forty thousand different denominations. Many Christian leaders hardly even speaking to each other. Messiology. I’m involved with many Africans, and African churches are very heavily criticised I can assure you. And yet God is mightily working in Nigeria. Not to justify any sin, but to understand better the unique way that our God works. There were people that I watched on TV years ago that I couldn’t stand. I just turned off the television, especially when they started their fund raising. I thought, ‘What in the world is this about?’ Then in the next 20 years wherever I go I find people saved through that person’s ministry. Would you explain that to me? Isn’t it a struggle when people you don’t like, who have wrong theology, seem to be getting greater blessing, more people saved and more money. It’s a real irritation. God is great. God is awesome. For God so loved the world - all people, all nationalities - not after they get free from their cultural baggage, not after they get all neat and tidy, not after they get proper doctrine and graduate from Moody Bible Institute as I did - but in the midst of it. Because of the

blood of Jesus, because of the atonement. And so I celebrate what God has done in this great part of Europe. I celebrate what God has done and is doing in Nigeria.”

For more photos and videos from the 125 Celebration visit: http://missionafrica.org.uk George Verwer

Iris Ogbonna: ‘God has been faithful’

He’s Been Faithful is the title of a book given to me recently, and it sums up my testimony of God’s faithfulness over these 33 years, since joining the mission family.

As I recall these years and the different experiences and challenges encountered, through it all, He’s been faithful. He is worthy of all the praise and worship we can give.

The opportunity to serve him in the Qua Iboe Nursery School in Uyo was a great privilege indeed. To influence children in the things of God and give them a good educational foundation, showing the love and care of God - only heaven will reveal the impact. God used the Women Leaders of the Qua Iboe Church to implement their vision of quantitative education and begin this school. It grew from only 30 pioneer pupils to more than 1,200 pupils and 22 classes for both nursery

As Mission Africa’s longest serving missionary, Iris Ogbonna has spent over three decades serving the Lord in Nigeria. Recently, she announced her retirement, which she admits ‘wasn’t an easy decision’. Together with her husband, Rufus, she will continue to live in a village near William Wheatley Theological College. She recalls some of the highlights of her time in Nigeria.

and primary. Our first group left for secondary schools in 1986 and each year following - having been firmly grounded in the Word of God, as well as being equipped educationally. Some were even admitted to the Gifted Children School in Abuja. This was the Lord’s doing and it was marvellous in our eyes.

This was the Lord’s doing and

it was marvellous in our eyes

Iris and Rufus

From 1983-1986 I was happy to have my colleague, Catherine Gillies (now Budge) work with me, and thank God for her input into the progress of the school. We were workers together, while many at home partnered us by their prayers.In 1988, the Lord brought Rev. Rufus Ogbonna, the then General Secretary of the Qua Iboe Church, and me together in marriage. Many of our colleagues and friends witnessed the occasion and supported us in this union. God has been faithful!

In September 1991, we moved to Ochadamu Medical Centre to take over the work there when Mr and Mrs Robert Thompson retired. Many changes were made to adjust to life in Igala and in a hospital setting. Looking back, we can see God’s purpose in our being there and the experience we gained in serving the Lord among those with physical as well as spiritual needs. We saw the beginning of Friends of Ochadamu. This was begun by our first STEP team in 1995, spearheaded by George Irvine and

Billy Cairns, both from Northern Ireland. They really encouraged us by their interest and support in so many practical ways. My roles in Ochadamu included: hospital accounts, purchasing medicines, supplying the pharmacy and wards, as well as lots of hospitality with many visitors, including medical electives and others. We thank God for the experiences gained while in Ochadamu. He’s been faithful!

In 2001, we transferred to William Wheatley Theological College, Azuiyi, which is Rufus’ home village, to be part of the teaching staff there. We thank God for opportunities to serve here and to have an input in the lives of student pastors, preparing and equipping them for the work of the Lord within our churches.

We have seen significant advances in the development of WWTC over the years since coming and are grateful to God for Mission Africa and friends of the college for their support in this important area of service. The Bible Colleges are the power-house of the church and vital for the work of God

Iris and Rufus’ wedding in 1988

Iris at Glasgow Airport in 1980

IRIS: ABOUT RUFUS “Rufus is keeping fairly well at the moment. He retired officially in December 2010, but has been keeping himself busy. He does adult education classes in the village three days a week, as well as helping some children who are not doing so well at school to brush up on their studies. On the other days, he visits people and meets with others for prayer - for God to move within the village.”

IRIS: ABOUT RETIREMENT “It wasn’t an easy decision, because it’s been part of me for so long. But I think it’s just the right time to do it. I probably will do a little work up here in the college, but that has yet to be decided.

We’re just grateful for all that the Lord has done for us. I won’t be sitting back folding my arms, but will take every opportunity that I can to keep myself busy, because living in the village isn’t like at home, where you can phone your friends or you can go out here and there. I won’t have that opportunity here. So, rather than wither away, I would like to keep myself busy and do as much as I can for the Lord in and around the village and in the college, if I’m still needed.”

to be extended and expanded in this day and generation.

We have had STEP teams visit here and also two short term GAPpers, Adrian Adger and Heather Gordon. We were encouraged by their time spent with us and their continued interest since. WWTC is the youngest college of the church. It began in 1996 with 12 students and today we have 103 students presently studying here. Our third set of BDD students graduated in November 2012. He’s been faithful!

When Jesus was on earth, his ministry involved teaching, preaching and healing. And it has been encouraging to have had experiences in these spheres of service over these 33 years. Even as retirement is before me, I know the Lord will still open doors of opportunity to serve him.

I appreciate all the support rendered over the years and thank God for every remembrance of you all and the interest you have shown in my work in Nigeria. I read this comment only a few days ago on being Christ’s witnesses, “No heart is pure that is not passionate; no virtue safe that is not enthusiastic; no life Christian that is not Christianizing.” May our lives also show thatwe are his.

We are called to be faithful to our faithful God. He’s been faithful.

“Les documents précieux!” announced Pastor Patrick as he held the documents aloft, a huge smile on his face and great joy in his voice. In that moment during my recent visit to Burkina Faso, I realised more fully than before the significance of the ‘precious documents’ I had just signed.

The purpose of my trip last year was to sign a Memo of Understanding (MOU) with the Evangelical

Protestant Church in

Burkina Faso (EPE).

Church partnership formalised: now the challenge to help

Although the work there had been handed into the care of WEC many years ago, the present church leaders remember with great affection the earlier links to Mission Africa through the pioneering work of Stanley Benington and Jack Robertson and were keen to forge a more formal, direct relationship with the mission.

We met with the National Executive Committee (CNE) in the Administration Office of EPE in Gaoua. All of the members of CNE were there, except for Pastor Nkojo, who couldn’t get past barricades that had been set up to contain some local trouble. Pastor Daniel is the President, Pastor Patrick is the Secretary and the others are Pastor Hénoc from the Ouagadoudou Church, Pastor Simon from Bouroum-Bouroum and Pastor Simon from Printing and Literature for the Lobi People.

Last autumn, Mission Africa Council Chairwoman, Gloria Kearney, travelled to Burkina Faso to sign a formal partnership agreement between the mission and the EPE national church. She reflects on the challenges that God put on her heart during her time in the country.

I realised more fully than before

the significance of the ‘precious documents’ I had just signed

FOCUS ON Burkina Faso

Gloria Kearney

ABOUT BURKINA FASO Landlocked and situated on the edges of the Sahara Desert, Burkina Faso is a country troubled by drought and famine. It is one of the poorest countries in the world, where most of the population make just enough food to get by each day.

Most people living in Burkina Faso depend on subsistence farming. But frequent droughts result in severe hardship for many. Over two million people have fled the country.

Islam and traditional religions are strong and there are many people yet to be reached with the message of Jesus – an estimated 28 people groups remain unengaged.

Mission Africa originally worked in Burkina Faso in the 1930s and returned in the 1990s. Since then, we have been working with the EPE church and WEC.

In 1996, Mission Africa’s Jeremy and Rachel Nash began reaching out to the largely unengaged Dagara people in the south west of the country. Over the years, many of them accepted the Gospel and turned from idol worship to faith in Christ.

The ensuing discussion taxed my command of French to its limit, so I was very grateful that Ana van Brakel had been invited to the meeting to act as my interpreter and facilitate communication. When everyone was satisfied with the terms of the MOU, the ‘precious documents’ were signed and put in a safe place, a gift from Council was presented and photographs were taken to record the occasion. We then celebrated our new relationship with a meal at Pastor Daniel’s house.

The Challenge of the Moment

One of the questions asked at the meeting was, “How do you think the mission can help us?”

There are many needs in Burkina Faso – it is one of the poorest African countries, so money to build churches and maintain Bible Colleges is in short supply. Both the church at Gaoua and the church at Gaoua Bible College need to build larger churches because of increasing numbers but are proceeding very slowly because of a lack of funds.

Maybe a church in Northern Ireland would consider twinning with one of these churches to support them?

Both the Bible College at Gaoua and the Ebenezer Bible College at Bouroum-Bouroum have very limited libraries – could you buy some books to help them have access to better resources?

If God puts either of these projects on your heart, please contact the office for more details about how you could help.

For more information contact: [email protected] EPE church leaders with Gloria and Ana

‘God broke my heart in Burkina’

I had the opportunity to spend just over three weeks in Burkina Faso with Mission Africa alongside their partner church, l’Eglise Protestante Evangélique de Burkina. Flying into what has to be the world’s coolest name for a capital, Ouagadougou, I was thrilled to be back on African turf and excited to see what lay ahead.

I joined a team of students from the university in Ouaga to help organise and run a children’s camp in the city. Having been to camps as a kid, and worked at various camps over the years, this kids’ camp couldn’t have contrasted more with what I had been lucky to experience.

Because of a lack of funds, the children had to sleep on the solid concrete floor of a school classroom; they were fed twice a day when it could be afforded and had to get up each day at 6am to start their camp chores! However, I have never met a group of

Short Termer Fiona Whyte shares how God stirred up compassion in her heart as she spent under a month with villagers in Burkina Faso on a Mission Africa trip last summer.

children so excited to be at camp as I did that week – this was reflected during our times of singing and dancing which could go on for hours and hours! It was really awesome being able to use my French while I was there, even though it was a very different French to what I have been used to hearing!

I spent time with Ana Van Brakel, who showed us what she does

God...stirred up compassion in my heart for

the people in this village


Fiona Whyte with Ana van Brakel and kids

day to day in Burkina. We had the opportunity to live in her village, in a little house right in the heart of a rural African village called Legmoin. It was amazing to see her role in the village; she really is a pillar in the community and someone who the villagers come to with all sorts of problems. She’s also a pillar in the local church, running various children’s, women’s, students and prayer/worship programmes. It was a blessing to spend time with her and to encourage her in what can be a very challenging job at times.

Yet again, God broke my heart during this trip and stirred up compassion in my heart for the people in this village who have so many needs. I was so welcomed into the community of Legmoin and my

time spent there was certainly an encouragement for them as well as for me.

I would strongly encourage anyone who

has a desire to take part in a short term team to go for it! God has so much to show us through trips like this.

ANA VAN BRAKEL ON HER BIKE “While on the way to visit a friend, I bumped into a motorbike. I was looking at my rear tyre, when I was suddenly confronted with another motorbike. Apparently the driver had seen me coming and started braking. About a week later I wondered why on earth he hadn’t hooted.

Anyway, it meant that the day after the accident I had to go to the police station in Gaoua to give a report and have X-rays taken of my knee.

On Saturday, Sjon van Ee of WEC came to collect me to go to Batie for a week’s rest. I had light concussion, a swollen knee, and was just generally stiff from the fall.

After the week’s rest I went to Gauoa with Sjon as I needed to get a few things sorted. By then my head felt fine again - they had given me some medication at the hospital for that.

The only painful experience was walking: I could only compare myself to a penguin!

On Monday, I decided to go to hospital again as my left arm kept hurting. I couldn’t open anything. It was painful just simply turning the key in the front door, or washing up.

They X-rayed my arm and found I had a fracture in my elbow, so now I’m in plaster. This means typing has become a very awkward.”

Ana van Brakel

Africa Teams 2013ServingSharingPrayingSports & Street kidsJos, Nigeria1st-30th August

There are hundreds of orphans and children who have had to flee their homes because of abuse, and who are now living ‘rough’. This team will be working at Gidan Bege centres in Nigeria, which offer boys and girls a safe and friendly place to live. These residential care centres offer children everything they need - not only to survive, but to thrive. The sports ministry is a good way to reach out to vulnerable kids and inspire a sense of purpose.

You will travel around several of the Gidan Bege centres - Gyero, Kagoro, Lafia and Makurdi, spending time with the kids and investing in them love and care. About half of your time will be spent organising different sports coaching sessions - some for the kids at the centres, and others reaching out to communities in the area. The rest of your time will be spent engaging in Bible studies, life skills training and praying with the kids.

Team Details: This is a great team for anyone with a heart for children. It would be useful if you enjoy sports, but not essential

Costs: £1,500 including flights

HIV/AIDS & CommunityKogi, Nigeria1st-30th August

One of the big problems in Kogi State is the high rate of HIV/AIDS infection. This team will be based at a community project in Ogugu, helping to promote a positive lifestyle, through working in schools and sports programmes. You will be involved in helping the local community and doing film and medical outreach.

You will spend 2 or 3 days alongside local families, getting to understand them and their culture; each evening the team will come together to discuss the day and what each of them have learnt. The following weeks will provide opportunities for youth ministry - Bible clubs, discipleship, activities, sports and crafts. The team will be working in local schools conducting HIV awareness classes, as well as Bible studies. This is a good team if you want to get involved in sports outreach and use opportunities to share the Gospel.

Team Details: Of particular interest to anyone involved in teaching, social work and those who are medically trained


Kids MinistryLegmoin, Burkina Faso22nd July-12th August

With half the population of Burkina Faso under the age of 16, there is a huge opportunity to reach kids and teenagers with Jesus’ love. The team will be based at two locations, where there will be time to share the message of the Gospel, as well as encourage young believers in their faith.

Ouagadougou: Based in the capital city, the team will work with several churches organising a summer camp for local children from a wide range of backgrounds. The days will be varied and the team will be able to add additional activities and games to the programme, as well as devoting time to a group of children.

Legmoin: To experience another aspect of African life, you will visit the village of Legmoin for about 10 days - again helping in local churches, doing evangelism, and delivering Christian programmes in local schools and youth clubs.

Team Details: You must have at least A Level French to take part in this team, and have a heart for serving young people


DiscipleshipKikuyu, Kenya15th July-4th August

The main focus of this team will be to work at Karai School, which is an excellent facility with quality staff who are looking after a range of vulnerable children from all sorts of backgrounds. Many of the children are from the Rift Valley and were displaced from their former orphanage by ethnic violence. Many of them suffered from post traumatic stress after living through horrific experiences.

The team will support several local primary schools, delivering some life skills classes and special activities. At Karai School, you will help teach different vocational skills - including building, carpentry, sewing, computers and farming. You will also deliver a special summer programme for the kids. It will be a mixture of education, Bible studies, crafts, sports and activities. There will be time to focus on some projects in Kibera Slums in the centre of Nairobi, supporting some of the churches in their work with the poorest people in the city.

Team Details: An all age team made up of about eight people


For more information visit:http://missionafrica.org.uk/ways-to-serve/teams

To get in touch: [email protected]

Team members must be committed Christians over the age of 18 and in good health. Application forms can be downloaded from our website,

and must be received by: 31st March 2013 . All dates are preliminary and are subject to change. A compulsory team orientation weekend

will be held in June 2013.

begin a work among the Lobi people, “You’ll find a place near that” - a place prepared by God Himself.

Stanley and Alice settled in Bouroum-Bouroum and, in 1936, were joined by Jack Robertson. Pastor Jean, who actually

An act of faith: The prophetic trees at Bouroum-Bouroum

“And these are the prophetic trees”, announced Pastor Jean as he led us through the compound at Ebenezer Bible College.

Pastor Jean is the Principal of the college and was delighted to have the opportunity to show us the historic site of the old mission compound at Bouroum-Bouroum. It was in this town in 1931 that Stanley Benington had heard the whisper of God as he searched for somewhere to

During her trip to Burkina Faso, Mission Africa Council Chairwoman Gloria Keaney, was deeply challenged by those who stepped out in faith and believed God for great things many years ago.


Pastor Jean at Ebenezer Bible College

remembers Stanley teaching him to read and mentoring him as he began to preach, showed us the site of the building where they lived. A mission house that still survives from that era and the graves of those who gave their lives to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

On our way through the compound to see what remains of the footprint of the first church, Pastor Jean stopped in an open area, indicated a row of mature trees and made his announcement, “These are the prophetic trees!”

On seeing our looks of surprise, he went on to explain that all those years ago when the work was difficult and the converts few, Jack Robertson, in an act of faith, planted those trees and prophesied that in the future many would gather in their shade to be taught the truth of the Gospel. He didn’t see it in his lifetime but this courtyard in the compound hosted the Area Conference until just a few years ago when it had to be moved to a larger venue, so the trees have come to be

In that moment I realised afresh

the faithfulness of the God we serve

known as ‘the prophetic trees’. In that moment, I realised afresh the faithfulness of the God we serve.

The Challenge of the Moment

Stanley and Jack stepped out in faith and believed God for great things. Maybe God is challenging you to do the same, maybe even to follow in their footsteps and serve Him in Burkina Faso.

Pastor Jean also showed us the empty rooms that once housed a busy baby clinic. One of his dreams is to see it reopened.

Could you help him to realise his dream? If God is speaking to you about serving Him in Burkina Faso or supporting a baby clinic in Bouroum-Bouroum, contact the office for further details.

The ‘Prophetic Trees’ planted by Jack Robertson

For more information contact: [email protected]

Burkina Faso has undergone enormous change over the past number of years. The population has grown rapidly – from an estimated 11 million people in 1996, to over 16 million today. On top of that, more than half the population is under 16 years old. That’s 8 million children born in the last 16 years or 500,000 per year. When Jeremy and Rachel Nash first went to Burkina Faso in 1996, there were only four primary schools for 43 villages in the Legmoin area. That number has now increased to 18.

There’s been an incredible change in education. Where illiteracy was once very high, at about 90% – it has now dropped rapidly, particularly among the younger generation. A huge opportunity now exists that just wasn’t there a few years ago.

That opportunity is to reach young people with the message of Jesus, through literature. The 4–14 Window

There’s a new term in global mission called the 4–14 Window – it’s a way of drawing attention to a particular

need in the world to focus prayer and missionary efforts. The numbers 4–14 refer to children between 4 and 14 years old. There is a huge spiritual need among this age group and now is the time to reach them!

“Look, I tell you: open your eyes and notice that the fields are already ripe for the harvest.” (John 4:35, CEB)

Investing in Young Lives

Sadly, church giving doesn’t reflect the evangelizing and discipleship of children as a strategic priority.

Reaching a new generation: a huge spiritual needMission Africa’s Jeremy Nash challenges us to invest in the lives of children in Burkina Faso by sponsoring a school Bible course project. In 2012, he reached nearly a thousand children - this year, he’d like to make even more of an impact.


Jeremy Nash in Burkina Faso

As you think about how to invest your personal resources in mission – your time, money, prayer and so on – keep in mind that there’s no better investment than nurturing youngsters.

Research reinforces a simple, yet profound truth over and over again: if you want to have a lasting influence in the world, you must invest in people’s lives; and if you want to maximize that investment, then you must invest in those people while they are young.

Sponsor a School

This is your opportunity to do just that, by sponsoring a primary school Bible correspondence course in Burkina Faso: • You can sponsor a school for £2

per child• Each sponsored pupil will

receive a 10 lesson course and a certificate at the end of the course; the school will also receive a football

• You will receive the name of the school, the number of pupils, and the name of the correspondence course marker - to pray for them

• We will endeavour to send you a photo (by email) of the class and the marker. You can then pray specifically for your school

• When Jeremy Nash returns at the end of the course in March he will try and report back how God has been at work in the lives of the children – providing individual stories and details

• It is possible than more than one sponsor will be assigned to the same school

Example: A £50 gift will link you to a school with a class of 25 children.

This project is a continuation of the ministry that Jeremy Nash is already involved in Burkina Faso.

Last year we reached just under one thousand children in their final year of primary school – in about 24 schools. But that leaves around 399 thousand more who are still waiting to hear.

For more information visit: http://missionafrica.org.uk/ministries/101/sponsor-a-school-in-burkina-faso

On Sunday morning I preached at Pastor Hénoc Sib’s church in Ouagadougou. The preaching was well received and we were very encouraged to see how the church has grown since last year. It is a church almost completely composed of university students, including four who have recently received their doctorate or are soon to

In partnership with Mission Africa, David Vaughn and Peter Maclure of Pastor Training International held a series of training seminars for pastors in Burkina Faso at the start of the year. Here David Vaughn reports on the success of the trip and how the Lord was with them in ‘an exceptional way’.

present their thesis. Even though this Sunday was the end of the school holidays and some courses were not due to restart for a few days, the church was full - with about 100 students and a few adults and families. Another 30 or 40 were absent and will be back once the courses begin.

We learned the weekend before the seminar began that we would not be meeting in the Teachers’ Training College where we met last year and had expected to meet again this time. The new venue - the EPE Bible School and church in Bouroum-Bouroum, about 30 kilometres from Gaoua - was much more rustic that the

Teachers’ College. There is no electricity in the village, so

we used a generator in order to provide

An enthusiastic hunger for Bible teaching among rural pastors


We feel that the Lord has been

with us in an exceptional way

Peter Maclure of PTI

DAVE SAVAGE

electricity for the sessions because we promised to use Power Point presentations to help the participants follow the outlines of the messages.

Peter and I actually felt that, in many ways, our situation was better than at the Teachers’ College, even though the facilities were poorer.

As for the training itself, I must say that we felt that the Lord was with us in an exceptional way. The response of the men was tremendously enthusiastic, much more so than last year. Many came to us between sessions not only expressing a positive response to the teaching, but an actual sense of marvel at what they were hearing and learning. One pastor broke down and wept during prayer at the end of a session on Jesus Christ our Great High Priest. A missionary later told me that this was the first time he had seen this happen.

Today several men said to me that they wished we could stay a month and just keeping teaching them these things. I can’t remember a time when I have seen such a hungry and enthusiastic reception of teaching of this sort.

We are very thankful and our hearts long, as we spend time with these men, to see them enriched with the fullness of biblical truth in Christ in whom are hidden all the mysteries of saving wisdom and knowledge.

We know that we are being upheld in prayer and that we are experiencing the grace of our prayer-hearing God.

Participants at the Bible training seminar

PARTNERSHIP WITH PTI

The partnership between Mission Africa and PTI is perhaps one of our lesser known relationships. PTI is a relatively young mission society, with impeccable evangelical credentials and a burning desire to see pastors in the majority world receive excellent theological training. Mission Africa and PTI came across each other around 2006 and through conversations between Paul Bailie and one of the PTI leaders, Christopher Embleton-Smith, it was agreed that Mission Africa and PTI could work to mutual advantage in Burkina Faso. After much prayer, a programme was devised in co-operation with our Burkinabé partners, the EPE. This year’s training seminars in Bouroum-Bouroum are the second cycle of a planned three year programme. Mission Africa has contributed to the costs of running the programme, but PTI has carried the majority of the expenditure and has also, most importantly, supplied the theological trainers. It is not that Mission Africa is short of qualified theological lecturers, but we certainly lack staff who can lecture in French! It has been an enormous privilege for us to work alongside PTI in Burkina Faso. Last year’s programme was an resounding success, and this year’s seminars have proven to be equally so. We look forward to the third instalment next year. This is a partnership that has brought glory to God and blessing to many pastors, who will go on to bless countless others.

Discerning new opportunities that God is opening up

“See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.” (Revelation 3:8, NIV)

We entered Chad in 2004, and over the past eight years God has involved us in many different roles and situations: general practitioner, hospital doctor, dispenser, English teacher, university lecturer – in the city, in villages and in the desert.

At times, we have concentrated on one particular tribe from the extreme north of Chad, but in more recent years God has led us to work among several different people groups.

Jane and Roy Jones have been serving in Chad since 2004. Recently, they reluctantly decided to return to the UK because of concerns over Jane’s health. They are spending the next few months winding up their ministry in Chad. They share with us some of their expectations for the future.

We had planned to remain in our current location in N’Djamena for a few more years to come. However, Jane returned to the UK in January 2012 because of back-ache, tiredness and other

symptoms. As a

result, she has seen various consultants and has undergone a number of different investigations. No new disease was found, but she has

continued to have a long-standing

irregular heart rhythm which causes

We trust God to water those seeds

that we have sown and lead us into the further works that he has prepared

Roy and Jane

breathlessness and tiredness. Her heart medication was stopped because it was thought to be causing side effects, including tingling. Recently, however, she has had increased tingling in her arms and hands which may be caused by the arthritis in her neck shown on an X-ray. In particular, because of the irregular heart rhythm, the cardiologist advised that we should think seriously whether to continue working in Chad.

We have, therefore, reluctantly decided that we should not stay in Chad. At this time there is no missionary candidate to succeed us. We returned to N’Djamena in January 2013 to clear our rented house. If possible we will store some of the mission’s belongings, in the hope that one day Mission Africa will recruit new workers for this very open country. Roy also plans to store some of his clothes and medical equipment, with the view to making short term visits. During our stay, we hope to engage in life-changing conversations with friends and contacts.

Over the past two years we have especially been involved in setting up and assisting village dispensaries, and Roy is hoping to be able to continue this work during this and future visits. We have also been involved with a learning/outreach centre in N’Djamena, offering English, French and IT. We hope to raise funds to develop the dispensaries and the learning centre.

We ourselves expect to be based in Gillingham, Kent, near our home church. We are very much seeking to identify those doors that the Lord is opening for us locally. Some possibilities are working with a debt centre that our church is

commencing this year, and reaching out to international students and ethnic groups. Roy is also applying to be registered as a GP locally, enabling him to work at the Doctors On Call Centre, but this process necessitates climbing through many bureaucratic hoops.

We shall be very sad to say farewell to our many friends, expatriate and Chadian at the end of March, but trust God to water those seeds that we have sown and lead us into the further works that He has prepared for us.

Roy removing a patient’s tooth

Jane looking after a toddler

Re-engaging with Christian ministryMission Africa’s newly appointed Scotland Mobiliser, Robbie Toop, from Motherwell, shares how God has directed and guided him and wife, Margaret over the years in the decisions they have taken.

Born in Bangkok of missionary parents, I grew up in Thailand with primary schooling in Malaya and England. While our parents were overseas, my siblings and I were loved and cared for by guardians at a home for missionary children.

During this time, when I was 11, Jesus revealed himself to me and I trusted him as my Saviour. Later we moved to Bo’ness, Scotland, where my father joined a local GP Practice, while my mother, a gynaecologist, worked in Falkirk Royal Infirmary.

In my early teens I was convicted to rededicate my life to Jesus. After school, I gained a Masters degree at Edinburgh, then for about three years I worked and travelled, before studying Electronics in Glasgow where I met Margaret. Within two months of marriage we were challenged about full time Christian work. After two years at the Bible Training Institute, we joined WEC in Glasgow.

We worked with WEC for 18 years, the first 11 as Scottish Coordinators, managing to visit many of our overseas workers. We spent a year in Tasmania, visiting bases in Australia and New Zealand. Following this, we were elected by WEC New Zealand as

national leaders, based in Auckland for three years.

By the end of this time our parents were requiring more care. It became clear that I needed to find full time employment and that we could no longer stay with WEC, so I retrained as a Driving Instructor, which I’ve now been doing for over seven years, while Margaret gave herself to supporting our parents.

After losing both sets of parents in the past few years, we felt free to re-engage with Christian ministry. During this time I was drawn to Mission Africa while our church appointed me as part time Pastoral Assistant. Officially, I work with Mission Africa two days a week and Hamilton Baptist Church, three days a week.

Until now, I’ve visited the Scottish Prayer Groups and met key supporters, while also being privileged to see some of the work in Nigeria first hand. I spent twelve

We felt free to re-engage with

Christian ministry...I was drawn to Mission Africa

days at then end of last year with Paul Bailie and Jeremy Nash visiting Abuja, Jos and Kogi State. I thank the Lord for keeping us safe and healthy. The highlights were seeing the work among the orphans and widows, as well as meeting the missionaries and hearing their stories.

I have a passion to build bridges of understanding and commitment between those at home and workers overseas.

SCOTLAND PRAYER GROUPS Our prayers can make a difference. Difficult situations and seemingly impossible circumstances can change as God listens and responds.

None of Mission Africa’s missionaries working in Nigeria, Chad and Burkina Faso could do so without the prayers of committed supporters back at home.

We have many groups of people in Mission Africa across the UK who are committed to praying faithfully for our missionaries. Our prayer partners are a vital part of the team, enabling each missionary to do what God has called them to do in the place that he has called them to.

Falkirk2nd Monday at 8:00pmEwen and Hazel Morrison

Edinburgh2nd Friday at 7:30pmNorna Swanson

Glasgow3rd Monday at 7:30pmJim Weir

Glencraig, FifeEach Monday at 7:30pmJim and Reta McManus

Robbie and Margaret Toop

EventsAFRICA PRAYER DAY 2013, LONDONApril10:30am-4:00pmVenue and date still to be confirmedAn opportunity for our supporters in the London area to stay informed with what God is doing in Africa. Join us as we hear stories and updates from missionaries - and pray specifically for mission in Nigeria, Burkina Faso and Chad. Feel free to join us for all or just part of the day.

MISSION AFRICA AGM 2013Thursday 25th April7:00pmVenue still to be confirmedA time to rejoice and give thanks to God for his faithfulness, as we look back on the past 12 months.

AFRICA CONFERENCE 2013, BELFASTSaturday 1st June7:00pmVenue still to be confirmedJoin us for an evening of praise and worship, and to hear inspiring and challenging stories of God at work in Africa - as He transforms lives and builds his kingdom.

AFRICA PRAYER DAY 2013, SCOTLANDApril10:30am-4:00pmVenue and date still to be confirmedAn opportunity for supporters in Scotland to join together to pray for mission in Africa. With up to date news and stories from missionaries - that both challenge and inspire. Feel free join us for all or just part of the day.

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Former Mission Africa missionary Rev. Ian Fleck traces the origins and growth of evangelical missions in Nigeria in his new book: Bringing Christianity to Nigeria – The Origin and Work of Protestant Missions.

Available now from the Mission Africa office£8.99

Lessons abound in this compelling account of how the Gospel spread in Nigeria

www.missionafrica.org.uk

Contact us:Chief Executive:Rev. Dr. Paul [email protected]

Head Office:14 Glencregagh Court, BelfastBT6 0PA02890 [email protected]

England Mobiliser:Jeremy Nash46 Hunt Road, ChristchurchBH23 3BW01202 [email protected]

Mission Africa (The Qua Iboe Fellowship) is deemed to be a Charity by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland.

Recognised as a Charity by HMRC: No XN45493.Registered in Company House, Belfast as a Company Limited by

Guarantee, R611.

Scotland Mobiliser:Robbie [email protected]

Documents

Dispatch: Spring 2013