dispatch spring 2016

Dispatchwww.missionafrica.org.ukSpring 2016

Missionary LifeIn this issue, some of our missionaries, short termers and team members reflect on life on the mission field.

2 | Dispatch Spring 2016 Dispatch Spring 2016 | 3

EditorialThe world is getting worse, isn’t it? We all know that. Every day charities queue up to tell us how inequality and injustice are getting worse by the hour. 62 billionaires hold the same com-bined wealth as the poorest 100 million people in the world, surely an eloquent testimony to the dire state of the planet.

Paul Bailie Chief Executive

But maybe we need to pause for a moment and take a more sober, less alarmist view of the world. In some ways, the world is getting better…

• In the last few years, polio has been almost eradicated; last year, there were only 100 recorded cases in the world – soon, it is hoped, it will be eradicated entirely.

• Deaths caused by malaria have plummeted. The World Health Organisation Malaria Report 2015 tells us that malaria death rates have been halved since 2000 and that 55% of African citizens now sleep under nets.

• HIV / AIDS and infection rates are

vastly reduced (although there are worrying signs of resistance to anti-viral medications).

• 82% of African children are now able to access primary school education, compared to just around 50% in 1990.

• World Bank figures show that the percentage of the world population living in absolute poverty has declined from approximately 75% in 1950 to around 12 % today. More people are being taken out of poverty today than at any point in human history.

So the world is not always getting worse. Sadly, as a continent, Africa

Dispatch Spring 2016 | 3

continues to be the most badly afflicted by poverty and underdevelopment, but the underlying trends show positive progression.

Why do I mention all this? Firstly, because I think that we have to be careful not to fall into the lazy and patronising – and possibly racist - stereotype of ‘poor benighted Africa’, the perpetually dark continent. Africa is changing and mostly very much for the good. Improving governance and strengthening economic systems are making a big difference, even if there is still a long way to go. Africans have much to take pride in as the continent advances. missionafrica.org.uk

Mission Africa

Chief Executive: Rev. Dr Paul Bailie [email protected]

Head Office: 14 Glencregagh Court, Belfast BT6 0PA 02890 402850 [email protected]

Scotland Mobiliser: Robbie Toop 07796263117 [email protected]

England Mobiliser: Jeremy Nash 46 Hunt Road, Christchurch BH23 3BW 01202 904329 [email protected]

Mission Africa (The Qua Iboe Fellowship) is registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC102150. Recognised as a Charity by HMRC: No XN45493. Registered in Company House, Belfast as a Company Limited by Guarantee, R611.


Secondly, I mention it because there is also a grave danger that we allow the stereotype of disease and poverty riddled Africa to divert our attention away from pressing spiritual needs. In terms of spiritual need, we remain in a lost and fallen world. As you will see in the centre spread of this magazine, most of the places where we work in Africa are still mostly unevangelised. Yes, the African church is strong, but it still faces huge tasks and challenges. Poverty and disease may be being slowly eradicated, but humanity’s need for a Saviour remains unchanged. Mission Africa still has a vital role to play in making Christ known in Africa and remains committed to this task.

Over the course of 2016, the Council of Mission Africa will be considering new and revised ways in which we can most effectively carry out the tasks to which God has called us. Council covet your prayers as they seek God’s will and direction for the Mission. Please uphold Council and staff of the Mission at this time of prayer and planning.

Mission Africa supporters may have noticed controversy in the news media concerning the behaviour of certain UK charities. Please be assured that Mission Africa will NEVER sell or otherwise pass on your details to any third party for fundraising purposes.

A Lasting LegacyGiving a gift to Mission Africa in your Will

Planning your legacy today will help ensure that lives continue to be transformed tomorrow.

By leaving a gift to Mission Africa, your money will be making a lasting impact on the lives of many African men, women and children who are spiritually and physically impoverished.

To find out more contact us on 02890 402850 or [email protected]


In 2014, I had the privilege of spending just under a month in the beautiful country of Burkina Faso. I went on a Mission Africa summer team and worked alongside long term missionary, Ana Brakel. This was my first time in Africa and I was so excited to discover what would lie ahead in my Burkinabe adventure. We arrived in Ouagadougou, the capital city of Burkina Faso, which is where we spent the next two weeks. For the first few nights we stayed in a guesthouse in the city to get used to the climate, food, culture and to get ready for the work ahead. Then the real

adventure and work began. We worked alongside the local church, l’Eglise Protestante Evangélique de Burkina, to help at our first children’s summer camp.

The camp was definitely what I would consider an authentic African experience: bucket showers and unreliable electricity. Pretty soon, the guest house we started off in seemed like a five star hotel! The children slept in bunk beds in crowded dormitories; there were 32 girls in my room alone. We got up each morning at 6 AM and did camp chores before the day began.

Short Term Stories

Rebecca Martin

Memories of Burkina


Each day was packed full of fun activities, games, craft, Bible teaching, with plenty of singing and dancing too. We focused on the story of Joseph all week and the children had lots of homework and crafts to take home to remind them of all they were taught. All the children were so excited to be at camp and it was great to interact and get to know them a little bit. As well as all the children, we had an opportunity to get to know a lot of the leaders at the camp. Many of them were at university and were very excited to be able to practice their English.

After the city camp, we travelled to the rural village of Legmoin where we lived with Ana in her home. Again, we worked alongside the camp leaders and the village church to run another camp for the children of the village. This was quite a different experience to that of the city. Due to the lack of funds and food, we were only able to run the camp for four days rather than a week. Instead of dormitories, the children slept on mats on the concrete floor of the local school. This didn’t stop them from being so enthusiastic about every activity at camp. They were particularly keen on singing


and dancing, which usually lasted for hours each morning.

At the end of each camp, we organised a fun day for the children where we had games, challenges and face painting. This caused a lot of excitement. On the last day of each camp we had a prize giving ceremony. The children received prizes for winning competitions throughout camp and for scoring well in their homework. They were so grateful to receive supplies for school, as well as plenty of sweets and toys to bring home.

We finished up our time back in the city with a day to do some shopping and a

trip to a holiday resort. We relaxed and ate the chips and burgers that we had been craving for the last few weeks. I had such an incredible time in Burkina Faso, and I built relationships with some amazing people who I still talk to today.

I would really encourage anyone to go on a Mission Africa team. God revealed so much to me throughout my time in Burkina and I learnt so much through the children, the students and from Ana. Going overseas reminded me that God isn’t just God in Northern Ireland or the UK, but He is working throughout the nations, and we can be part of His plan.

We are organising a number of Summer Teams this year, including one to Burkina Faso. If you are interested in applying email us at [email protected] or visit our website to find out more.


The tailoring classroom is a noisy and colourful part of the Advance Skills Acquisition Centre in Ogugu. There is a constant hum of the students pedalling their sewing machines while sewing together all sorts of outfits from the colourful native cloth. The current tailoring class began in September and they have already learnt so much. In December, the classroom was filled with brightly coloured cloth as the students were hard at work learning to sew ‘Christmas cloth’ for their friends and family. They are continuing to work

hard and are a lively and creative bunch! Meanwhile, in the ICT classroom, a new class of students have just started the 6 month ICT course. The previous class graduated from the course in December, with an enjoyable Graduation Service to celebrate their achievement with friends and family.

The Skills Centre was opened in 2014 and provides an opportunity for people to learn new skills that will help them to further their education or gain employment. Linked to the Circle of

Joy Wells

Life at the Ogugu Skills Centre

Short Term Stories


Hope sponsorship programme, the skills centre provides further opportunities to those who have graduated from sponsorship and also other vulnerable people in the community.

Each class also has a weekly Bible study. Last term both classes studied John’s Gospel, specifically looking at the “I am” sayings of Jesus. Some students also

received teaching on how to prepare a Bible study and were then given the opportunity to lead the Bible study that week. It has been great to see that the students here are not only learning practical skills that will help them in their future; but they have also been growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Joy is working in Ogugu for a year on a short term placement. To find out more about how you can help serve God in Africa, or to learn more about our work, visit www.missionafrica.org.uk


Opportunities

Theological LecturerDo you want to train and equip the next generation of African church leaders? Have you a passion for teaching others about what the Bible means? Do you have a masters degree in Theology?

This position offers an exciting and uniquely stimulating opportunity to make a strategic difference in the development of the Church in Kenya. You can serve for just one semester, one year or full time.

Short Term CoordinatorWe are looking for someone to help develop short term operations on the ground in Nigeria. This will involve working with our church partners in Nigeria and liaising with our Belfast office to develop new and existing short term opportunities.

Our short term coordinator will provide orientation and training to teams and short termers. Experience of cross-cultural mission, particularly in Africa is useful.


Vulnerable WomenDo you have a vision to see broken and lost women find hope, healing and salvation through Jesus? Do you long to see women’s dignity restored and for them to find sustainable employment to support themselves and their children?

Mission Africa works with partner agencies in Chad helping vulnerable women and girls to escape from a life of prostitution, trafficking and . Will you help us?

Youth WorkerDo you have a passion for youth ministry? Do you want to see young lives changed and communities transformed? Do you have experience in youth and children’s work?

We are looking for someone to work in the Kikuyu area of Kenya on the outskirts of Nairobi. This area is well developed with a large number of schools. You will spend time working with the church to build relationships with youth in the area.

To find out more about these and other opportunities to serve God with Mission Africa, please email us at [email protected], phone us on 02890402850, or visit our website www.missionafrica.org.uk


Burkina Faso75% unreached Mission Africa was a pioneer in the bringing of the gospel to Burkina in the 1930s. Our chief partner in Burkina Faso is the Evangelical Protestant Church of Burkina Faso. Our work since the 1990s has concentrated upon church planting and discipleship amongst the Dagara people of south eastern Burkina, although our theologi-cal education in schools has a wider reach. After many years of pseudo-democratic rule, a military coup in 2015 has finally delivered a democratically elected civilian government and the land is overwhelmingly peaceful; Islam-ists present a threat in the north of the country.

Nigeria50% unreachedMission Africa has worked in Nigeria since 1887. Described as The Giant of Africa, Nigeria has the largest popula-tion of any African country and vies with South Africa for the biggest economy in Africa. Mission Africa is engaged in evan-gelism; theological education; medical and compassionate work. Our chief partner church is the United Evangeli-cal Church (founded by our missionar-ies) but we also have relationships with other large evangelical denominations. Nigeria boasts one of the highest per capita ratios of evangelical Christians in the world, but anyone who knows the country recognises that there is still an immense amount of work to be done to fully establish Biblical Christianity.

Where we work


Chad70% unreachedMission Africa has been partnered with The Evangelical Church of Tchad for some years now. Unfortunately, we have no permanent staff in Chad cur-rently, but we are very open to sending staff there. Our hope is to forge closer links with Naomi Duff and the various ministries that seek to help vulnerable women and children in N’Djamena. Chad is currently enjoying a very con-siderable degree of peace and stability following decades of civil war and lawlessness.

Kenya20% unreachedMission Africa has recently begun partnerships in Kenya. Our chief part-ner is the Presbyterian Church, but we also work with Ambassadors Football and iTeams. So far, our work has been restricted to a series of very successful summer teams, but we hope to devel-op longer term placements, especially in theological education. Although highly Christianised, the percentage of Muslims is growing steadily. Secular-ism is also growing and many people are frustrated by bogus pastors. Kenya has known stable democratic govern-ment since 2002 and is overwhelmingly peaceful, despite some Islamist activity in coastal regions.

Where we work


I often get asked the question, “What do you do?” While it might be easy to run off a list of job descriptions that I have grown into over the past two years (home-schooling mum, Kogi finance facilitator, transport coordinator, supporter correspondence), I still struggle a little with the question. One better way I like to respond to that question is that I try to be of use, helping out where there is the need.

I arrived in Nigeria full of enthusiasm to get stuck in, but as a mum of three

under-fives, it was a daily challenge just to get through the chores that kept our household functioning and fed. Getting used to a different way of life, without any of the appliances I relied on before brought me to my knees both physically and spiritually.

Despite life at PACT being relatively comfortable compared to rural village survival, I still struggled. Yes, we had a borehole to fill our outside water tanks, giving us cold running water inside. Yes, we had an instant gas instead of an open

Ruth Garvie

Reflecting on our first term

Missionary Life


fire outside. Yes, we had a generator to give us electricity when we needed it. Yet the sheer time it took to complete everyday tasks overwhelmed me and found me asking if I would have time to be of any use beyond coping with the basics. At least Donald was able get on with his responsibilities. Graciously God answered my mumblings and with time things got easier. Through the kindness of supporters in providing a washing machine for us, and the help of a local lady to go to market and cook our lunch, I was able to get on with my other main responsibility of schooling the children.

The planning, resourcing and actual teaching had to be worked out when we arrived. I had prayed hard that God would give me enough wisdom to pack what I would need to cover the basics, and with patience, we learned how to do school in a new way. It was an ongoing challenge to live amongst children whose playthings were old tin cans and broken sticks from our pit, in contrast to our colourful plastic. But as we got to know the children on the compound, and they got used to us, our children

learned to share what we had brought. We even had the odd Saturday morning book club, especially during the rain.

I began to enjoy using what local produce was available to create my own variations of familiar foods, and even help in getting the live chicken in our garden onto our dinner plates. I began to build relationships with those helping me. Their hard work and perseverance were a daily challenge to me to carry on; their regular reminders that God was our helper and strength sank in to become my daily prayer and point of praise. They sought God’s help and strength because they had little else to turn to. They saw His provision and grace in their daily struggles and they were grateful for it.

I came to realise that without the physically hard chores, I could not have appreciated the difficulties those around me faced every day. Without this time in the house, I could not have appreciated the beauty and relief found in spending time in God’s creation outside. Without the generosity of our supporters, I wouldn’t have seen God’s hand at work in our finances, which

Our classroom in Nigeria

The college catering facilities


motivated me to help in others in times of need. Without my own struggles, I could not engage with those around me in a real way. Their daily battles not only became their struggle, but we were privileged to share in some of these circumstances and assist where we could. Being able to provide support or some encouragement in times of need became our daily privilege.

In starting out with Mission Africa, it was difficult to work out what my role would look like. But, with hindsight, I am grateful for the flexibility and freedom allowed, to wait for God’s timing and guidance in what aspects of life and work I could help with. Obvious needs arose with the departure of our colleagues in Kogi, and we were able to begin to help with the regional finances. Though not a pioneering, front line role, we were able to see the importance of managing well the donations given by supporters and also seeing the impact of how money from the UK can be used to reach those in need.

It also taught me to value those sending and supporting us. Those who took the time to send an email, to remember our birthdays or to pray for us regularly and persistently; those who helped us with administration, immigration, sponsorship – maybe not the glamorous, always-acknowledged, roles of mission work, but essential, significant and appreciated hard work none the less. We were not always good at communicating our appreciation of this help and support, but we know without it, we would have floundered.

What do I do? It’s complicated, but God is my helper and strength, and he does not change. Living between two different worlds has its challenges: not fully removed from the UK, yet not fully integrated into the Nigerian culture and way of living. But we pray we would continue to be useful for our King and helpful in furthering his Kingdom, wherever he would have us.

Supporting local businesses


Mission History

The magazine of Mission Africa is 123 years old and still going strong – as always, encouraging prayer and praise. Originally published as the Qua Iboe Quarterly in November 1893, it ran until 1966 when the name was changed to Dispatch. Until 1963, each issue carried the motto “To give light to those in darkness - Luke 1:79” and almost always had a cover photograph from Nigeria. Early Quarterlies toured the Qua Iboe field, but it soon become too big to cover in one issue.

Up to 1946, the May issue always

carried the Annual Report and field statistics: numbers of communion centres (for groups of smaller churches) elders, communicants, baptisms, inquirers, offerings (the original wording was ‘native givings’). A children’s corner was launched by Mr W.L. Wheatley in August 1922. It eventually found the title ‘For the Young People’, but was written in such a way as to interest most readers. Reports of work among women reflected the importance of both the Women’s Fellowship to the Qua Iboe Church, and the Women’s Auxiliary to the Qua Iboe Mission at home.

Workers Needed! A history of the Mission Africa MagazineGeorge Ruddock


Newly accepted missionaries were asked for testimonies before they headed off, and upon arrival in Africa they contributed First Impressions, which often highlighted interesting or unusual differences. Missionaries were typically intrigued by tribal customs and moved by plights of individual families. Happily, the Mission has been blessed by staff and workers who write well; the articles written around the time of the Biafran War are of value well beyond Christian circles.

Quarterly and Dispatch called openly and often for educated, qualified missionaries, but they also shone a light

on the good work of indigenous staff. It was a pleasure to all to report that Mr R. Taylor had found a former student to succeed him as principal of the Etinan Institute and that Samuel Bill Theological College was to be led by Rev. Amos Udonsak. Mrs Oswald Mitchell began a ‘Profile’ column to introduce Senior Nigerians to her readers.

Until 1945, every contribution to the Mission is itemised in the Quarterly. After that, income is listed under four headings: Auxiliaries (Districts), Meetings, Legacies and Anonymous Gifts. There was no direct appeal for money, although financial needs we


set out clearly – in 1966, readers were told that “it costs £2500 to place 10 new workers in the field”. It is enjoyable to follow the appeals and later use of magic lanterns, typewriters (missionaries often wrote 50 letters a week), a book van and books for libraries and evangelistic outreach.

The magazine presents the opportunities and challenges facing the Mission clearly. Travel to Bassa with Mr & Mrs George Currie, to Bendel State with Mr Herbert Dickson, to French West Africa (now Burkina Faso) with Mr & Mrs Benington, later return with Jeremy & Rachel Nash. There are ventures

in Ghana and Chad. Meanwhile, the Qua Iboe Mission became the Qua Iboe Fellowship, which in turn became Mission Africa. The Mission moved north into Muslim areas; churches were established in cities; new Bible colleges opened; ACTS is founded; and HIV/AIDS ministry becomes increasingly necessary.

The magazine presents a view of the changing face of Africa through the eyes of the servants of God across the 19th, 20th and into the 21st Century. It is our hope that it will continue long into the future.


Gail Ekanem

New developments at PACTIt was with great joy that I returned to Nigeria, to Peter Achimugu College of Theology, Ankpa. The past year and a half, working on my PhD alongside dealing with Godwin’s frequent absences, was not easy. Finally, having defended my thesis in November, I was free to return. Though I am still working on corrections, the stress has been reduced due to a successful outcome, the result of much prayer and hard work over the past five years.

My delight at coming back to PACT was further enhanced by the many changes that had taken place in my absence. As we approached the compound, I could see the steeple of the new chapel,

which had lain incomplete for many years. We have begun holding Sunday services there, which we are really enjoying. Another cause for praise is the improvement in the choir. I am seeing some good leadership, some genuine talent and we are experiencing a real sense of worship. It was also great to see that the clinic, started a number of years ago, had a new roof.

Even since coming back, the students have begun to erect a students’ centre. This is an act of great faith as many students struggle to pay fees, but it will be a great blessing to students for many years to come. It is encouraging to see that the College management are not

Missionary Life


sitting idle and have proposed future development in the form of a new library complex, including further classrooms and an IT suite. This is especially needed as part of the on-going affiliation process with Kogi State University. Apart from the structural developments already mentioned, we have also completed half of a duplex to accommodate staff.

We now have a new English teacher, Chioma Deborah. Having a proper English teacher here is an answer to much prayer. It was also a joy to be reacquainted with Ebong Essien and Joseph Shaibu, gifted former students, now employed to teach at the College.

There have been some changes also in the College programme. Spiritual formation has been added as part of College life. Every Wednesday, we come together for some related teaching, taken by the Provost, Rev. Dr. Effiong Udoeyop. Following this, we break up into smaller fellowship groups, headed by a staff member. This allows us to support one another in prayer, and to build closer relationships within the College family.

For me personally, things have changed. In my absence, I was appointed to take on the responsibility of Deputy Provost. Pray for grace to fulfil the role in a God-


honouring way. Added to that, our niece Glory (2 ½ years) is staying with us for a while. She is a bright light in our home, despite her health challenges.

One thing that hasn’t changed is the

heat. While a change from the rain in Ireland is welcome, we thank God for the mango tree that provides a shady place when the temperature reaches 37 degrees and there is no air conditioning inside. It’s good to be back!


Partner with Mission AfricaIf you believe in what God is doing though Mission Africa, we’d love for you to partner with us. We’re looking for partners who are willing and able to support us financially, and gift aid where possible. We’re also looking for partners to pray for us. Finally, we’re looking for partners to go and work with us in Africa. If you feel that you can help in any of these ways, please fill in the form below and return it to us.

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dispatch spring 2016

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