mission africa disptach magazine spring 2012

S P R I N G 2 0 1 2 W W W. M I S S I O N A F R I C A . O R G . U K

DispatchNE WS & R E P OR T S

Mission Africa Dispatch Jan 2012.e$S_Layout 1 24/01/2012 16:04

2012 is a significant year for many people. TheOlympics are coming to London, and the nationawaits with baited breath to see if all thearrangements will be in place in time. 2012 alsosees the 100th anniversary of the sinking of theTitanic; we in Belfast like to remind the rest ofthe world that the ship was fine when it lefthere. Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, celebratesher diamond jubilee on June 5th. We take thisopportunity to congratulate Her Majesty on herjubilee and wish her God’s abundant blessings.

In the spring edition of Qua Iboe Quarterly,1952, my distinguished predecessor IsaacMcEwan wished the Queen a long and happyreign, little imagining, I am sure, that she wouldturn out to be one of the longest reigning andnotably successful monarchs in history. Likewise,when Samuel Bill set off for Nigeria in 1887, Idoubt that he had even the slightest inkling thatthe mission that he was to found would still bedoing the Lord’s work 125 years later.

Our 125th year will be a time when we lookback in profound gratitude to God for what hehas been pleased to accomplish through themission. We can still feel a sense of amazementat the zeal and boldness with which He filled theyoung Samuel Bill, and His providential care overBill, Bailie, Kirk and the other pioneermissionaries. We would require hearts of flint notto be moved as we survey the way in which Godhas made His gospel known in Nigeria, buildinghis church in number and spiritual depth, overthese past 125 years. Our hearts are furthergladdened when we consider that God haspermitted us to reach out from Nigeria andmake a contribution to the spread of the gospelin Chad and Burkina Faso. Soon, we hope toalso help the work of the gospel in Kenya.

However, as we survey the past, we must alsobe acutely aware of the manner in which God isblessing us in the present day. As you readthrough this issue of Dispatch, you will surely be

Mission Africa:125years of serving God


struck by the fact that God is calling many newpeople into full time missionary service. As youread their stories, you will be further struck as tothe remarkably high calibre of personnel thatGod is sending us in these days – people of thehighest spiritual, intellectual and practicalcapacity. Furthermore, these are individuals whohave heard and responded to the call of God atthe cost of great personal sacrifice. Join with usin giving thanks to God for blessing in us in aremarkable way, and pray for all these newmissionaries as they commence their service inthe year ahead.

Pray for us also as we look ahead to the future.Pray that God would graciously guide and directus in the way that we should go in the yearsahead. As a mission we need to know how tomove forward in difficult days, both here and inAfrica. The difficulties that we face are of adifferent type to those faced by Samuel Bill, butno less challenging. Pray that at all times wewould remain in the will of God, so that wemight continue to bring honour and glory to thename of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul BailieChief Executive

FINANCESSeptember-December 2011General Funds: £92,709Project Funds: £43,986

We ask you to join with us in praying forGod’s provision concerning our substantialdeficit. If you would like to help, thenplease reply using the enclosed special giftenvelope. All donations are muchappreciated.

DISPATCHOur next Dispatch will be a special 125thAnniversary Commemorative Edition, sentout in September 2012. There will be noDispatch in May.


It’s been a busy period of saying farewell toseveral of our missionary families, who returnedto Nigeria at the start of the year, after spendingsome time in Northern Ireland. Gail andGodwin Ekanem flew back in mid-January.Next to leave were Ricky and AngieFitzsimmons, Ellie and Noah, and Charlesand Ruth Beattie, Caleb and Lauren, who allflew out on the same flight.

Student Claire Louise Bathgate fromNewtownards, Co Down, recently began a fourmonth stint in Nigeria. She is working with theAdvance project in Ogugu, helping to developnew policies for the programme.

Jane Jones is currently in the UK for medicaltests for a health problem. Pray that the resultswill mean that both she and Roy can continue toserve the Lord in Chad.

At the beginning of February a team will betravelling to Holley Hospital in Ohadamu, Nigeriafor a fortnight. Patricia Holley, Jim andShirley Ballantine, Donna Watson, and DrMarshall Garvin, will be opening a new x-rayunit, and also hope to be involved in medicalwork and outreach.

Jeremy Nash is planning a three week long tripto Burkino Faso at the start of March, tocontinue with his ministry with the EPE church.Ana Van Brakel has recently been involvedwith a highly successful pastors’ theologicalconference in Gaoua, Burkina Faso, jointlyorganised by Mission Africa, Pastor TrainingInternational and the Evangelical Protestantchurch. We hope to have pictures and a report inour next Dispatch. Sid Garland is also planninga three week trip to Nigeria with ACTS in March

and April. All of our recently acceptedmissionaries to Nigeria are currently visitingchurches and prayer groups in the UK, raisingprayer and financial support. Paul and Lesley-Ann McAuley hope to leave for Africa in April,Fraser and Dawn Jackson, and their childrenJames and Ruth in June, and Richard andLaura Morrison in July.

Sid and Jean Garland have been celebratingsome happy family news recently. Their daughterDebbie married Ian Marshall at the end ofAugust 2011. And in mid December theybecame the proud grandparents of MiriamFaith, born to Karen and Peter Garland.

We are putting together a relay team to takepart in the Belfast City Marathon 2012, tohelp raise money for the mission. It takes placeon Monday 7th May 2012. Team members canrun anything from 3.5 miles up to 7 miles. If youare interested in participating, please contactNaomi in the office by 30th March. Our ChiefExecutive, Paul Bailie, intends to do asponsored parachute jump, aiming to raise aminimum of £1125. Paul remarks that hissomewhat un-aerodynamic shape may be anadvantage in these particular circumstances. Ifyou would like to help the mission by sponsoringPaul, you can contact the office directly, or if youwould like to donate online, just navigate towww.justgiving.com/Paul-Bailie

Finally, we recently welcomed Darren Vaughanonto the staff of Mission Africa. He joins us inthe new role of Communications Officer. Anothernew face is that of Naomi Gowan, a solicitorfrom Belfast, who recently joined as a Councilmember, bringing with her valuable legalexpertise.

NewsMission Africa Dispatch Jan 2012.e$S_Layout 1 24/01/2012 16:04

The Qua Iboe Mission is unique in the history ofmissions. It all began as the result of a letterbearing the postmark 'Niger Coast Protectorate'sent to the Principal of Harley MissionaryTraining College, London, in June 1887. Whenthe students had finished their meal thePrincipal rose to tell them of this most unusualletter he had received.

After reading the letter the Principal added, “It’sa treacherous, fever-ridden climate, andcannibalism is not unknown in the area. Youwould have no mission behind you, but will oneof you young men offer to go?”

After prayer and consideration Samuel Bill, fromBelfast, went to the Principal to tell him, “Youasked if any of us would answer the call in thatletter. I'm here to say that, God helping me, Iwill.”

On 6th October 1887, the evening before his

boat reached Calabar, his thoughts andemotions were uncertain as he recorded:“Nearing my new home; can’t help wonderingwhat it will bring! Feel rather down-cast andhelpless, as I draw near the place in which it isprobable I shall have a hard struggle to obtain afooting. However, ‘He who is with me is morethan all they who can be against me’. I needgrace to depend entirely on Him, that I may befaithful in the great work to which He has calledme.”

In January 1888 when he arrived at Eket hewrote: “At last, I have got to Qua Iboe. There isno white trader there now so that I am alone inthe trade house.”

Basically, Samuel Bill was now alone, with nomission behind him to guarantee his salary orallowance, no colleagues to share the work with,no church, no school, no mission house waitingfor him. During the following months, he built

Looking back on125 years by Ian Fleck

David Ekong, a young Samuel Bill, Jim Westgarth on his motorbike


himself a house, struggled to learn the language,tried to cook and eat unfamiliar food and almostevery week fought a fresh attack of malaria. Veryearly in Mr Bill's work in Nigeria, he came acrossa lot of jujus, or traditional African witchcraftpractices. He seemed to be meeting them everyday.

As someone wrote: “It would be enough tomake angels weep to know what Africa hassuffered at the hands of her own sons throughthis demon controlled cult.”

Samuel Bill found the work slow and hispatience was sorely tried, but the Spirit of Godwas working in the hearts of the people. One ofthe first converts was a young boy called Min.He was a chief's son and the grandson of thehigh priest of Ekong. This Ekpo society was aruthless and hideous secret society oftenresponsible for very many deaths.

Min helped Samuel Bill as his houseboy and alsoas interpreter. God started to work in Min'syoung heart and through watching Samuel Bill'slife and work and the teaching of Scripture hecame to understand that he needed to be savedand surrendered his life to Christ.

This of course was a difficult situation for hisfamily, as it dashed their hopes that Min wouldfollow his grandfather as the chief priest of'Nayena', the great spirit, and became a turningpoint in the work.

Some time later, Min was baptised and took ona new name, David. Samuel Bill and DavidEkong became a great team, preaching andevangelising the district, going from village tovillage by canoe on the river and trekkingthough the forest.

A mud and thatch church was built at Ibuno. In the autumn of 1888 Archie Bailie, his veryclose friend since school days, joined Samuel Bill.

His arrival put new life into Samuel Bill and thetwo of them could now go out and explore theland and plan the extension of the work.

The work started to yield fruit, as a short timelater two of Chief Eshiet's wives expressed thedesire to be saved, after receiving permissionfrom Eshiet, who voluntarily agreed for them tobe released from their marriage to be separatedfrom him.

By now it was time for Samuel Bill to return toNorthern Ireland to report to his praying andsupporting friends about the work, and so onthe 6th June 1890, along with David Ekong, heleft Archie to travel home.

There is no doubt that with David Ekongaccompanying Samuel Bill there was greatinterest in the work. David’s was the first blackface that had ever been seen, and crowdsflocked to hear him sing hymns in Efik.

The 7th November 1890 is a historic date for theQua Iboe Mission, when a few people mettogether to form a Council to support andmanage the affairs of the mission.

When Mr and Mrs Bill and David Ekong returnedto Nigeria, the work continued to develop and asite was chosen for a new church, whichhappened to be the site where David Ekong'sgrandfather had been high priest. It is amazingthat in only a few short years the ground thatwas thick with bones and relics of ancientsacrifice was now the site for a church capableof seating five hundred worshippers of the livingGod.

It was common pagan practice at that time thattwins were discarded in the bush and there wasalso human sacrifice, but God was working,souls were saved, and lives were changed –even some of those who plotted to killChristians came to know Christ as their Saviour.


Then strange things started to happen and agreat awakening of the Spirit of God took place.It proved to be an amazing experience andvisitation of the Spirit. Mr Westgarth was anobserver of some amazing events.

Those memorable days came to an end, butmany future leaders of the Qua Iboe Churchtraced their spiritual power to the 1928 revival.Several years after the events, an evangelist wasasked what impression it had upon him andburying his face in his hands, he replied, “Oh!Etubom, it was wonderful! It was WONDERFUL!The Word of God was so sweet; and prayer wasour very life.”

Bible College work started with missionarytutors. However, January 1958 marked thebeginning of a new era in the history of theBible College, when Mr Amos Udonsak wasappointed the first Nigerian tutor. The secondAfrican tutor was Mr Godwin Okoroafor, whowas appointed to the staff in 1962. Amos laterbecame the first Nigerian Principal.

The work started to spread from the Efikspeaking people to the Ibo speaking peoplefurther north. Bertie Wilcox first visited Aba to doa survey, when the only means of transport wasby canoe.

In 1920, Willcox started plans to found aTraining Institute for the Ibo district, but sadly hetook ill and died in December 1922. Today theInstitute he founded is called The WilcoxMemorial Institute.

The Igala tribe had made repeated requests forMr Bill to begin a work. So early in 1931 JohnNelson and Jim Westgarth made the verydifficult journey to Idah, the most importanttown in Igala.

David O’Neill was welcomed by the Chief ofGwalawo and became the first to settle thereand to master the new and difficult Igalalanguage.

There were encouragements from the start. Theold men were now interested and within a yearthe chief burned his idols. Less than a year afterO’Neill’s arrival, the men voluntarily built the firstIgala Church at Gwalawo.

O’Neill and Dibble (Brethren mission at Ika)translated the New Testament into the Igalalanguage. Meanwhile, Mr and Mrs HerbertDickson left the work they were involved in andmoved to Adoro, about thirty miles from Idah.

Samuel Bill, Ibeno church, Pastor William Usen


When I took uncle Herbert to Igala in 1978, herecalled how things had changed since he hadtrekked from Adoru in the early 1930’s. Hevividly remembered how witchcraft had such ahold on the people in those days.

Mr and Mrs Dickson would frequently havepeople coming with leprosy, begging them forhelp. Urgent prayer was requested for a doctorto join them. In 1949, Dr Jack Kearney with hiswife and family joined them, and a leprosy clinicwas opened at Ochanamu.

A small Bible School was started in Ochadamuin 1958. This moved to Idah in 1963 withRaymond Compton. In 1964 the Church TrainingCentre was transferred to Ankpa under MervynCrooks. But by 1973 it was having financialdifficulties and had to close. It was re-opened in1981 when I transferred from SBTC.

Not long after the Mission had entered Igala,they became aware of the challenge of thepeople across the Benue. In 1934, JimWestgarth, Eddie Dornan and Herbert Dicksonset out to survey the Bassa country.

In 1936 George Curry went to Bassa, as the firstresident missionary. The early work in Bassaproved to be very difficult and discouraging.

There were many disappointments, with workerseither not being able to stay long due to illhealth and others designated for the work, noteven able to reach the field.

George Curry spent weeks trekking and came tothe conclusion that Kanyehu would be the bestarea to start the work. The people were willingto listen to the Word of God being preached andthe ones and twos came to saving faith.

Many Nigerians from the Qua Iboe field andIgala travelled for hundreds of miles at greatsacrifice to themselves and to their families totake the good news of the gospel to that regionof Nigeria.

It is thrilling to speak and think of what hasbeen achieved in the past 125 years through thework of Mission Africa. We know that today theproblems may be different, but the need is stillvery great for Nigerians to hear the same gospelmessage that Samuel Bill proclaimed in 1887.

The Westgarths, the Bill’s house, Udo Ete Ibeno in 1888


125 years ago Samuel Bill answered the call ofGod on his life to go to Nigeria. Much of hissupport in those early days came from friendsback in Belfast, where up to today theheadquarters of the mission is located. Manyother servants of God followed in the footstepsof Samuel Bill and the church has grownremarkably through the years. More recentlyMission Africa has developed partnerships withother churches to advance the gospel innorthern Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Chad and Kenya.

On this special anniversary we want to give gloryto God and celebrate his faithfulness. During2012 all our Mission Africa conferences, prayerdays and houseparties will focus on the 125thanniversary.

We have already organised a successful PrayerBreakfast at Belfast Bible College, and a Church

Leaders’ Lunch at Vic-Ryn, Lisburn, held inJanuary. But two extra special events have beenplanned and are worth highlighting:

125th Anniversary Banquet for FormerMissionariesParliament Buildings, Stormont, BelfastWednesday 25th April 20126:15pm (optional tour)Long term former missionaries and home staffwho have served the Lord under the mission willbe honoured at a special banquet, planned forWednesday 25th April. The meal is to be held inthe Long Gallery of the Parliament Buildings atStormont, Belfast, kindly arranged by NorthernIreland’s Justice Minister, Mr David Ford, and isby invitation only. The evening will kick off withan optional tour of Parliament Buildings at6.15pm and the meal will start at 7.00pm.Invitations are being sent to former missionaries

Celebrating God’sfaithfulness

by Jean Garland, Secretary 125th Anniversary Committee

125 Prayer Breakfast, Jan 2012


inviting them to attend the banquet free ofcharge. Some friends and relatives of long termstaff, short term staff, home staff, Councilmembers, prayer group leaders and other friendsof Mission Africa will also be invited to attend,though will be asked to pay for their own mealto help subsidize the event.

Space is limited and all guests are warned thatadvance booking (and where appropriate,payment) is strictly required through the MissionAfrica office.

125th Anniversary Celebration EventCarnmoney Presbyterian Church,NewtownabbeySaturday 29th September 20127pm (with refreshments servedbeforehand)This is Mission Africa’s main public celebrationevent. The programme will be varied andinteresting, as we look back on God’sfaithfulness over the past 125 years. But we willalso be presented with the challenges formission in the years ahead. The event will startat 7pm, with tea and coffee served beforehand.A light supper will be provided afterwards.

Our special guest speaker will be George Verwer,founder of Operation Mobilization. George, in hisown unique style, will challenge us to share

God’s heart for mission to a lost and needyworld, not only in Africa, but to the ends of theearth. The event will be chaired by Bishop KenClarke and there will be special music and visualpresentations.

We hope that African church leaders from ourpartner churches will be able to join us as werededicate ourselves to take the good news tothe unreached millions who still are lost withoutChrist.

Please plan to come along, and feel free toinvite friends and family. We would love to seeyou!

For more information about the 125thAnniversary events, contact Naomi on:028 9040 2850


Fraser and Dawn Jackson from theScottish Highlands joined Mission Africaat the end of last year. They are excitedby the prospect of putting their skills andtalents to use in serving the church inNigeria, Fraser in the library at theTheological College of Northern Nigeria inJos, and Dawn in the literature ministry ofACTS. They have two children, James (13)and Ruth (10).

Fraser was born and brought up in a Christianhome in Glasgow. He came to faith in Christwhen he was sixteen, through a conversationwith a Christian school friend. Fraser attendedChristian Union while at Glasgow University, andbegan to take an interest in missions, particularlyin Wycliffe Bible Translators. After finishing apostgraduate diploma in Librarianship at RobertGordon University in Aberdeen, he worked brieflyfor Blythswood Care, a Christian social carecharity based in the Highlands, before joiningWycliffe for their short-term programme.

Dawn was brought up in a small village inLincolnshire and started to follow Jesus when

she was about 10 years old. Her Christian lifedeepened and developed while she was studyingClassics and English at Oxford University,through the teaching at St Ebbe’s church, andinvolvement in the Christian Union. Afteruniversity she also joined Wycliffe’s short termgraduate programme, where she met Fraser.Dawn then went to serve in Papua New Guineafor a year, while Fraser travelled to Kenya andworked on the Endo-Marakwet Bible translationproject.

After their marriage in 1995 on their return tothe UK, Fraser and Dawn lived in the village ofLochcarron, on the west coast of Scotland,where Fraser once more worked for Blythswoodand Dawn did some proofreading for ChristianFocus Publications. In 1997 they moved acrossto Dingwall and in 2002 Fraser started work inthe library and in IT at the Highland TheologicalCollege.

In the summer of 2010 they took the family tothe first week of the Keswick Convention (adangerous thing to do!) After the midweekmissionary meeting Fraser and Dawn both felt

God’s perfect planningFraser and Dawn Jackson, TCNN


God calling them to serve him in Africa. They didnot know which country or doing what, but thecall to go was clear. They began pushing doors,knowing that the Lord would reveal his plansmore clearly in his own time; they actuallystarted the application process for anothermission working in Africa. The agency keptcoming up with objections – it would be difficultto place them somewhere where both theirtalents could be used, the children were thewrong ages to take out of the country – it wasoften rather discouraging, but throughout theprocess Dawn and Fraser still felt that Godwanted them to go. After some months theywithdrew their application to join thatorganisation and felt a great sense of relief.

Within a couple of days Dawn came across theMission Africa website and the plea for editorsto work at ACTS. After phoning the Belfast officefor more information, she was delighted to hearthat a librarian was needed for the TheologicalCollege of Northern Nigeria, just round thecorner from the ACTS headquarters in Jos, andan ideal position for Fraser. As there was also agood school for James and Ruth in the city, theyknew that the Lord had put together perfectarrangements for them. More application formswere filled in and in November 2011 they wereaccepted as members of Mission Africa. Fraserwill become the librarian at TCNN, while Dawnwill divide her time between editing at ACTS,outreach to the disadvantaged and marginalisedand supporting James and Ruth at school.

As a family they are excited by the prospect ofputting their skills and talents to use in servingthe church in Nigeria, but also in enthusingChristians in the UK about the call to us all tofulfil the Great Commission, wherever God mayplace us. Meeting so many more of the Lord’sfamily throughout the country and bringingsome of them into partnership in this particularwork is a great privilege and pleasure.


Africa is familiar territory for newly wedsLesley-Ann and Paul McAuley. They havebeen on many short-term mission tripsthere in the past. Now they are busilymaking preparations to go to Nigerialater this year as full time missionaries.They’ll be working at Holley MemorialHospital in Ochadamu, where Lesley-Annhopes to use her award winning skills asa nurse, and Paul with the practical needsof the clinic.

“Nigerians often say ‘Once you drink Africanwater, it’s in your blood’, and this has certainlyproved to be true for both of us,” says Lesley-Ann.

“I grew up in Kilkeel, County Down, in aChristian family, where I was encouraged to trustthe Lord and pursue His will for my life. My firsttaste of overseas mission work came in 2004,when the Lord called me to join a Mission AfricaSTEP team to Jos, Nigeria. On that team God’s

words, ‘He who began a good work in you willbring it to completion’, touched my heart and Iknew this was only the start of my ministry inNigeria. God had closed the door for me to goto university following my A-Levels and instead,through answered prayer, called me back to Josfor two GAP years, where I worked at EMSChildren’s School and with City Ministries.

“During this time I had many experiences andgrew a lot in my faith. With my sights set onlong term mission, I returned to Northern Irelandand completed a degree in Nursing Sciences,graduating as a children’s nurse in 2010.

“During my studies I continued to take shorttrips to Nigeria, maintaining good relationshipswith those I worked with and keeping my desireto return long term alive. While leading a STEPteam in Nigeria in 2009 I met Paul, and wemarried in May 2011. We applied together forlong term missionary service in Nigeria.

Returning to Nigeriatogether

Paul and Lesley-Ann McAuley


“Paul is no stranger to Africa either, havingexperienced short trips to Kenya, Tanzania, SouthAfrica, Egypt and Nigeria. It was during a trip toKenya with Tearfund, through the ChristianUnion at Coleraine University, that Paul reallyfelt God telling Him Africa was where he wasmeant to be.

“Paul also grew up in a Christian home, nearBallymena in County Antrim. He was taught andbrought up through church and was saved at ayoung age. He attended and helped with theScripture Union at Cambridge House GrammarSchool, and also with the CU while studyingGeography at the University of Ulster.

“Since graduating in 2005 he has been workingin Aquasun, a leisure product company inBallymena, as a service engineer and warehousemanager. Paul was a Boys’ Brigade officer in alocal church from 2003, when he completedyouth leadership training until 2011. During histime with the Boys’ Brigade he was a Duke ofEdinburgh and First Aid instructor.

“It was in 2009 that he was introduced toMission Africa when taking part in a summersports team, and his interest in Nigeria hasprogressed since then. When applying for long-term work, we were open to wherever Godwould send us. Unknown to us, many had beenpraying for a couple with both medical andpractical skills to go to Holley Memorial Hospital,Ochadamu. God had answered their prayers, andhad been preparing that couple for years.

“I hope to use the nursing skills and experience Ihave gained to date to help improve standardsof care at the hospital. This will take time andpatience, but with determination and God’s help,the physical needs of many can be met, whilealso witnessing about the spiritual needs ofthose who are yet to find salvation in the Lord.

“Paul will have much work to do with helping torepair and maintain hospital buildings andequipment. This work is vital in order to provideeffective care to those who are sick andvulnerable. Paul is also keen to develop a prisonministry in a local prison, bringing practical skillsand God’s love and forgiveness to those who arewithout hope.

“We will have the opportunity to also workalongside Advance doing medical outreach tovarious areas and assist with health programmesand other activities in Ogugu with the Circle ofHope ministry.

“Please pray for us as we prepare for our returnto Nigeria together and develop our ministries.Although there will be highs and lows along theway, we will continue to focus on our call andthe words of Proverbs 3:5-6, ‘Trust in the Lordwith all your heart, and lean not on your ownunderstanding; in all your ways acknowledgeHim, and He shall direct your paths.’”


2012 is an exciting year for Richard andLaura Morrison from County Antrim. Theyare hoping to embark on their first yearof service with Mission Africa in the ruralNigerian village of Ogugu. They explainhow God has clearly directed them to thispoint in their lives.

“I grew up on a farm in north Antrim near thevillage of Mosside,” says Richard.

“I was brought up in a Christian home alongwith my brother and two sisters. I became aChristian at a young age, having heard thegospel clearly explained at Ballycastle CSSM. Myfaith developed as I got more involved in a localBoys’ Brigade, youth fellowship and churchorganisations. But it was in sixth year atColeraine Inst, when I began to live out my faithand take it more seriously. Having been on anumber of Exodus Mission teams to EasternEurope and on a later team to China, God wasdeveloping in me a passion for overseas mission.

“I went on to study at the University of Ulster,and achieved a MEng in Engineering. Followingthat, I worked in Schrader Electronics for overfour years as a manufacturing engineer.

“Having been accepted to Mission Africa, I feltGod was directing me to full time Biblicalstudies, and so in September 2011 I leftSchrader and began studying full time at CornhillBible Training College in Belfast.”

“I grew up in Portstewart with my mum, dadand sister,” continues Laura.

“I went along to Holiday Bible Clubs and churchyouth clubs, but it wasn’t until my family movedto Ballymoney and joined Trinity PresbyterianChurch that I gave my life to Christ. There weredifferent challenges along the way on myjourney, but God continued to guide me throughmany different situations - school, university inEngland, a gap year working at home, and tothe University of Ulster to study for a degree in

Richard and Laura Morrison

Clear guidance forthe future


Community Youth Work. This then led to full timework with ACET Belfast (AIDS Care Education &Training), educating young people in sexualhealth and drugs awareness.

“It was at the Christian Union at universitywhere we met, and of course it was love at firstsight. We later went on to marry in August2009. We are members of ToberdoneyPresbyterian Church and are involved in variousorganisations, including running the children’sclub together, Sunday school teaching and thechurch committee.

“Even before we were married we felt a call tomission of some sort, but we never knew whatthat was, and so we have been praying about itfor a few years. It wasn’t until September 2010that we felt God speak to us, firstly to Richardand then myself. During church one Sundaymorning Richard was very much challenged bythe verse in Isaiah (6:8) where it says, ‘Whomshall I send? And who will go for us? And I said,Here am I. Send me’. And this resonated withhim over the next few days, until he finallytalked to me about it.

“Of course I was very open to the idea of goingto serve overseas. I met a friend for coffee inBelfast one day, and began to tell her about ourpotential call to mission, when we were joinedby a lovely lady who, very apologetically, told usshe had overheard our conversation. She saidshe felt that God was telling me to ‘go’. She alsogave me a verse from the Psalms (91:11), andsaid that God would command his angels toprotect us wherever we would go.

“After advice from great friends, we decided towait a few months and just pray about whereGod would have us go. And when we couldn’twait any more, we decided to begin contactingmission agencies. We met with a few, but werebowled over by how we could fit into theMission Africa family. So a few application forms

and an interview later, we were delighted to beaccepted to serve in Ogugu, Kogi State, Nigeria.

“Ogugu village is very much in a rural settingwith farming being a way of life for many peoplethere, which will bring its own challenges. Butwe are willing to fit in and do what we can toserve those there.

“I will be involved in developing support groupsfor people living with HIV, as well as HIV testingand counselling at the Donegore centre. I willalso be helping to run two mums’ and tots’groups and providing life skills education toschools in Ogugu and the surrounding villages.

“Richard will be involved in many differentministries in Ogugu, including the completion,maintenance and management of the Advancebuildings, generators and borehole, as well asworking with Asabe, to help bring the Circle ofHope programme up to higher standards, writingquarterly newsletters for sponsors,administration of the projects, and thediscipleship of the children and young people.He also hopes to develop the ministry withFulani herdsmen in Ogugu.

“As we look back on our lives and our journeyto this point we are so thankful for how Godhas guided and directed us, and for our familyand friends who have encouraged us along theway. We look forward with anticipation as tohow God will use us to serve Him in Nigeria.”


Recently returned to Northern Ireland,Darren Vaughan joins the Mission Africaoffice in a new role as CommunicationsOfficer. He spent the past nine years withhis family working in church planting andyouth and children’s ministry in ruralSpain. Before that he was a radiojournalist for BBC Northern Ireland. He’smarried to Joan, and they have threechildren: Samuel (16), Matt (15) andGabriel (12).

“We both thought the move back to Belfast wasgoing to be horrendous,” says Darren.

“And there was no shortage of people telling usthat it was the worst possible time to return tothe UK. Imagine having to sell our house, moveour belongings back, find schools for our threeboys, accommodation, and jobs for both of us -all at the same time! But despite the mountainof tasks to overcome, it all went smoothly. God

was with us every step of the way. Althoughthere were plenty of headaches and somerestless nights, we have known His presence,reassuring us, accompanying us and upholdingus.

“It was very much like that nine years ago whenwe first headed to Spain with our young familyand into the unknown. We moved to a small,rural village in central Spain - not knowinganyone, and hardly speaking a word of Spanish.As the years passed by we made friends, we ranchildren’s and youth camps, organised languageexchanges, and welcomed church youth teamsfrom home. We started to teach English in ourgarage, and eventually ended up working in thelocal primary school - Joan, teaching English,and Darren, running the college radio station.God was faithful. We saw hearts softened, mindsopened, and eventually lives transformed byGod’s power.

Nothing isimpossible

Darren, Matt, Joan, Gabriel & Sam Vaughan


“They were fantastic years of depending onGod. It was sometimes a lonely and isolatedexistence, but God sustained us on the journey.And the rays of hope always dispelled thosedark moments. What a privilege be involved inleading a whole family to faith in Christ, thenrun an Alpha Course for them, and later baptisethem in the nearby river. And to see a group ofteenagers touched by the Holy Spirit and givingtheir lives over to Jesus.

“From all that, we ended up eventually beingable to meet together as a group of believers -around a dozen of us - in each other’s homesevery Sunday, sharing what God had done in ourlives, worshipping him, praying for one anotherand eating together. Of course we’d love to haveseen more of our close friends and neighboursjoin us. But we thank God for the manyopportunities we had to share his love and thereality of his presence in us - offering to pray forthem when they were ill, or facing difficulty.

“In the end it was hard to say goodbye. Living insuch a close knit community for so long, wereally did feel like part of the furniture. But aswe packed our car full to the brim with theremains of our belonging last summer, said oursad farewells and headed off on the road back‘home’, we entrusted each life into the hands ofour heavenly Father, into his care.

“Now that we’re back in Belfast it’s given ustime to think about our years in Spain - our viewof the world has certainly been widened, ourexperiences of life broadened, our faith stretchedand our trust in God deepened. The landscapeand climate are very different in NorthernIreland, but the joys and struggles are the same.It’s been wonderful to see God answer prayerand break through into our situation, providingschools for the boys, jobs and a house - allwithin a matter of months.

“Of course we still feel a little out of place hereback at ‘home’, a bit like strangers in a foreignland. It will take time to readjust and adapt to anew life here. For me, though, it’s been a greathelp to be working with Mission Africa. The teamin the office have been very gracious,understanding and supportive. And it’s been ahuge encouragement to meet so many othersenthusiastic about serving God abroad - givingup their careers, leaving behind family, and thethings that are precious to them, so that theycan fulfil the call of God on their lives. That’sexciting for me, knowing that I can still be partof expanding God’s kingdom, in a very smallway.

“So yes, I have to agree with some of myfriends. It probably isn’t a good time to berelocating. But then again, nothing is impossiblefor a mighty God. I know that, and surely thepast remarkable 125 years of Mission Africaprove that too.”


Theology lecturer Campbell Hamilton andhis wife, Sally-Ann, spent almost sevenyears at the Samuel Bill TheologicalCollege in Nigeria. Since returning toBelfast in 2004, they settled back intotheir home church of Finaghy Baptist,where they have continued to serve Godin a variety of ways. Campbell hasrecently begun a second period of servicewith Mission Africa in an exciting newrole, based mainly in the UK.

“When we returned from Nigeria, I had highhopes of continuing as a lecturer, while studyingfor a PhD,” recalls Campbell.

“However, despite many applications only onecollege interviewed me, and turned me down.For various reasons three attempts at a PhDhave all floundered.

“In the seven years that we have been back Ihave had two jobs, both in Christian bookshopsin Belfast. Throughout that time I have also hadthe opportunity to serve as a part-time lecturerat the Irish Baptist College. So for me the last 20years have been dominated by theological

education and book-selling. Nevertheless, itcame as a surprise when Sid Garland floated theidea of me rejoining Mission Africa, to assistAfrica Christian Textbooks (ACTS) with orderingand marketing books that will strengthenleadership training in Africa. I think my firstresponse, internally at least, was: “Huh?”

“Sid pointed out how the last 20 years hadprepared me for this. This was backed up by thevision and faith of the Mission Africa Councilwho saw the potential of appointing someonewith my background to a new position to workon a number of tracks - with a remit fordeveloping the ministry of Mission AfricaLiterature, working alongside ACTS, and tocontinue in theological education, recognisingour history as a mission in that strategic ministry.

“As I look ahead the prospects are diverse andintriguing. My focus will be on relationships,theological education and the provision of goodtheological literature. I look forward tointeresting days and fulfilling opportunities;renewed friendships and new relationships; andthe opportunities to help students and pastorscatch a fresh vision of the mission of God.”

Fresh vision for missionCampbell and Sally-Ann Hamilton


Mission Africa’sOgugu Team,

Nigeria,Summer 2011


Polycarp? Who was he? Early churchhistory tells us he was one of theChristian saints who was faithful to Jesus’teaching and died as a martyr. WhenPolycarp, who had advanced in years, wasabout to be burned, tied to a stake hetestified confidently, "Eighty six years Ihave served him. How then can Iblaspheme my King and Saviour?"

On my recent visit to Jos, Nigeria, I met some ofthe many orphans and vulnerable childrenhelped by Mission Africa’s Orphan Care Fundand Loaves and Fishes Fund. I was taken tomeet a young man called Polycarp, who hasbeing serving Jesus in the face of poverty,sorrow, loneliness and deprivation.

“This is where Polycarp stays,” explainedDeborah, my colleague from Spring of Life. “Hisparents both died from AIDS and left behind thisunfinished house.”

I stared at the grey building with no ceilings and

no glass in the windows. I felt the chillyHarmattan wind rushing through the small darkroom. Empty grain sacks were taped over theholes, where the windows should have been.

“He has two older brothers, but one hasdisappeared and the other takes drugs andalcohol. When he’s intoxicated he beatsPolycarp, but this is where Polycarp stays.”

One piece of foam on the mud floor was hisbed, or does his brother take the foam, Iwondered? Maybe he sleeps on the hard floor? Ilooked around for furniture, but there was none.A few pieces of clothing hung on nailshammered into a wooden beam. Two batteredcooking pans were piled in the corner. A greenplastic plate with a spoon sat beside the bed.Three broken flip flops lay scattered on the floor.

I wondered: “How can a sixteen year old boyfend for himself here and get himself out toschool each day?”

A bright hopeby Jean Garland, Church Relations Mission Africa

Polycarp (second from left)


The parents, who died from AIDS several yearsearlier and left their three sons to fend forthemselves, gazed into the distance in twodirections from the only picture hung on thebare grey walls.

We set off to the secondary school wherePolycarp has the opportunity to study. The roadswere unpaved and rough. An open sewer ranalongside the track and a pig wallowed in astinking green pool nearby.

We were ushered into the school proprietor’soffice. After long greetings he started to pepperus with questions: “Why are you here? Issomething wrong?”

We tell him that we have just come to greetPolycarp and explained that the AIDS ministry atSpring of Life is responsible for paying Polycarp’sschool fees. We told the proprietor some of thefacts of Polycarp’s life situation and it wasobvious it was all news to him.

The man sat in silence. He leaned back in hischair and a puzzled look appeared on his face.He then said with confidence, “You must belooking for a different Polycarp,” he said.

“The only Polycarp we have here is our HeadBoy! He is also the coordinator of the Fellowshipof Christian Students in our school. It can’t behim you want.”

We assured him this was indeed the Polycarp wehad come to see.

“And you are telling me that this boy has noparents, and lives alone in an unfinished buildingwith a brother who abuses him?” the puzzledman continued.

“We made him the Head Boy because of hiswork ethic, good character and leadership abilityin our school.”

My colleagues and I all smiled inwardly andoutwardly. We knew in our hearts that whenGod puts his hand on a young life, then that lifeshines for Him, even in the midst of muchhardship. But I also smiled as I know those inthe UK who have given money to Mission Africafor orphan care. Without them Polycarp wouldnot be in school today at all. I want them toknow their gifts are making a life-changingdifference to Polycarp’s life.

Polycarp was called from his class to meet us. Hewas a quiet, unassuming boy who seemedembarrassed by the attention we gave him. Itook his photograph alongside Deborah fromSpring of Life. His thread-bare shirt had somebuttons missing and seemed too restricting forhis broad shoulders. We learned that Polycarpused those broad shoulders to push awheelbarrow in the market after school and atweekends, to help traders carry their loads.

“That is how I have money for food” he says.

We also learned that one of Polycarp’sneighbours, Rifkatu, actively plans for Polycarp’swelfare. Each month she collects 100 naira (40pence) from some of the other neighbours in thearea and then she buys food for not onlyPolycarp but also for three orphans nearby alsobereft because of AIDS.

I came away from that visit very encouraged bywhat God is doing through Mission Africa, theAIDS Ministry at Spring of Life and local NigerianChristians all working together.

Polycarp is only one of thousands of youngpeople fending for themselves after AIDS hasrobbed them of their parents and food security.The HIV infection rate in Jos has soared to 17%.Many more children are going to be left asorphans in the days ahead. Many more need ourhelp to make a lasting difference in their lives.


“Jesus laid aside his outer garments, andtaking a towel, tied it around his waist.Then he poured water into a basin andbegan to wash the disciples' feet and towipe them with the towel that waswrapped around him.” John 13:4-5 (ESV)

Being a Christian is all about being prepared toserve the people around us. Jesus was theultimate example of a servant and he wanted tomake sure that people’s needs were met,whether by performing miracles, like healingsome from blindness, or simple acts of service,such as washing their feet.

Sometimes in the UK it’s hard to see the needsof the people around us, but when you go toAfrica the needs are hard to miss - poverty,sickness, orphans, and unreached people are allaround, so there are many opportunities to be aservant.

Our summer teams are all about meetingpeople, developing relationships and helping

with their needs, whatever they may be. Thisyear we have streetkids’ teams, teaching teams,sports teams, a women’s ministry team, teamsworking with orphans, and much more. Maybethere is a team you could join to serve God thissummer.

Sports & Streetkids Team Jos and North Nigeria1st-28th August 2012This team is continuing our partnership with CityMinistries, and will be working at several of theGidan Bege Centres with the former streetkidsand also doing some sports ministry andevangelism in the local areas.

Women’s Ministry TeamJos, Nigeria1st July-21st July 2012A new team which will work with differentneedy groups of women and girls across the cityof Jos. Ideal for women who want to minister toother women.

African summerBy Jonny Beggs, Mission Africa Short Term Coordinator

Circle of Hope kids with the Ogugu team


Rural Community work & HIV/AIDS Ogugu, Nigeria1st August-28th August 2012In the last five years the work of Advance atOgugu has grown from something small to quitean amazing range of community engagementactivities. A lot of this has been down to thecontribution of our summer teams. We want tokeep up the momentum this summer, by runningan exciting range of programmes with thecommunity at Ogugu and Circle of Hope kids.

Urban/Rural Kids’ Ministry Ouagadougou & Legmoin, Burkina Faso22nd July - 12th August 2012Mission Africa would love to have more peopleworking in French speaking Africa, like BurkinaFaso and Chad, but we’re often limited becauseof the language. This team will expose people tosome of the needs of Burkina Faso, in bothurban and rural engagement with children andteens in different programmes and ministries.

Orphans’ Ministry Limuru, Kenya14th June-5th July 2012This is Mission Africa’s first ever team to Kenya.Participants will be working with differentchildren’s ministries, one for orphaned babiesand another for older orphans. People with a

passion to help young children and enrich theirlives will find this team engaging.

Encounters TeamKikuyu, Kenya15th July-7th August 2012This team is in partnership with our friends atAsterias, a Belfast based Christian organisation,which has been supporting and developingseveral initiatives in Kikuyu for the last six years. The team will get involved with several children’shomes and schools, delivering differentvocational training and summer schoolprogrammes.

For all the info on these summer teams contactJonny at: [email protected] go to the Serve website at:www.missionafricago.org.uk

Limuru Children’s Centre, Nairobi


Get involved!This is a very special year for us at Mission Africa. We hope that you catch the vision during 2012 and joinus by getting involved! God has done amazing things through Mission Africa in the past, and has more todo today! Why not prayerfully consider the part that God might have you play. Here are some suggestionsto get you thinking!

Join or begin a prayergroupMeet together with otherseach month to pray for thework of Mission Africa

Organise a fundraisingeventRaise money for a specificproject or missionary byarranging a sponsored event

Short-term serviceJoin one of our Africansummer teams, or spend afew months or more servingGod with your skills

Become a church repPromote the work of MissionAfrica in your church & helporganise speakingengagements

Support a missionaryA vital role of praying, giving& keeping in touch withthose serving abroad

Volunteer in the officePut your accountancy, admin,organisational, or creativeabilities to good use, one daya week

If you would like more information on how to get involved, or if you’d like to chat moreabout the possibilities there are, then feel free to contact us. We’d love to hear from you!

Email us at: [email protected] or phone us on: 028 9040 2850


Houseparty, Scotland2nd-4th March 2012 Craggan BB Centre, Loch Tay, Scotland

Houseparty, Northern Ireland 9th-11th March 2012 Dhu Varren, Portursh, Co Antrim

For our younger supporters, our houseparties in Scotland and Ireland will have some special 125thanniversary sessions looking at the history and future of the mission.

Mission Africa AGM Thursday 19th April 2012 Belfast Bible College, Glenburn Road South, Dunmurry, Co Antrim

125th Anniversary Banquet for Former MissionariesWednesday 25th April 2012 6:15pm (optional tour)Long Gallery, Parliament Buildings Stormont, Belfast

Over the years hundreds of missionaries have served with Mission Africa. To celebrate their hard work,dedication and sacrifice we are hosting a special dinner for them. Friends and family are welcome to buytickets to attend.

Africa Conference, Northern IrelandSaturday 2nd June 2012Belfast Bible College, Glenburn Road South, Dunmurry, Co Antrim

The conference this year will have the usual mix of speakers and interactive sessions, but also a focus onthe anniversary celebrations.

Events


Bangor Worldwide Missionary Convention24th August -1st September 2012Hamilton Road Presbyterian Church, Bangor, Co Down

Sid and Jean Garland will be guest speakers at this big mission event.

Africa Conference, EnglandSaturday 8th September 2012St John’s Church, Kingston Road, New Malden

This will be the focus of our 125th anniversary celebrations in England, with special speakers and sessionsfocussing on God’s goodness and provision over the years.

125th Anniversary Thanksgiving CelebrationSaturday 29th September 2012Carnmoney Presbyterian Church, Newtownabbey, Co Antrim7pm (tea/coffee served beforehand & a light supper afterwards)

This is the main celebration for our 125th anniversary, with Bishop Ken Clarke as guest chairman. It will bea mix of music, stories and prayer. Our main speaker will be George Verwer, the founder of OperationMobilization (OM). It will be a special occasion of thanksgiving for everyone who has served or supportedMission Africa.

Africa Conference, ScotlandSaturday 10th November 2012Faith Mission College, Drum Street, Edinburgh

Our main Scotland conference, concentrating on our 125th anniversary, but also looking ahead to what thefuture holds.

Annual Prayer DaySaturday 24th November 2012Belfast Bible College, Glenburn Road South, Dunmurry, Co Antrim


I want to...

Do you want to help Mission Africa by praying, givingor serving? If you do, then fill out the form belowand return it to the Mission Africa office.

Name:.......................................................................

Address:....................................................................

.................................................................................

Phone:......................................................................

Email:........................................................................

Response

serve long term with Mission Africa (2 years +)

take a GAP year/career break (6 months-1 year)

go on a Mission Africa summer team

give a donation

set up a standing order (see reverse)

Gift Aid my giving (see reverse)

leave a bequest

receive Dispatch magazine regularly

receive missionaries’ prayer letters

receive monthly prayer updates by post or email

:serve

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Gift AidName of Charity: Qua Iboe FellowshipDetails of Donor:

Full Name:...............................................................................................

Address: ..................................................................................................

Postcode:.................................................................................................

I want the charity to treat all donations I make from the date of this declaration until I notify you otherwise asGift Aid donation.

Signature .................................................... Date ..................

You must pay an amount of Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax at least equal to the tax that the charity reclaims on yourdonations in the appropriate tax year (currently 25p for each £1 you give).

Please complete the form below and return it to Mission Africa. Once we have received the completedform, we will keep a photocopy and send the original standing order form to your bank so that they canprocess payments.Your bank:

To: ............................................................(Bank/Building Society)

Bank's address: ...........................................................................

Your account name:......................................................................

Account no: ............................... Sort code: ...........................

Please make the undernoted payments and debit our/my account with the amount, it being understoodthat in no event shall the Bank be responsible or under any liability for any loss or damage occasioned byany omission to make the said payments. Please pay to Ulster Bank Limited, Belfast City Branch, 11-16 Donegall Square East, Northern Ireland,BT1 5HD for the account of Qua Iboe Fellowship, (No. 1 Account 58486010) (Sort-code 98 00 60)

£10 - Ten pounds

£20 - Twenty Pounds

Other Amount £.................................. (figure and words)

on the ................day of.....................(month).................(year) and a like sum each month until further notice.

Signed: ................................…… Date: ................................

Standing Order


Chief ExecutiveRev Dr Paul Bailiee: [email protected]

Head Office14 Glencregagh Court, BelfastBT6 0PAt: 02890 402850e: [email protected]

South England RepresentativeMr Jeremy Nash46 Hunt Road, ChristchurchBH23 3BWt: 01202 904329e:[email protected]

www.mi ssi onafr i ca.or g.uk

Contact Us

Mission Africa (The Qua Iboe Fellowship) is deemed to bea Charity by the Charity Commission for Northern I relandRecognised as a Charity by HMRC: No XN45493Registered in Company House, Belfast as a CompanyLimited by Guarantee, R611


mission africa disptach magazine spring 2012

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