AUTUMN/WINTER 2012 WWW.MISSIONAFRICA.ORG.UK

Dispatch125TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL

Making a difference: how Mission Africa is changing lives

Moving forward: new church partnership in Kenya

Journey to the place of his birth: a humbling experience

To Him who is able to do more than we imagineLet me take this opportunity to invite all readers of Dispatch to join us for our 125th Anniversary Service, which will be held on Saturday 29th September 2012 at 7pm in Carnmoney Presbyterian Church, Co Antrim. It promises to be a wonderful night of praise, good preaching and exciting presentations. Please feel free to bring friends and family along with you, especially those who don’t know about Mission Africa, so that they can learn of our work and witness to Christ. Also, feel free to bring a group from your church or fellowship group. All are very welcome.

Over the last few months, I have had the opportunity to visit Nigeria and Kenya. It is deeply encouraging to see the great work that our missionaries are doing in Nigeria, under the direction of our various Nigerian partner churches.

In Kenya, I met with the Secretary General of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa in order to complete the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding that will pave the way for future work in that highly strategic country.

In July, a joint team from Mission Africa and our MAP partner, Asterias, were also in Kenya, working alongside

the PCEA and independent African Christian groups.

In a way, my recent travels exemplify what God is doing with the Mission in these days - the long-established ministries are still being used and blessed by God, but He is also opening up entirely new opportunities for us.

However, it is only right and proper for us in an important anniversary year to give special thanks for what God has been pleased to do through us in the past.

Earlier in the year, we were privileged to be able to hold a banquet in honour of those who had served with the Mission in the past. Former

missionaries and their friends and

family joined us for a night of

fellowship and reflection.

Welcome to this very special 2012 edition of Mission Africa’s Dispatch, which celebrates the 125th anniversary of the founding of the mission.

Paul Bailie

Two things from the event stood out for me. First, that although we have been in existence for 125 years, the vision of the mission remains true to that articulated by Samuel Bill and Archie Bailie. Presenting the cross of Christ in Africa is still at the heart of all that we do, whether it is through evangelism, theological education, medical outreach or compassionate work. The core activities of the Mission have remained fundamentally unaltered throughout our history.

Secondly, and more importantly, I was reminded afresh of the unfailing faithfulness of Almighty God throughout those 125 years. Ultimately, without the blessing of God, mission is a fruitless exercise, for it is only God through the Holy Spirit who

Rodger CrooksRodger Crooks

RECENT FUNDRAISING EVENTSDONEGORE PRAYER GROUP MEAL FOR PACT WATER PROJECT£2,400

£2,400 PAUL’S PARACHUTE JUMPBELFAST MARATHON RELAY & JULIE’S 9M WALK£900

£1,145 REV JIM & RUTH CAMPBELL’S COFFEE MORNING

GENERAL FUNDS

MISSION AFRICA INCOME

FUNDS FOR PROJECTS

changes the hearts of sinful humans. God has done more in Africa than we can ever begin to measure or comprehend.

So, as we look back over these 125 years, we join the apostle Paul in saying: “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”

Rev. Dr. Paul Bailie, Chief Executive

JANUARY-JUNE 2012

£74,884

£224,289

LEGACIES£3,720

NewsThe past few months have been an exciting time for Mission Africa as three new families travelled to Nigeria to begin their missionary careers.

Lesley Ann & Paul McAuley from Co Antrim were first to arrive, and are now working at Holley Hospital at Ochadamu. Lesley Ann has begun training staff, with the aim of improving the standard of care for patients. Paul has been involved in hospital maintenance and has been developing good relationships with members of the work team.

In mid-July, Richard and Laura Morrison, also from Co Antrim, flew out to Africa. They are now based in the rural village of Ogugu in Kogi State, not far from Lesley Ann and Paul. Laura will be involved in HIV testing and counselling at ADVANCE’s Donegore Centre, while

Richard will manage maintenance and construction projects. He will also help administer the Circle of Hope programme.

Dawn and Fraser Jackson, from Scotland, along with children, James and Ruth arrived in Jos in early August. They will be based at TCNN theological college, where Fraser will work as librarian and Dawn will be involved in the ministry of ACTS.

Samantha Seed, who works with the Fellowship of Christian Students in Jos, arrived back in the UK at the start of June to begin her home assignment. Pray that it will be a time of refreshment and that her support raising will be successful.

Roy and Jane Jones are also back in the UK. Jane’s heart palpitations persist. She and Roy need wisdom and God’s guidance to know if it’s right for them to return to Chad at the end of the year.

In August, Gloria Kearney, who’s chairwoman of the Mission Africa Council, travelled to Burkina Faso for a week to sign a partnership agreement between the mission and the EPE church, and to renew links with WEC.

Rodger CrooksRodger Crooks

Lesley Ann McAuley at Holley Hospital

Gloria Kearney

For the latest news from Mission Africa

Naomi Murphy, who works in the Mission Africa office in Belfast, underwent a successful shoulder operation in May. During her time off work, Dorothy Nixon looked after her responsibilities.

This summer, missionaries Lynsey Bell and Ana van Brakel plan to visit the UK. Ana will be speaking at the Mission Africa Conference 2012 in London, while Lynsey will be at the main 125th anniversary event taking place in her home church, Carnmoney Presbyterian. Please do make an extra effort to come along on 29th September. It promises to be a special evening with guest speaker, George Verwer and host, Bishop Ken Clarke. Worship will be led by Alistair Hamill, and we’ll have music from an African choir. Some of our current missionaries and African church leaders will be there. Food will be served afterwards.

Inside this edition of Dispatch, you’ll find a flat pack Mission Africa money

box. We are reviving a tradition dating back to the beginning of the Mission. Many of our long standing supporters will remember the old Qua Iboe Mission collection boxes. Once it’s assembled, we would be very grateful if you could use it to collect money for the Mission. When it’s full, send us a cheque or lodge the money online. The money box is reusable, and more are available from the office.

The Mission Africa Council is delighted to announce the appointment of Robbie Toop as Mission Africa’s Scotland Mobiliser. Robbie has a wide ranging experience of mission over many years, including service with WEC. He will be working for Mission Africa on a part-time basis.robbie.toop@missionafrica.org.uk

Finally, our website was relaunched at the start of August after a major redesign and is now eye catching and informative. Have a look for yourself:www.missionafrica.org.uk

Honouring those who served

It was a truly memorable evening - a night to rekindle memories and an opportunity to remember God’s goodness. 120 guests attended the unique event in the historic Long Gallery at Parliament Buildings, Stormont, to pay tribute to around 70 former and retired Qua Iboe/Mission Africa missionaries. Most of them had worked in Nigeria as teachers, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, preachers, Bible teachers and builders over 60 years.

As part of Mission Africa’s 125th anniversary celebrations, around 70 former missionaries were honoured at a special banquet in Northern Ireland’s Parliament Buildings in April.

The oldest guest was Molly Clarke from Bangor, Co Down, who departed for Africa in January 1948. Other guests, Dr Ian McDonald and his wife Patricia, had travelled all the way from New Zealand, en route to a family graduation in England.

“It was a chance for them to meet up again after all these years and share experiences. Many of them hadn’t seen each other in decades,” said Jean Garland, one of the event organisers.

“A lot of these people had amazing stories to tell. Times have changed so much from when they first set sail for Nigeria.”

The banquet was organised with the support of Northern Ireland Minister for Justice, David Ford, MLA, who said that he was proud to be known as the uncle of Mission Africa’s Linda Abwa.

NI Justice Minister David Ford, MLA, addressing guests

Former missionary Janet Peacock

Guests at the event were treated to a delicious two course meal and a late night tour of Parliament Buildings. Each former and current missionary was presented with a special certificate recognising their dedication and commitment to serving God in Africa.

“For many of them, it was a huge undertaking to go to Africa. Venturing into what was once called ‘the white man’s grave’ seemed foolish. However, they didn’t look at their work in human terms, but as service to God,” said Jean.

“Even today, the former missionaries are still spoken about affectionately for what they achieved. Individuals, families and communities were changed by the good news of the Christian message. They deserve to be honoured for that.”

Their stories of God at work: “I was preaching in the college chapel one Sunday night, and thought I’d have to stop because a heavy thunderstorm was approaching. You wouldn’t have been able to hear anything with the rain pounding on the tin roof. So some people prayed, while I continued preaching. The dark clouds drew nearer and nearer. The teeming rain reached as close as the building next door and then suddenly moved off in a different direction. The meeting wasn’t disrupted, and when I’d finished, seven students came and asked to receive Christ into their lives. God had his hand on the situation.”Bill and Maureen Johnston, missionaries to Nigeria in the 1960s

“We found the support of prayer partners invaluable. On our first Sunday on leave in Belfast while attending Great Victoria Street Baptist Church, a frail lady came over to enquire about my women’s Bible class, which met at 5.00am, so that the women could go to their farms at daybreak. “I don’t sleep well,” she confided, “so I have prayed for you at that hour on those mornings.” I remembered those mornings. For many weeks I had felt drained and ill, but somehow I got to the church before dawn and how the Lord had met with us! There was a special sense of the Lord’s presence, liberty in ministry and freedom in the women’s prayers. The Lord had used our partner in a church in Belfast to touch and bless a group of His people in a church in Nigeria.”Molly Clarke, missionary to Nigeria (1948-1961)

Happy 125th Anniversaryfrom the MA family in Nigeria

Mission Africa Nigeria Staff Retreat, May 2012Back left: Gracie and Musa Gaiya, Rufus Ogbonna, Rebecca (friend of Linda Abwa), Caleb and Charles Beattie, Hallur Mortensen, Paul Bailie, Dave Savage, Niah, Linda, Nathaniel and Billy Abwa.Middle left: Iris Ogbonna, Gail Ekanem with Nana Mortensen, Ekaette (Godwin Ekanem’s niece), Angie and Ellie Fitzsimmons, Ruth Beattie, Shino and Kano Mortensen, Samantha Seed, Lesley Ann McAuley.Front left: Pamela Gaiya, Lauren Beattie, Ricky and Noah Fitzsimmons, Lynsey Bell, Paul McAuley, Godwin Ekanem.

Grace Gardens: rescuing desperate lives

In Nigeria, women are often considered second class citizens. And if they work as prostitutes or end up in prison, they are looked down upon even more. Because of the shame and stigma, their families often abandon them. Even the church sometimes chooses to ignore them. However, these are exactly the people Jesus came to die for, and exactly the people whom Grace Gardens strives to reach with the Good News.

Many of the women we meet in this ministry have believed Satan’s lies - they are convinced that they are filthy and worthless, and that there is no other option open to them to provide for their families, except by selling their bodies.

But the Bible teaches us that these women are valued by the Creator. Jesus died for them, so

Mission Africa’s Angie Fitzsimmons shares about a ministry she’s passionate about - reaching prostitutes, women inmates and abandoned children in Jos with the love of God.

that they could become daughters of the Most High God! When women accept these truths, Satan loses all power over them, and lives begin to change.

The ministry of Grace Gardens is twofold - one is outreach and the other is the provision of a residential facility. Each week, several Christian women visit women inmates in prison, while another group of women missionaries and local believers visit five brothels to share the love of Christ with those working there.

Sometimes, the girls receive us well; sometimes, we’re ignored and

sometimes, the women can be hostile towards us. We offer

each of these girls the choice to come with us to our residential facility if they want to turn their lives around. We have an outreach centre close to the brothels, where

the team meet to pray before going out on a Wednesday

morning. At the outreach centre we have also begun

to offer English classes on a Friday morning and we

hope that this will increase as more girls become interested.

COMPASSION

Women who enter the programme at Grace Gardens often have children, so we are committed to helping the women and children receive an education and training in a skill that could, one day, support them and their family. Most importantly, we provide Biblical education and discipleship. Our dream is to see these women become successful, God-honouring businesswomen, women who are able to share the Truth with the world around them. We want to see God use the pain of their past as a testimony of victory in the future.

What we didn’t expect when we began this ministry was how God was going to expand it. We have been able to rescue four children from the brothels and believe that this number will continue to grow. We didn’t anticipate looking after abandoned children, but this is where God has led us. We are now officially recognized as an orphanage by the Nigerian Ministry of Women’s and Children’s Affairs. This has provided us with the protection we need to continue to take children out of the brothels.

We have also been able to take in women who have either been working as prostitutes from their own home, or have been the victim of some sort of sexual violence. We currently house eight women and as many children, and are in the process of placing two other young children in adoptive homes.

We have been blessed with great staff at Grace Gardens. Nigerian couple, Sunday and Ruth Michael, are the house parents. They are an everyday testimony to the women of a healthy Christian marriage and they both have such a heart to see these women turn their lives around.

We currently rent a five bedroom house in which to house the women and children, but we are rapidly running out of space. We only have two more beds available. Because of this, we are in the process of finding land on which to construct a purpose-built centre. We have been in contact with the Nigerian government who are interested in what we are doing and we are hopeful that they may help us in some way. The SIM couple who lead this ministry are currently on home assignment in the US, and are hoping to raise support for these plans.

These women are valued by the Creator.

Jesus died for them, so that they could become daughters of the Most High God

Pray that God would lay a burden on people’s hearts to support this ministry in whatever way they can - through prayer, financial aid or even going to help.

Angie Fitzsimmons

A place of healing among the poor

MEDICAL

It began as a leprosy clinic in 1948, providing essential treatment for those crippled by this chronic infectious disease. But over the years, Holley Memorial Hospital has grown considerably and today is a busy general hospital, serving the medical needs of the local community at Ochadamu in the south west of Nigeria. The hospital is renowned for its treatment of TB and eye problems, and runs a highly successful HIV prevention programme.

Rev. Akoh Abraham, who’s administrator at the hospital, said that over the years the hospital has built a

Serving the community for sixty years, Holley Hospital has become known as a place of healing and transformation among the needy in rural Nigeria.

MEDICAL

reputation, especially among the poor, as a place of healing.

“When we started as a mission clinic, leprosy was a deadly disease. If you were infected, you were often abandoned to die. People came here to find help and went back home to tell their family and friends that what they thought was impossible had become possible. They were our advocates. They spoke about the goodness of God in this place and that encouraged others to come to find help.”

More than sixty years later, the hospital is still making advances.

Its most recent medical development was the

first successful cleft lip operation at

the start of 2012.

Rev. Akoh Abraham at Holley Hospital

“A lot of people thought that it couldn’t be done at Holley,” admitted Rev. Akoh. “But the few who came benefitted from it and they went back home to tell their families.” The hospital has surgical and medical wards, a maternity unit and pharmacy. However, the facilities are dated and extremely basic, with a sporadic supply of electricity and water. Staff, too, often lack the proper experience and training. Yet, despite these limitations, God is still moving in the lives of patients.

“I always tell people that it’s like the last bus stop. When they’ve tried everywhere else and it hasn’t worked they come to Ochadamu mission hospital. But when they come, God always honours his word. He has been doing a marvellous work in transforming lives.”

“This place was established to show the love of Jesus to people. When they come for healing we look after their physical needs. But we also address their spiritual needs. Every morning in the Outpatients Department before anyone sees a doctor we pray with them and tell them about Jesus being

the Healer. That is affecting their lives in a positive way,” Rev Akoh maintained.

Recently, several major improvements have been carried out at the hospital. A new, purpose-built College of Nursing has been completed to help ensure that staff are properly trained. And a new X-ray unit has been constructed, and is soon to

be officially opened. Alongside the appointment of Paul and Lesley Ann McAuley to the hospital staff, and two Friends of Ochadamu medical team visits scheduled for next year, Rev. Akoh is hopeful that Holley Hospital will continue to be known as a place of healing among the poor: “We can do it with the little resources that we generate. But we are very privileged to have had Mission Africa supporting this hospital right from the beginning. They have played a vital role in sustaining the hospital to the level it is at today.”

Before anyone sees a doctor we pray with

them and tell them about Jesus being the Healer

Pray for the local medical staff at Holley Hospital, and also for Paul and Lesley Ann McAuley as they meet the needs of those who are ill, poor and without hope.

Changing lives through the written word

It has always been a priority of Mission Africa to make the Bible available, and, where possible, in the language of the people. But Satan often puts many obstacles in the way. When we went to Nigeria in 1987 it was extremely difficult to find a Bible in English. And getting vernacular Bibles can still be difficult.

Translating the BibleSamuel Bill and his early Qua Iboe colleagues had the advantage that the first ever Bible to be translated and published in Nigeria was the Efik Bible. This had been translated by Scottish Presbyterians in Calabar, but continued to be revised for some years, and Mission Africa’s J W Westgarth was involved.

Rev. Dr. Sid Garland looks back at the importance of placing quality books into the hands of Africans believers. As founder and director of Africa Christian Textbooks (ACTS), he’s well aware of the impact theologocial literature can have on shaping lives.

David O’Neil followed in these footsteps with the translation of the Igala Bible, while Donald Curry and others worked on the Bassa New Testament.

Professor Kwame Bediako wisely observed: “The most valuable service that missionaries provided was the translation of the Scriptures, because God, through the written word, can then speak to individuals directly.”

Yet there are many Nigerian languages still without the Bible, or even a portion of the Bible translated into their language. Our friends in Wycliffe have realised that the job will never be done unless Africans get involved. This is why a new Centre for Bible Translation is now operating at TCNN theological college in Nigeria. But it is not enough.

Distributing the Bible Bible translation would be a wasted effort

if consideration wasn’t given to distribution. Mission Africa has

emphasised this from the beginning, putting up funds for the bulk printing of Bibles (outside Nigeria). On one occasion, SIM Challenge Bookshop

TRAINING

friends assisted with the shipping of a full container containing 30,000 Efik Bibles. With different English versions of the Bible, as well as vernacular translations and a wide variety of Study Bibles now available, it is no wonder that the Bible remains the number one best seller worldwide, including in ACTS bookshops.

PrintingRight from the early days of the Mission, the importance of print media was recognised. Samuel Bill even took time on furlough to undergo a short apprenticeship with a Belfast printer. Alongside medical equipment, printing presses were among the most valuable imports to Nigeria. The press was kept busy printing simple Christian books and also books (primers) for learning African languages.

Printing presses are capital intensive and the Qua Iboe Mission was always falling behind in what it was able to invest. It often struggled to find

missionaries with the training needed. By the time of the Centenary Year in 1987, the old press at Etinan was on its last legs.

Today there are many printing presses in Nigeria, though finding a quality printer is not easy. But it has been my view that Nigeria does not need new printing presses as much as the material to put on the printing presses. We still struggle to get a good (or acceptable) quality of printing for a good price. For the long term sustainability of the ACTS ministry, we are convinced we need to print our books in Asia and ship from there into Nigeria or other parts of Africa.

BooksellingThe Qua Iboe Mission set up

bookshops in strategic locations near the

centre of the growing townships and cities

in Nigeria. From these a band

Man shall not live by bread alone, but by

every word that comes from the mouth of God.Matthew 4:4

Rev Luka Vandi and Elder Sunday Amehson beside the ACTS book van

of colporteurs fanned out to assist to bring good books to where they were needed. An appeal at the Bangor Worldwide Convention brought in sufficient funds for two book vans. These were followed later by other book vans, including the specially adapted Volkswagen taken on the road by David and Leon Griffiths, up to the time that Leon was killed when the book van hit the rear corner of a dangerously parked truck. In more recent times, donations were received for the purchase of the ACTS book van, which ten years later, is in urgent need of replacement.

Almost all former mission bookshops are all closed, but ACTS has taken up the challenge. We now have eleven bookshops in Nigeria and one in Kenya. The advice of the Puritan pastor Richard Baxter is still sound: “It is not the reading of many books which is necessary to make a man wise or good, but the well-reading of a few could he be sure to have the best.”

This is a big challenge to Campbell Hamilton and me as we weigh up what should be ordered. Making sure that our many suppliers get paid as and when due is another challenge.

Publishing books and magazines written by AfricansSamuel Bill’s first convert, David Ekong, not only became the first ordained pastor, but he was also a writer who wrote for the benefit of his own people. This early encouragement to African writers was not well sustained, though the widely read Challenge magazine carried Nigerian authors. But, in 1965, the Qua Iboe Mission magazine quoted Joyce Chaplin, “I sometimes felt that I was exploring not a dark continent but a dumb one...Where are the voices,

and where are the books of leading African Christians, assuring people here that this is no western faith in a white Saviour? For this is the view of the Gospel that is spreading like an infection over the continent today...and many are turning away.”

When we arrived in the Qua Iboe Centenary Year (1987), there were some booklets by Nigerian authors, but very few full-length Christian books. This is why our first ACTS publication was by a Nigerian. Who better than a Nigerian Christian leader to write on Culture and the Christian Home? Today, with the assistance of Langham Literature, ACTS is part of the Hippo Books consortium of African publishers. Important new titles are coming out, including the African Commentary series on every book of the Bible. Recently the student movement NIFES ordered 4,000 copies of Preachers of a Different Gospel. The books are well edited and attractively produced.

Writers’ Retreat CentrePlans have been drawn up for a study and retreat centre behind the ACTS headquarters where writers will be able to escape from the relentless demands on those in leadership roles. Ricky Fitzsimmons is supervising the project. Recently, ACTS was able to run a writers’ and editors’ workshop with help from Langham Literature. There is no shortage of writers, but it is hard to find editors and so we are very grateful for Dr Paul Todd (SIM) and Mission Africa’s Dawn Fraser. We also give thanks to God for the invaluable contribution of Mission Africa’s Pamela Gaiya.

Equipping the Leaders of TomorrowRight from the early days of Samuel Bill Theological College, there was always a great concern to get books for the libraries and books for the

students. Dispatch records the delight with which Rev. William Wheatley and his students received books, including Cruden’s Concordance. The Mission then invested funds in the Bill Leach Memorial Library at SBTC and again released significant funds for the completion of the ACTS Headquarters (warehouse, offices and shop) in 2006. More recently, when Adrian Adger passed on the report from ACTS to students of William Wheatley Theological College that the ESV Study Bibles had been released from the port in Lagos, they all fell to their knees in an outpouring of praise to God for answered prayer. Such is the hunger among those in training for what will help them in biblical understanding and preaching. The focus of ACTS has always been on those in training to become the leaders of today and tomorrow.

They all fell to their knees in an

outpouring of praise to God for answered prayer. Such is the hunger...for what will help them in biblical understanding

ACTS bookshop, Jos

What can we do to help our Christian brothers and sisters in Africa remain strong in the face of severe persecution? Certainly, the provision of literature

providing good teaching, is part of the answer. As we pray and trust God, it is good to remember the saying, ‘The pen is mightier than the sword.’

Thirsting for God: the unreached Fulani

Travelling extensively to often remote areas and living simply in thatched huts, Dave Savage was enthusiastic about being back among the Fulani, and some old friends.

With the support of his home church, Lowe Memorial Presbyterian in Finaghy, Belfast, Dave visited 25 Fulani settlements during his seven and a half week trip, meeting many Fulani believers.

His motivation was to encourage them and reassure Fulani chiefs who had come to faith of continued outside support.

Mission Africa and SIM have been working together since 2007 to reach the Fulani and encourage Fulani Christians.

Accompanied sometimes by an SIM worker, and sometimes by a Mission Africa missionary, Dave distributed copies of the New Testament in the Fulfulde language. For those who couldn’t read he handed out MP3 players with recordings of the message of Jesus read by Fulani believers.

From 2008, three new Fulani churches have been planted in two of the areas that Dave visited. He said that was a

The Fulani, the largest migratory people group in the world, numbering around 35 million, are also one of the world’s biggest unreached tribal groups. On a recent trip to Nigeria, Mission Africa volunteer, Dave Savage reports that God is at work among them - sometimes in miraculous ways.

EVANGELISM

positive sign of God at work: “There is a fire for God among the Fulani,” he admitted.

“The thirst is there. They are searching for the Truth. Many of them are openly asking questions. Over the past two years, the Holy Spirit has been working in many lives, and more and more are turning to Christ. But many of them are having to flee to the south, because of persecution.

“God is talking to some of them through dreams and visions. For others, God is using believers to explain the

Dave Savage

There is a fire for God among the Fulani...the thirst is there. They are searching for the Truth

DAVE SAVAGE

way of salvation. One Fulani I know wanted to discover more about Jesus, the miracle worker, after picking up a leaflet. He asked his neighbours about it, and eventually came to faith.”

Dave hopes to return next year to some of the remote Fulani villages, bringing with him a team of volunteers from churches in the UK to carry out important medical and veterinary work.

He realises that while a lot of progress has been made in the past few years, much has yet to be achieved: “There’s a lot of work that still needs to be done,” he acknowledged.

The Fulani have a long history as nomadic cattle herdsmen, always in search of food and water. Some have settled and incorporated farming into their lifestyle.

As one of the first African tribes to follow Islam seven centuries ago, their nomadic lifestyle helped to spread the religion across much of West Africa and are believed to have brought Islam to northern Nigeria. The majority of Fulani, however, observe a mix of traditional and Islamic beliefs and practices. Because of their adherence to Islam it is a risk to share the Good News of Jesus with them, and exceptionally dangerous for any Fulani who openly declare their Christian faith. Many have had to flee home because of persecution. Illiteracy and a sense of distrust of outsiders are other challenges to reaching the Fulani.

Today it’s estimated that there are several thousand Fulani Christians in Nigeria – and that number continues to grow. Many of them gather weekly to worship in churches they have constructed themselves. However, the number of believers still represents only around one percent of the overall population. The number of missionaries working among the Fulani is also very small.

The Fulani have been described as one of the ‘gateway people groups’ of the world. With their migratory lifestyle, any significant turning to Christ among them would greatly influence other related groups.

Pray for all Fulani believers, especially those who face persecution, and who have to leave their land and move south. Give thanks that some ardos, or

tribal chiefs have come to faith. Pray that God will continue to make himself known to those Fulani who are sincerely seeking for the Truth.

following year. It was the opportunity he had been waiting for. He would use the trip to fulfil a lifetime dream to revisit the land of his birth and the

place of his childhood.

In May 2012 Rodger made his first trip back to Nigeria in over half a century, a journey he later described as being “very personal”.

First on the itinerary was Holley Memorial Hospital at

Ochadamu. Within hours of arriving Rodger caught sight of

a two seater redwood framed settee in the porch of

the guest house where he was

staying. On closer

A humbling journey to the land of his birth

The eldest son of Qua Iboe missionaries Mervyn and Florence Crooks, Rodger spent the early years of his life in Nigeria. Born in Onugu in 1955, his parents had first gone to Ochadamu a year before to serve at the leprosy clinic in the village, his father working as a carpenter and builder, his mother a nurse in the dispensary.

It was an exciting time of pioneering ministry for them. At the age of six Rodger was sent back to Belfast, along with his brother, Stephen. Their parents remained in Nigeria and returned to Northern Ireland in 1964.

Rodger had never been back to Africa. But in 2011 two of his friends, also ministers in Belfast, travelled to Nigeria to teach at the UEC Bible School in the remote Bassa area. On their return, they encouraged Rodger to do the same the

Rev Dr Rodger Crooks, minister of Belvoir Presbyterian Church in South Belfast, recently made an emotional journey back to the land of his birth, Nigeria. As he met people who remembered his late missionary parents half a century before, he discovered the rich legacy they had left behind.

Rodger Crooks

Rodger, his brother & father

examination he noticed that it was inscribed with his father’s initials. He remembered that there was a similar piece of furniture in his late parent’s house in Co Antrim, crafted by his father in Africa, and shipped back to Northern Ireland on the family’s return.

The following day Rodger spotted another familiar seat in the hospital office. The secretary of Holley Memorial, Elder Daniel Ameh was in the room at the time. He told Rodger that he knew the man who had made it. “Let me think”, he said. “Yes, I remember. His name was Mr Crooks…Mr Mervyn Crooks.”

Rodger’s eyes lit up. “That was my father!” They shook hands and laughed together. Memories were exchanged. The word soon spread. Rodger was rushed out to meet some of the hospital porters, men in their 70s, who not only remembered his father, but had worked alongside him.

“He was a wonderful man. Very gracious, and patient”, they recounted, overjoyed to meet the son of an old friend.

With the help of hospital staff and an old black and white photo, Rodger discovered the site of his parents’ old house at Ochadamu.

“Although it’s no longer standing it is where I would have spent the first five years of my life. So it was a very special time,” he confessed.

Several days later Rodger visited the Boys’ Secondary School at Ochaja, where his parents had also worked. He was shown a dusty, handwritten staff register entry, listing the name of his aunt, who had taught at the school in the 1960s. And this time he had more success finding the house where he had lived for a year. Still standing and in good order, it is today used as a guest house. Peering through the windows, the memories came flooding back.

“My youngest brother was born here and I remember that my other brother fell off the veranda and broke his arm here. It’s surreal, incredible, unbelievable. You kind of think, ‘I’ve been here before’.”Outside the old family home, Ochaja

Elder Daniel Ameh

It’s been a very special time for me to

reconnect with places and to meet people who worked with my father

Rodger next visited the PACT Theological College at Ankpa, where his parents finished off their time in Nigeria. His father had constructed some of the buildings on the site and served briefly as principal.

“The house is a bit more dilapidated than my father would have had it in his time,” he joked.

As Rodger’s trip came to an end he admitted that he had been touched by the experience, and that his journey to Africa had encouraged him in his own ministry.

“It’s been a very special time for me to reconnect with places and to meet with people who worked with my father, or who were helped by my parents. And then the surprise and the joy when they realized who I was. It was a humbling experience to see the impact for good that my parents had on many lives.”

“Sometimes in Christian ministry you just get on with your work. It’s often mundane and ordinary, and you wonder if you’re making any impact on people’s lives at all - only heaven will reveal the true impact we make. But it’s always nice when people come along and say, ‘I remember your father taught me to do this’, or, ‘Your mother helped me when I was in trouble’. You feel that’s a tangible impact. It’s something that God gives us to encourage his workers. People do small things, but they accumulate and have a ripple effect that is lasting.”

People do small things, but they

accumulate and have a ripple effect that is lasting

Mervyn and Florence Crooks

Pray for Rodger and his ministry in South Belfast. Pray too, for Christian pastors in the remote Bassa region of Nigeria, where Rodger later travelled and spent a week involved in Bible teaching.

Rodger and brother Stephen in 1957

Reaching new heights

The aircraft rose steadily until it reached a height of 13,000 feet. The instructor and I shuffled to the door. I sat with my legs dangling out of the plane, and looked at the earth, two and a half miles below. Over the roar of the engine and the wind, I heard the instructor ask if I was ready. Legs back, head up; yes, ready. A quick nod. A moment later we were in space, tumbling once, before stabilising, falling at 120 miles an hour…

Before I go any further, let me mention that this was all for a good cause – Mission Africa. I had decided some time ago to do a parachute jump and donate the proceeds to the Mission. At the last count, the jump had raised £2,400. I would like to sincerely thank all those who generously supported me, and a special thanks to my good friend Bryan who sponsored the cost of the jump itself.

Needless to say, I am not suggesting that we all rush out to do parachute jumps – but there are many ways in

which you can help the Mission, everything from selling hand crafted cards, through to running a marathon. My hope is that this parachute jump will encourage you to consider new and imaginative ways to raise the profile of the Mission and to garner some funding to support our missionaries in Africa. Events such as these are a useful way to introduce the Mission to potential new supporters. If you would like to start with something gentle, such as a coffee morning, have a look at our website for some advice on how we can help you:

www.missionafrica.org.uk/opportunities/68/coffee-morning

or phone Naomi in the office on:028 9040 2850. And for those of you who do want to do parachute jump, just call me!

So, where was I…hurtling towards the ground at 120 mph. It seems to go on for a long time, but in reality the free fall of about 7,000 feet lasts for less than a minute. And then, there is a gentle tug as the parachute canopy deploys. The noise of the wind stops and the last few minutes are spent floating down, at a rather more sedate 1,000 feet per minute. The view was wonderful – I could see

from Donegal to the Mournes. I managed not to bungle the

landing, so no broken ankles or knees, not even a

bruise. And yes, I would do it again!

Paul Bailie puts on a jump suit and takes to the skies to raise money for Mission Africa. After a safe landing, he encourages us to consider what we can do to fundraise.

In June this year, Rev Dr Paul Bailie, Mission Africa’s Chief Executive, met with the Secretary General of the Presbyterian Church in East Africa, Rev Festus Gitonga, to finalise and sign a Memorandum of Understanding between the Mission and Church. The PCEA approached Mission Africa some years ago to commence working in Kenya, and the signing of the MOU was the culmination of a process of prayer, careful reflection and discussion in both Belfast and Nairobi. PCEA is primarily based in Kenya, but is growing and expanding into Tanzania, Uganda and South Sudan.

Estimates vary as to the total size of the denomination, but too many to count seems to be a fair guess! It has about 2,000 congregations across

New church partnership in Kenya

Kenya alone. Theologically speaking, it is an unusual amalgamation of the Church of Scotland Mission and the now disbanded US based Gospel Missionary Society, which has resulted in a wonderful blend of institutional stability and evangelical zeal. The partnership with PCEA opens up many new opportunities for Mission Africa. Kenya can be used as a springboard for potential work throughout East Africa, and within Kenya. One example of potential partnership is with the Presbyterian University of East Africa, which attracts students from many different

backgrounds, who come seeking a distinctively Christian education. PUEA needs not only theological lecturers,

but committed Christian lecturers in areas such as law, business, education and medicine. Terms of

service can be from one semester upwards.

Even as Mission Africa celebrates 125 years of ministry in Nigeria, Chad and Burkina Faso, 2012 has seen the official beginning of a new partnership in Kenya.

Rev Festus Gitonga and Rev Paul Bailie

Kenya is a land of contrasts with stunning beaches, towering mountains, modern cities, some of Africa’s best wildlife attractions and a growing church. Yet it is a country ravaged by poverty, AIDS and corruption.

The AIDS crisis is a big problem and the illness threatens to kill nearly a whole generation. The death rate continues to soar, with 14% of the adult population infected.

On top of that, more than half the people living in Kenya’s towns and cities live in slums. Slum dwellers in Nairobi, of whom 60,000 are children, are among the poorest and most malnourished in Africa.

Yet despite these problems and hardships, it is estimated that 13 million Kenyans are Bible believing Christians. There is a growing vision for mission to take the gospel to all of the 22 unreached peoples groups in the country. And Kenya has become a strategic centre for many missionary organisations working across Africa.

First Mission Africa/Asterias team to Kenya

If you are a suitably qualified lecturer, perhaps retired or able to take a sabbatical, please get in touch with us.

In July we were able to send our very first team to Kenya. This was undertaken in partnership with PCEA and organised jointly with Asterias, a Christian mission based in Northern Ireland that serves the people of Kenya. The team of six young people, led very ably by Rachel Boyle of Asterias, were able to visit a wide variety of PCEA projects and institutions, as well as leading an evangelistic Bible camp for orphans and sharing their faith in a number of schools. The team reported that their visit was an unqualified success, and our Kenyan partners have already requested that a team go out again next year. We take the opportunity to thank our PCEA hosts and our good friends in Asterias.

At the moment, we intend to limit our involvement in Kenya to short term work, but we never know where this will lead in the future. God directed us to Nigeria in 1887 and has led us to Kenya in 2012. We pray that we will be receptive and responsive to His will, wherever He may lead us. So

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Summer teams 2012: making a big difference

Kenya

The first team left in early July and spent three weeks working around Nairobi, Kenya. Team leader Rachel Boyle was joined by Rebekah Cole, Kerry Hobson, Nathan Boyle, Tara Foster and Amy Patton. The focus of their ministry was at Karai Orphanage, where they taught different vocational and life skills, as well as led Bible studies. They particularly enjoyed their time with Rev. Dr. Mbagara and his family at Gatundu, where they were able to engage with the local church, running different Bible clubs for the kids and youth.

Burkina Faso

Our Burkina Faso team, made up Louise McCammond and Fiona Whyte, departed a few days later. They spent the first week teaching at a

Another African summer has flown by, and once again Mission Africa teams have been busy serving God in three different countries. Short Term Coordinator, Jonny Beggs, explains how the teams brought much needed help and resources to the missionaries they ministered alongside.

youth camp in Ouagadougou, before spending the remaining fortnight in Legmoin with Ana van Brakel. They achieved a lot engaging with the youth and children in the local churches and community.

Nigeria

Ogugu wouldn’t be the same if it didn’t have it a mission team serving, as this is the sixth year that we’ve sent a team. So much has been accomplished over these years through the work of the teams. Sharon Steele, a former gapper at Ogugu, led this team back to a place she knows very well. Her team mates were Aaron McAuley, John Finlay, Peter Gordon, Ruth Bunting & Wendy Archibald. They had a packed month and some of the highlights were working with the Circle of Hope kids and organising different holiday Bible clubs.

Much of the work carried out would not have been accomplished without the help of each team. So we sincerely thank each person for the efforts they put in over the summer. It has made a massive difference, not only in the lives of the people they served, but also in their own lives.

Africa Teams 2013NigeriaKenyaBurkina Faso

Sport & Street Kids: NigeriaAugust 2013 - 4 weeks - Jos, Nigeria - £1,600Running football camps with kids from different religions to help encourage peace & reconciliation; also working in kids’ homes with former street kids.

HIV/AIDS & Community: NigeriaAugust 2013 - 4 weeks - Kogi State, Nigeria - £1,550Working with HIV/AIDS orphans & widows, running summer clubs. Involved with the local community in promoting health lifestyles.

Outreach & Discipleship: KenyaJuly 2013 - 3 weeks - Kikuyu, Kenya - £1,550Based at an orphans’ care home & school; lots of discipleship & lifeskills training; going to different rural & urban areas to help those in need.

Medical & Practical: Nigeria19th Jan–3rd Feb 2013 - Holley Hospital, Ochadamu - £1,3004th–28th Sept 2013 - Holley Hospital, Ochadamu - £1,300Opportunities for a wide variety of medical & practical skills at Holley Hospital.

Kids & Youthwork: Burkina FasoJuly 2013 - 3 weeks - Legmoin - £1,500Working with local churches to run various children’s & youth projects.

Teaching English: ChadJuly 2013 - 2 weeks - N’Djamena - £1,500Working with different language centres, local churches & schools, mainly teaching English & running Bible camps for teenagers.

Do you want to transform your view of the world and increase your heart for serving people? Have you a longing to get to know God better and understand more of His plan for your life? Would you like to experience new cultures, speak new languages or help people who no one else will help?Perhaps serving God on a Mission Africa team would be a good place to start. We will expose you to many different experiences and challenges that will stretch and expand your faith, gifts & abilities.

For the latest information about Africa Teams 2013, please visit:www.missionafrica.org.uk/ways-to-serve/teams

EventsAfrica Conference 2012, LondonSaturday 8th September 201210:30am-4:30pmSt John’s Church, Kingston Road, New Malden, KT3 3RXFor our England supporters and those interested in finding out more about Mission Africa. Join us to celebrate 125 years of God’s faithfulness and discover what He’s doing in Africa today. Speakers include Ana van Brakel (Burkna Faso), Samantha Seed (Nigeria), Jane and Roy Jones (Chad), Campbell Hamilton (ACTS), Jeremy Nash (Burkina Faso) and Paul Bailie (Chief Executive Mission Africa). Lunch will be provided, and tea and coffee will be available through the day.www.missionafrica.org.uk/events/25/africa-conference-london-2012

125th Anniversary Celebration ServiceSaturday 29th September 20127:00pmCarnmoney Presbyterian Church, Newtownabbey, Co Antrim, BT36 6JZOur main 125th anniversary event will feature a mixture of music, stories, prayer and worship. It will be a special time of thanksgiving for everyone who has served with or supported Mission Africa over the years. George Verwer, founder of Operation Mobilization (OM), will be guest speaker, and Church of Ireland Bishop Ken Clarke will be host for the evening. Musician Alistair Hamill will lead praise and worship, and there will be music from an African choir. We’ll have stories from many different perspectives, including African church leaders, former and current missionaries, and much more. Stay with us for some food and continued fellowship after the celebration.www.missionafrica.org.uk/events/38/125th-anniversary-celebration-service

Africa Conference 2012, ScotlandSaturday 10th November 2012Faith Mission College, Drum Street, Edinburgh, EH17 8QG10:00am-4:00pmA special 125th anniversary event to celebrate the work of Mission Africa, with our dedicated supporters in Scotland and those interested in mission in Africa. Speakers include Pamela Gaiya, Lynsey Bell, Samantha Seed and Roy and Jane Jones.

Prayer Day 2012Saturday 24th November 2012Belfast Bible College, Glenburn Rd South, Dunmurry, Co Antrim, BT17 9JP10:00am-3:00pmAn opportunity to stay informed and pray specifically for Mission Africa’s missionaries and ministries, with Pamela Gaiya, Samantha Seed and Lynsey Bell.

Keep up to date with Mission Africa events

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Standing Order Mandate

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on the......................day of...........................................................(month).........................(year) and similarly each month until further notice.

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Gift Aid your supportEvery pound you gift aid to Mission Africa means we receive an extra 25 pence from HM Revenue & Customs. You must pay an amount of UK Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax for each tax year that is at least equal to the tax that we will reclaim on your donations for that tax year.

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For regular donations please fill in the details below and return the completed form to Mission Africa.THIS FORM SHOULD NOT BE SENT DIRECTLY TO YOUR BANK. VALID FOR UK BANKS ONLY.

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For more info visit: www.missionafrica.org.ukOr email us at: info@missionafrica.org.ukOr call us on: 028 9040 2850

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. Registered Office: 14 Glencregagh Court, Belfast, BT6 0PA.

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest free standing mountain in the world and the highest peak in Africa, is a big challenge. But it can be done successfully.

Join us for a six day trek up Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, led by an experienced Christian expedition team, spend a few days on safari in the Masi Mara reserve, and then visit some of the orphanages and other projects that Mission Africa helps support in Kenya.

AllAll money raised from sponsorship will help fund Mission Africa’s work in Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Kenya & Chad.

Date: 15-28 February 2013Cost: £3,500 (includes sponsorship)

Requirements: aged 18 or over, good health

A challenge to raise money for Mission Africa & conquer Africa’s highest peak

ClimbKilimanjaroFEBRUARY 2013

www.missionafrica.org.uk

Contact us:Chief Executive:Rev Dr Paul Bailiepaul.bailie@missionafrica.org.uk

Head Office:14 Glencregagh Court, BelfastBT6 0PA02890 402850info@missionafrica.org.uk

England Mobiliser:Jeremy Nash46 Hunt Road, ChristchurchBH23 3BW01202 904329jeremy.nash@missionafrica.org.uk

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 Tooprobbie.toop@missionafrica.org.uk

“Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will praise you for ever; from generation to generation we will proclaim your praise.”

Psalm 79:13 (NIV)