‘We must have an increased willingness to walk in holy surrender and to be used as a vessel for His good purposes because we can’t do anything in our own strength, it is only when we partner with Jesus and walk in His plans we see his kingdom come here on earth as it is in heaven.
- Joel Parker, Short Term Team Member
The apostle Paul wrote these words to the church at Corinth after a period in which both he and they had experienced various trials and sufferings. Paul’s plans had changed and he sought to clarify that this was not because he was being fickle and changing his mind based on preferences and circumstances. Some of the trials Paul faced were so great that he felt that it would be better to just die! (2 Cor 1:8)
In fact, Paul and the team had endured the trials and made decisions not like the world; independent from God, but rather relying on God’s grace. This is a different way of living and decision making which is based on the character of God who is faithful not fickle and always keeps His word.
There have been many changes within Mission Africa over the last couple of years. Some of these have been painful, just like Paul and the team experienced, but we can all look at these and say that it is “God who makes us both stand firm in Christ.” (1 Cor 1:21)
As Brian Wilson along with Jeremy and Rachel Nash make changes in their part of God’s story, we know that God is faithful.
As Samantha Ibia continues to seek partnership with local believers, we know that God is faithful.
As the Morrisons settle back into life in Chad and face testing circumstances, we know that
God is faithful.
Or as Council meet to discuss and steer the work of the Mission, we know that this will not be based on “worldly wisdom but on God’s grace.” (1 Cor 1:12)
When you read this Dispatch, see the grace and faithfulness of God in the midst of changes in personnel, projects and partners. Stand firm with us in prayer and fellowship as we seek, like Paul and the team, to share the hope of the Gospel to a world in need.
We admit our weakness and inability to make decisions both in support and overseas and the need to rely on God’s grace not the wisdom the world offers. In doing so, we demonstrate our confidence in the character of God and His commitment to His mission, not ours. In this way, when we fall in line with His will and mission adding our ‘Amen,’ it is God who gets the glory (2 Cor 1:20).
After all, this is the purpose of each of our lives, that we, in our weakness, show His work through us for His own glory.
Paul Wright, CEO
How did you originally become involved in Mission Africa?
I first got involved in Mission Africa in 2009 when Naomi Spence who was a friend of mine from University had asked me to join a summer team that she was leading to Nigeria. Knowing my love of Africa, although at that point it was East Africa, going on a team wasn’t too difficult a sell. She did have to work on convincing me that I could find a place in a sports team coaching football of all things. For those of you who know me, you will know that I am not much of a football fan. None the less my brother Aaron and I joined the team and spent a month coaching football and helping with kids camps in Jos and Makurdi in northern Nigeria.
It was during this time in Nigeria that I met Lesley Ann (now my wife). She was leading another team to Jos at the same time, but she had much
more experience of Nigeria before 2009 having previously been on teams and a gap year.
My involvement with MA has continued since the summer of 2009. Attending events and helping out as and when needed. Lesley Ann, Joshua and I then served in Holley Memorial Hospital from 2012 to 2015 and since returning home I have been involved with various aspects of the mission including the Friends of Ochadamu support group. I love that the mission has a family feel about it and my family has always felt part of it.
What made you decided to join the Mission Africa Council?
I joined Council in March 2023. I had been asked about 5 years ago if I would be interested in joining, but at that time I gave it some prayerful thought and felt I was not in a position to commit at that time.
Move on 4 years and my love of the mission had not changed and following the sudden passing of Revd Dr Paul Ballie, I saw that the mission that I was passionate about was hurting. Caroline, Chair of Council, approached me again in January 2023 and after a good chat with her, praying and talking to Lesley Ann, I accepted the post.
The last year and a half has introduced me to a different side of the mission that I hadn’t previously known. A much more business-like side but it has been good to get involved and see how the mission is evolving for the future. This past year has seen a few ups and down in the mission but we rest assured that God is indeed in control and he has guided us through thus far.
What has been your highlight as a council member?
I have been really encouraged this year to see how the ‘Come See, Go Tell’ programme has been playing out in the lives of those going on teams. The June Celebration & Teams Commissioning was such a blessing to me. Hearing how the teams have been working with Mission Africa staff in preparation for their trips and how much the programme has meant to them in preparation. The friendships and relationships that have developed before even travelling was such an encouragement. I do pray that God can use these teams, the programme and the effect that short term mission can have on each individual in the support of the mission and Africa in the future.
How did you originally become involved in Mission Africa?
Like many people here who have grown up in churches in Northern Ireland, I was very aware of the name of the Qua Iboe Mission and more recently Mission Africa. At University and Theological College I was always actively involved with global mission. But it was still quite a remote contact even though I had heard speakers at church who shared encouraging stories of what God had been doing. My involvement in MA continued to grow through my lifelong friendship with Revd Dr Paul Bailie, with whom I shared many a conversation, and ultimately his passion for this particular mission agency when he became CEO.
What made you decide to join the Mission Africa Council?
My invitation to join Council came via Paul, who had encouraged me for some time to consider the possibility. I guess, being involved in active local church ministry for over 30 years and sharing in the wider work of a denomination does permit a certain experience. That
experience is gained from working on various committees and alongside teams of people who seek to turn dreams to reality. It might well be the one transferable skill I’ve gained! I’ve always been willing to serve God with the abilities and the learning I’ve gained from the experiences He has gifted me with. So, if others thought I could add something, then I’m willing to offer the little I have!
What has been your highlight as a council Member?
A highlight for me is the teams commissioning each year. On the one hand the evening is filled with encouraging stories and updates of what God is doing in Africa and being reminded of the breadth of the work of Mission Africa. And that’s encouraging enough if that was where the evening stopped! But there are also those moments when you see the understanding of what mission really is deepening in the hearts and minds of those going on short term mission and the exciting realisation that this is actually bigger than the simple mission trip they thought they had originally signed up for. It’s seeing how mission changes us and challenges us.
Filled with faith, Samuel Bill humbly responded; ‘God helping me I will go.’
Samuel Bill, MA Founder
Brian Wilson along with Jeremy & Rachel Nash will be leaving us this year. We are extremely thankful for their service in Nigeria and Chad and for the lives that have been changed through their various ministries. Join us in praying that God would guide them in whatever comes next for them.
How did you come to join Mission Africa and where have you served?
When my years ministering in South Armagh were ending, Revd Dr Paul Baillie informed
me there was a need for people trained in Theology and Librarianship to serve in Nigerian Bible Colleges. I couldn’t go - my mother was frail and needed me. His response - ‘I shouldn’t worry as such missionary positions don’t fill very quickly!’
Years later, God was revealing I should again be serving overseas, and calling me to Nigeria. (I had previously served in Nepal and India). The date for flying to Nigeria was significant - 15th October 2021. 15th October had been my mother’s birthday. I had often questioned whether I would ever return to serving the Lord overseas, but she was sure I would - she prayed about it daily and she knew God answered her prayers. God was honouring her faith!
What is one thing that God has taught you over these last 2 years?
African Christians continually show the need to trust God for daily life. Questions such as ‘how are you today?’ are often answered with ‘We thank God.’ However, this tends to conceal food and money struggles, grief or ill health.
My first year in Nigeria was difficult with malaria, difficulty in accessing money, deaths of some Nigerian friends....But my heavenly Father cared.
God also reminded me that ‘those who honour Him, He honours’. He had revealed He placed me in Africa when African Christians had contacted me, requesting regular Internet preaching. In Nigeria, the same Africans asked me to preach online weekly again. Also, I had been thrilled when Revd Dr Paul Baillie had pledged to renovate the college library, however the work was hindered but now I can see God’s hand in bringing it to completion.
I had been serving with Mission Africa until June 2023. Although I was open to whatever God’s will should be, I had believed I would be returning to Nigeria. At my formal farewell, Rev Orumah, the Deputy Provost, had expressed the hope that I should be back at the College. But I got a sense that returning might not be God’s plan.
My great desire is to be regularly preaching and engaged in pastoral work. My prayer request is that God will clearly lead me to the place of His work and also that I will walk closely with Him, honouring His Name.
How did you come to join Mission Africa and where have you served?
We joined Qua Iboe in 1995 after having met at Moorlands College. I (Jeremy) had a strong desire to assist in church planting in Burkina Faso and thought we’d go with WEC due to being with them in Senegal previously. However, it seemed God was telling us to look into other mission agencies too. My 10-week placement from Moorlands was already arranged for Burkina Faso with WEC and whilst there, I read about the planned partnership with Qua Iboe Fellowship to do church planting among the Dagari people group. I knew
immediately by the Holy Spirit, that this was where God was calling us to and from there, we served for 13 years before we came home in 2010 for our three children’s schooling. Since then, we returned to Africa in 2023, serving for a year in N’Djamena, Chad.
What is one thing that God has taught you over this last year?
I worked as England Mobiliser and continued regular visits to Burkina Faso growing the ministry of after-school Bible Clubs. At the November 2022 England Conference, David Morrison spoke of the need for personnel to run the guest house in N’Djamena. We both sensed God’s call and He opened the way for us to serve for a year from June 2023. God has taught me patience. Often I get frustrated and angry too quickly. I realised that as I am getting older - I need to pray for physical strength to serve each day - but that as God gives the strength, he is the one who is praised, 1 Pet 4:11. Rachel learnt of the joy and satisfaction that comes from Him through serving others.
How can you be praying for the Nashes?
As we step down from the Mission, my desire is to still run the race with perseverance. Missionaries are enduring hardship, loneliness and facing difficulties in order to share the gospel with others, they are running! May I not comfortably walk in my service for others but do my all to advance His Kingdom and bring others to know Him. I would appreciate prayer for this.
We are praying that God will provide a clear path as to what is next for us. Should the opportunity for service in Burkina Faso or Chad become available, we would love to respond. We will both be needing employment from October, using the skills that God has given us. Pray that God reveals His plan for us.
One area of our work is partnering with churches and theological colleges across Africa. This partnership is foundational is enabling more people to hear the good news of Jesus. Over the next few pages, you’ll read of some of the new partnerships with students in both Nigeria & Kenya who have a desire to grow in their faith, study God’s Word and share with others of how God can change lives.
My call:
I first heard about Jesus in 2005 after my secondary school education. At first I refused to respond, but in 2009 I decided to stop running and finally say ‘yes’ and give my life to Christ. After growing in my faith, I then began to start studying at the Theological College of Northern Nigeria (TCNN) in Jos. It is here that I obtained my first and second degrees and I have now been teaching at William Wheatley
Theological College for almost 9 years now.
My Goal:
I am passionate about teaching people the Word of God; teaching gives me such a joy. My goal is to teach the word of God undilutedly which is why I am enrolling in my third degree; a PHD. This will enable me to have more understanding of the Word and to teach adequately; rightly dividing the word of truth, enabling more students to be able to do likewise.
In Nigeria, it is not easy to be in full time ministry, mostly due to a poor salary or sometimes no salary at all which is the situation I am facing currently. There are many challenges which femlaes face in academical institutions in Nigeria, but the truth still remains. God’s grace is always sufficient and He will supply all our needs.
I pray that the supporters of Mission Africa would uphold me in their prayers for more strength, grace, good health, knowledge and wisdom as I embark on my PhD studies. I would be very grateful for your financial support also.
God bless you.
iServe Africa is a ministry in Nairobi, Kenya which Kathryn Lindsay has become more involved with. It exists to promote faithful Bible teaching and servant leadership. One area is their Graduate Apprenticeship Programme; a programme for those who have just recently graduated from university and are wanting to volunteer for a year in Christian ministry. Each apprentice is taught how to study the Bible and teach it faithfully to others as they go out to serve in placements. Meet Patrick and Patriza, two graduates who are currently serving in GracePoint Church, Waiyaki Way. Mission Africa will be financually supporting both Patrick and Patriza over the coming year as they seek to serve God through the youth and children’s ministries in GracePoint.
My name is Patriza Oyugi and I am currently an apprentice serving with iServe Africa where I am placed at GracePoint Church, Waiyaki Way.
My main role is to help in the Children’s Ministry. My responsibilities include sourcing teachers to teach the classes on Sundays, preparing crafts, arranging classes and meeting with the children on Saturdays to share the God’s Word with them. I also serve
as a staff team member within GracePoint Church and attend to any other work that is assigned to me.
My experience so far has been very delightful. I truly believe that the Lord placed me here to allow me to grow in the specific way that He has planned. I have been able to learn how to read and interpret the Bible and I have been learning and seeing the gracious gifts of God in giving believers a community, the church where we are able to come together to worship Him. I have been able to make new friends along with a number of intentional new relationships. The privilege to serve people who are unknown to me has been a great highlight.
I have learnt that every believer needs a constant reminder of the gospel. It is the power for salvation for all who believe. God’s desire that many would come to the knowledge of this gospel and His Son.
My name is Patrick Wasonga, a former student of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, where I studied Development Studies. Currently, I am participating in the iServe Africa Apprenticeship Program. I have been serving in the youth ministry at GracePoint Church Waiyaki Way. It has been a fulfilling experience engaging with the youth as I have shared the gospel, listened to their struggles and prayed with them. My spiritual life has been greatly impacted in serving among the young people.
During my apprenticeship, I have gained a deeper understanding of the gospel, particularly that sin is humanity’s greatest problem and Jesus Christ is the only remedy. God has been teaching me patience and how to love the teenagers, even in the challenging moments. Additionally, I have learned how to study and interpret the Scriptures, which has greatly enriched my spiritual growth and understanding of God.
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
- Colossians 3:17
Pray daily for these three as they begin their new ventures. Pray for Deborah as she returns to studying; for a smooth transition and guidance into the modules that she chooses. Pray for Patrick and Patriza as they begin their year at GracePoint Church; that they grow in their faith over the course of this year, but also for those who they are engaging with, that their hearts will be open to hear the good news of Jesus.
All three are being sponsored by Mission Africa through their studies and internships. If you would like to be part of supporting one or all of them over the course of this year, you can donate via our website; www.missionafrica.org.uk/give or through contacting our office. Please mark any donations with ‘Scholarships’ along with the name of the person you would like it to go towards.
We hope to keep you up to date through our magazines, prayer news and social media. If you do not yet receive our magazine or prayer monthly, you can do so by emailing news@missionafrica.org.uk
It has been fantastic to have over 40 people as part of our ‘Come See Go Tell’ short-term programme this year. This has included a church team, women’s team, a youth and evangelism team, nursing students and electives! We are extremely thankful to each person who has prayed, encouraged or financially contributed to our teams this summer. It has been an absolute joy to journey alongside each of our volunteers so far – but we aren’t finished yet!
As part of the programme, our teams met prior to serving in Africa and have now returned back to the UK. Our last three sessions; named ‘Go Tell’ will be running between September and November.
When our teams meet, they will be reflecting upon things that were learnt whilst serving on team, discussing what they have learnt from those they served, from each other and about themselves. They will also be looking at how they can share their experiences with friends and family and how we can continue to share the gospel wherever God is calling us next.
Throughout the programme we have been studying through the book of Romans, and have continually been referring to Romans
12:1-2, which is the heart that we have for each volunteer. During our final sessions, we will be sharing how each volunteer has been transformed through their experience on team and from the programme; a transformed mind that seeks to look more like Christ and to have fuller dependence on him.
This is the first year of running Come See Go Tell, and we are thankful for God’s wisdom and faithfulness as we have met to open His word and look at God’s mission for each of our lives.
Read stories across the next few pages from members who’ve served this summer. We are looking forward to launching again in 2025. Keep an eye on our website and social media for more details over the next few months.
‘Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. This is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.’ Romans 12:1-2
What have you learnt so far from being a part of the Come See Go Tell Programme?
Joel - The most important thing I learnt whilst engaging with the CSGT Programme was the need for cultural humility whilst serving on mission. It is wrong for us to claim we know the best way of doing things back home. Throughout CSGT we explored how we love and minister well in a different cultural context without coming in as the ‘white saviours’ but as members of one body Paul talks about constantly throughout the epistles.
Emily - Humility matters. Through CSGT we have been working through the book of Romans where again and again Paul reminds us of the biblical basis for mission. How, when we truly consider the joy of our salvation and recognise that we are all broken sinners saved by grace alone, Paul’s teaching that “there is no difference” (Rom 10:12) bears more weight as the ‘us and them’ mentality that we can so easily fall into gets put aside. The perspective of mission becomes less of how can we win the favour of those we’re serving, and becomes more about how can we serve alongside the global church and show those we encounter the love of Christ and ultimately the lifechanging gospel. But to do that we need to first approach ministry with humble hearts that are entirely surrendered to God (Rom 12:3-8).
The CSGT programme balanced these truths with practical teaching on how to serve in an African culture and how to implement this heart posture in the lead up as well as whilst on team.
Rachel - My key takeaway from CSGT was something that struck me from the very beginning when we talked about how the goal of our short-term mission team was not only to share the Gospel but it was and still is life transformation; both for those we serve in Kenya but also for us as a team. This challenged my mindset for the team and helped me to see the bigger picture which is God’s mission and the privilege it is that He allows us to be a part of it.
How did you grow in your faith whilst serving on your team in Kenya?
Emily - As cheesy as it sounds my faith grew so much while on team! From simple things like seeing God growing my patience when things didn’t go to plan or when 280 kids and 7 adults felt a little bit unmanageable, to complete dependence on God and His protection when we faced a situation that was entirely out of our control. Team times together, also gave us a chance to renew our awe of God as our Creator, Saviour and King as we prepared talks and got the chance to explain the gospel to those we were working with. While I didn’t discover anything I didn’t already know and believe about Christ, having time dedicated to thinking about, studying and chatting about faith and the Bible on team was such a blessing that helped me to deepen my own personal relationship with God.
Rachel - While serving in Kenya, God was teaching me to surrender self-control and
let God do what He wants to do. God can do bigger and better things than we can imagine, so we should not limit Him to our expectations, but be challenged to pray with an expectant heart to see God move. There is only so much we as humans can do, but when we surrender it all to God and let Him do His work, He can do so so much more!!
Joel - As I reflect on my time in Kenya I see in myself an increased willingness to surrender to God’s way. An increased willingness to walk in holy surrender and to be used as a vessel for his good purposes because we can’t do anything in our own strength it is only when we partner with Jesus and walk in His plans we see his kingdom come here on earth as it is in heaven. My faith was also strengthened by those serving out there and their love for their community’s and desire to see the gospel spread.
What would you say to someone who was interested in doing the Come See Go Tell Programme and serving on a short-term team?
Rachel - Go for it! It was such a joy to serve God and those who we met in Kenya. God can do incredible things through short term mission and He can answer prayers in ways beyond which we can imagine. God taught me so much through team, both in Kenya but also in the run up to Kenya. God takes what we have and uses it to do big
things and to bring Him the glory, so just go for it and give yourself to Him and His mission!
Joel - Do it. Being in Kenya opens your eyes to faith outside of a western context. It changes how you view the world and draws you closer to God because you see how despite the differences He is the same God who is alive and active both back home and in Africa. If you want to grow closer to God and know Him better a great way to begin that journey is by serving on short term mission.
Emily - The CSGT programme sets you up not only to serve in Africa, but the focus on biblical mission is something that can be taken and used no matter where you are! But the short-term teams are pretty cool too! Mission Africa teams have such a wide range of opportunities to be involved in different ministries. There’s quite literally something for everyone, from kids work to teens, young adults to the old folks home, and street outreach. Being part of a team is such a great opportunity to meet and grow alongside likeminded people and a safe space to explore and develop the gifts and talents that God has given you. The people you get to meet and the friendships that are formed over some questionable mystery meats and bus karaoke are unmatched! If God is calling you to serve him, why not give it a go, you won’t be disappointed!
‘Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!’
Psalm 107:1-3
The summer months have been a busy period in the life of Mission Africa, kicking off with our June Celebration which took place on Saturday 8th June and finishing with Bangor World Wide Missionary Convention at the end of August. Read more across the next few pages about our theme for this year and photos of some of the events we attended.
One of Mission Africa’s most unique characteristics is it’s 135 year legacy of how God used ordinary people who obeyed the Great Commission to share the Gospel across Africa, starting with Belfast man; Samuel Bill who said ‘I only did ordinary things...it was God who did it all!’ This is a reminder to each of us that no matter how inadequate or ordinary we feel, God wants to use us, to use our skills and gifts to serve Him and reach others in extra-ordinary ways.
This summer, we’ve been at various events and exhibits across the UK with the aim of getting people excited about ‘His Story;’ God’s redemptive plan for all people and reminding people that He is the originator and enabler for World Mission. We wanted to tell ‘Our Story’ of how God has used Mission Africa through our rich local legacy to challenge and inspire people in their walk with Him. We then wanted to hear ‘Your Story’ and be able to help you find your place with us and within His Story! Below are some of the images that were displayed at the events.
Acacia is a ministry in N’Djamena, Chad that reaches out to vulnerable women in prostitution and in situations of domestic violence. Our vision is to offer them hope, healing and a future in Christ.
The Acacia programme follows a holistic syllabus of Bible teaching, life skills, counselling, and art therapy. The women also learn income generating skills such as the creation of soap, cards, bags etc.
Women who complete the Acacia programme are offered basic business management training, a funded 6-month apprenticeship, and can apply for a small start-up grant to encourage financial independence.
If you’d like to support the Acacia ministry financially, you can do so at missionafrica.org.uk/give and marking it for the Acacia Vulnerable Womens’ ministry or by filling in the Standing Order mandate on the reverse
acaciachad@gmail.com tinyurl.com/VWChad
As Katie starts a new chapter at home, she wants to thank everyone for their prayers and support during her time in Nigeria. Katie asks you to continue to pray for Holley Memorial Hospital and Primary School and for all the young people that they will still continue to be reached with the Gospel.
Kathryn has just recently completed a busy summer filled with short-term team members who have spent their summer in Kenya. Now that the teams are away, pray that Kathryn would be able to rest well - physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Pray also against loneliness. It’s been a busy summer and now it’s back to the quiet routine of everyday life.
Pray for discernment and God’s guidance for Kathryn as she decides what to get involved with in this next season. Pray that more doors would be opened for children’s ministry and youth ministry. Pray too that an apartment in a good area will become available as Kathryn seeks to find althernative accomodation; somewhere slightly more homely.
The Ibia family are now back in Nigeria after a summer in Northern Ireland. Give thanks for the time that they were able to spend at home, catching up with friends and family as well as raising support about their work with Fellowship of Christian Students (FCS).
Pray for Hepzibah and Melki as they start into a new school year, and for a smooth transition from a summer in Northern Ireland to returning to school in Nigeria.
Samantha and Godfrey are continually looking for new volunteers to serve with FCS in Enugu. Pray that God would provide willing volunteers who are passionate about working with young people and have a real heart to share the Gospel.
The Morrison family have just returned back to Chad at the end of August after spending their summer in Northern Ireland and England. Give thanks for time spent reconnecting with family, especially for Sophie & Olivia to have precious time with their grandparents. Pray for Sophie as she transitions into another school year and for Olivia as she goes to childcare. Pray especially as they learn both French and English.
Now that Jeremy & Rachel Nash have left, David is taking on more of an administrative
role within the TEAM Guesthouse. Pray for this transition and that he will begin to feel settled into his new routine soon.
Give thanks for the Gaiya’s trip home this summer too. They were able to spend 3 months reconnecting with supporters and spending time with Pamela’s family.
Pamela continues on sabbatical until the end of the year. Pray for wisdom as she works on rolling out her 30th anniversary project. Musa continues with his teaching in the ECWA Seminary at Kagoro and the Christian Faith Institute, Bukuru.
Give thanks for the Bible College Camp that Ana was involved in over the summer months. There were over 500 children attending this camp and Ana was one of the camp speakers.
Pray for Ana as the new term at the college begins. There are lots of lesson plans and preparations to be made before the classes start later this month. Ana will be teaching on Paul’s letters this semseter. Pray for both her and the students that she teaches.
Pray also for the Sunday school which Ana leads. She has been busy over the summer preparing lessons for the upcoming weeks. Pray that the children will be engaged and have a
hunger for the gospel at such a young age.
Praise God for Gail’s time at home. Pray for her parents as they deal with the challenges of old age. Pray for Gail as she resumes at William Wheatley Theological College and prepares for the resumption of Saturday Kids’ Club.
Pray also for the wide distribution of her recent book: Leaders of a Different Kind, and that God would use it mightily for the salvation of souls and the edification of His church.
Mark is currently on home assignment in the United Kingdom. However, he is beginning to make plans to return to Nigeria after Christmas. Pray for Mark as he spends the next few months at home sharing about the work of Mission Africa across various churches and organisations.
Pray as Mark begins to make all the necessary preparations for returning to Nigeria; for the visa application process, that all with go smoothly and for communication with the college as he makes plans for his teaching semseter.
Finally, the exciting journey of caring for others has now commenced. I can still vividly remember when I was in Ogugu many years ago, being passionate about becoming a doctor but that I had no knowledge of how to even make that happen. With your continued prayerful and financial support, the dream has become a reality, to the glory of God - I am now a qualified Doctor and I cannot thank you enough.
On the 13th of June 2024, we were inducted into the medical profession as qualified Doctors and received our degree certificates. Our graduation ceremony took place that day and families travelled to Jos to celebrate their loved ones as they took the oath of the profession. I was delighted that Katie was able to be there for this special moment!
After finishing my exams and before graduation, I had been able to visit Kogi to see Ogugu and Holley Memorial Hospital in Ochadamu to briefly catch up with friends, colleagues, and family. It was an immense pleasure to see everyone again.
A week after our graduation, I applied to 2 Hospitals - Bingham University Teaching Hospital and Plateau State Specialist Hospital -for my F1 training, which is a full year compulsory programme here in Nigeria. Thankfully, Bingham University called me for an interview along with 9 other applicants. A few days later, I was given a letter to start
my training immediately. I began on the 8th July, 2024, at the Accident and Emergency Paediatric Unit (EPU). I work there every day from 7:30am to 4:30 pm as well as being on 24-hour shifts twice a week.
I am spending a month at the EPU, and then I will be posted to the Neonatal Unit for another month. Following this, I will then spend my last month in the Paediatrics Ward. During this three month period in the paediatric units, I will also be covering night shifts in EPU twice a week.
I know many of you will be interested in knowing how my first week working as a doctor went; it was very busy. I saw patients ranging
in age from 3 days old to 14 years old. There were a number of cases of severe malnutrition, sepsis, severe sickle cell disease and malaria fever.
Some patients were treated as outpatients, while others were admitted for further observation and reviews. One major challenge here in Nigeria, which is common in developing countries, is the inability of relatives to seek proper medical attention at the initial stage of their family member’s illness. They often make use of herbal remidies or other local practices before coming to the hospital. Additionally, others cannot afford the cost of the medical bill or their medication after seeking medical attention.
1. Pray for physical, spiritual and mental strength as I meet different patients and as I seek to provide solutions to their health problems.
2. Pray that each patient gets a glimpse of Christ through my words and actions towards them.
3. Pray for strength and God`s provision for all the decisions and challenges that lie ahead as I complete my F1 year.
Do you have a passion for the work of Mission Africa? Why not consider working for us as representatives at Mission Events, Churches, and Youth Groups across England to share what God is doing in Africa.
We are seeking to employ enthusiastic individuals for 3 days per week to be proactive in seeking out new ways of promoting the work of Mission Africa across England and encouraging people to get involved in our work.
For more details, contact: opportunities@missionafrica.org.uk | www.missionafrica.org.uk
Join us for a morning of celebration for all that God is doing across Africa. We will spend time together in prayer, praying for Mission Africa’s missionaries, partners and projects.
Saturday 30th November 10am - 1pm newtownbreda baptist church
We invite you to join with us afterwards for a time of fellowship as we enjoy lunch together. For catering purposes, please do let us know by emailing news@missionafrica.org.uk if you wish to attend.
Mission Africa’s Zoom Central Prayer meets each month and alternates between the 3rd Wednesday (7PM) and Thursday (8PM) evenings of each month.
The evening is short, lasting around one hour, where supporters, missionaries, staff and council come together to hear updates, share news and pray together. If you would be interested in joining over the coming months, please use the details below. (note, the zoom log-in details will be the same for each month).
Meeting ID: 883 6792 1982
Passcode: 848070
SEPTEMBER: Wednesday 18th September | 7PM
Mission Africa have several Prayer Groups across the United Kingdom who meet both in person and online. If you would be interested in joining a smaller prayer group, please email news@missionafrica.org.uk. These groups are in addition to the Central Prayer Meeting and will be supporter-led and are open to all supporters.
Caroline Bustard, Chair
Naomi Barfoot, Vice Chair, Gloria Kearney
Trevor McIlroy
Revd William Henry
Paul McAuley
Dr Lauren Johnston
Planning your legacy today will help ensure that lives continue to be transformed tomorrow.
By leaving a gift to Mission Africa, you will ensure that 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 info@missionafrica.org.uk
Head Office:
14 Glencregagh Court, Belfast
BT6 0PA
02890 402850 info@missionafrica.org.uk
Chief Executive
Paul Wright ceo@missionafrica.org.uk
Communications & Operations
Lauren Mornin operations@missionafrica.org.uk
Short Term
Catherine Pope shortterm@missionafrica.org.uk
Finance & Child Sponsorship
Ashleigh Kelly accounts@missionafrica.org.uk childsponsorship@missionafrica .org.uk
Scotland Rep: Robbie Toop robbie.toop@missionafrica.org.uk
Name: ..................................................................................
Address: ......................................... Postcode: ...................
Email: .................................................. Phone: ....................
I would like to find out more about...
PARTNERING with Mission Africa by:
Giving:
Make a one-off donation
Set up a Standing Order (see reverse)
Gift Aid my giving (see reverse)
Sponsor a child in Nigeria
Going:
Serving Long Term (2+ years)
Serving on a Short Term Placement
Be part of our Come See Go Tell Programme
PRAYING for the work Mission Africa:
Join our online Monthly Prayer Meeting (see P37 for details)
Join a local Prayer Group
Receive a Prayer Monthly Newsletter with from our missionaries by email/post *delete as appropiate
Receive Dispatch Magazine by email/post *delete as appropiate
www.missionafrica.org.uk
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.
Your Details:
Name: .....................................................................................................
Address: ............................................................ Postcode: ....................
Email: .............................................................. Phone: ...........................
Other ...................................................................................................
Your Bank Details:
Name of bank/building society ..............................................................
Address:................................................................... Postcode ................
Sort code:.................................................. Account no:...........................
Please pay to Ulster Bank, 11-16 Donegall Sq. East, Belfast, BT1 5HD for the account of Mission Africa (The Qua Iboe Fellowship), Sort code: 98-00-60, Account no: 58486010
£10 £ 25 £ 50 other amount £.................................................... on the ................ (day) of .................................................. (month) .................... (year) and similarly each month until further notice.
Signature:.................................................................... Date: ..................
Gift Aid Declaration
Every pound you Gift Aid to Mission Africa means we receive an extra 25 pence from HM Revenue & Customs. By signing this you agree that you are a UK taxpayer and understand that if you pay less Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all your donations in that tax year it is your responsibility to pay any difference.
Yes, I want to Gift Aid this donation & any future donations to Mission Africa
Name:
Address:....................................................... Postcode:..........................
Signature:.............................................................. Date:........................