Africa Inland Missions

Issue one 2014 aimint.org/eu

URBAN AFRICA

04 A Tale of Two Cities | David Smith 17 Missionaries to the Missionaries | Paul & Di Allcock 22 From Sunday School to the Samburu | Frazer Mayhew

Christ-centred churches among all African peoples

Spring 2014
The African Connection is the magazine of Africa Inland Mission in Europe. Founded in 1895, Africa Inland Mission is an evangelical, interdenominational organisation with the goal of seeing Christ-centred churches among all African peoples.

04-09 10-11 12-13 14-15 16-17 18-21 21 22

Feature: Urbanisation and mission in Africa

The percentage of the worlds population living in cities grows relentlessly. We look at the challenges for the African Church and the implications for mission.

Family Focus

The Pugh family served on a TIMO team among the Alagwa. We asked their children Ella, Charlie, Imani and Cerys to share their experience of living in Africa.

Training in Ministry Outreach

Updates on AIMs teams and their commitment to reaching the unreached.

Reaching the unreached

Updates on the Laarim, the Samburu, the Lopit, and the Datooga peoples.

Synergy Short-term

A new appointment to the Synergy Coordinator role, expectations of a medical elective, missionaries to missionaries, and exciting opportunities to serve in Africa.

Transformed Lives

The impact of discipleship and church leadership training in Mozambique, plus the role of the Tumaini Counselling Centre.

Mobilising Mission

We introduce you to AIMs new(ish) Supporter Finance Ocer, Claire Lister.

Gospel Partnership

Frazer Mayhews journey to work with the Samburu, as told by his sending church.

Africa Inland Mission International, a company limited by guarantee (04598557), a registered charity in England and Wales (1096364) and a charity registered in Scotland (SC037594). Registered Oce: Halifax Place, Nottingham NG1 1QN. April 2014, AIM International (Europe)

The City Walls

parts of Africa. Many have moved there to nd economic, cultural and political stability not found in their home lands. In this issue, David Smith from International Christian College gives an overview of the place of the city in the Bible and in Africa (page 4) and Thomas Hieber tells how lessons learned in Nairobi are now shaping diaspora ministry in Berlin (page 8). remote areas, well outside the city walls of urban Africa. It is of great joy to hear of those who are imitating the cross-shaped life and willing to give up the protection and security of their homelands to go and proclaim the good news to those unreached with the gospel, wherever they live. Frazer Mayhew from Carey Baptist Church, Reading (page 22) has just begun working amongst the Samburu people and Chris Klompas from Spalding Baptist Church, Lincolnshire (page 12) will be seeking to reach the Lesotho shepherds.

id you know that over half the worlds population now lives in an urban area? More people than at any time in history now call a city home. In fact, its estimated that 75% of the earths population will live in an urban area by 2050. What a staggering fact! Their size isnt the only impact cities are having today; with new technology, people have the increased ability to communicate, and Western urban values, in particular, are spreading globally.

Outside the city walls

The city of Jerusalem, to the Jewish people, was of great importance. Within its city walls, they found peace, security and access to God through the temple (Psalm 122). Its striking that in Johns Gospel, he reminds us that when Jesus was crucied, he went outside the city walls to Golgotha (John 19:16-17). Jesus went out of the city, becoming a curse for us, so that we could nd real peace in him. Jesus left the protection of the city walls, becoming vulnerable, so that in him we could nd our greatest security. As more and more people move into urban areas to nd protection within its walls, lets not forget that our deepest longings can only be satised in the one who went outside the city walls. And many unreached people groups are still in

Protection in the city walls

Cities have always been an important part of human civilization and Gods plan for his people. One distinguishing feature of early cities was their walls. Their purpose, of course, was to provide protection from attack. In fact, in the Bible, the walls of cities are often a reminder of the Lords protection to his people (Isaiah 26). Its perhaps hard to imagine cities today being places of protection, but more and more people are moving to urban areas for that very reason. Ive recently returned from Marseille, France, (see page 6) where there are 80,000 Comorians living and thousands more from other

Gathered in the city with great high walls

David Smith reminds us that the Bibles nal word is one of urban hope, where Gods people from all tribes and peoples will be gathered in the new heavenly city (Revelation 21). This is the vision that inspires and motivates us in mission. Many thanks for your partnership in that mission, Your brother in Christ, Andrew Chard European Director

A TALE OF TWO CITIES

Urbanisation is one of the greatest challenges facing the global Church. In this feature, we asked David Smith, Senior Research Fellow at International Christian College in Glasgow, to give an overview of the place of the city, both in 21st century Africa and in the Bible.

he astonishing growth of cities across the world, but especially throughout the southern hemisphere, is now widely recognised. The UN has charted the relentless growth of urban settlements, while also highlighting the enormous social, political and moral challenges created by this development. In many places cities are expanding at such a rate that they are merging together to create urban settlements on a massive scale1. However, such mega-cities are increasingly marked by deep social and economic divisions2.

The City of the Poor and the City of the Rich

The UN reports warn that no city can be harmonious if some groups concentrate resources and opportunities while others remain impoverished and deprived3. The others referred to in this sentence include especially the growing number of people living in slum conditions across the Global South. Their numbers are increasing exponentially, as the ight from rural areas continues to accelerate, triggered by the quest for economic survival. UN researchers estimate that the worlds slum population is likely to reach a staggering 889 million souls by the year 20204.

City

Nairobi
4

Focus

Kenya

Nairobis population growth rate is 4.1% a year, one of the highest of any city in Africa.

There are large communities from Somalia, Sudan and South Asia.

Over 10% of Kenyans live in Nairobi, with 45% of Kenyas GDP generated there.

1/10

Did you know?

The number of Africans living in Urban areas

5%
This frightening statistic is even more sobering when it is set against the increasing gap between the urban poor and other city-dwellers, who live, often literally on the other side of the tracks. These people have access to services, housing and wealth beyond the dreams of the deprived, who eke out a living in the informal settlements. Indeed, according to the UN, more and more people in the cities of the South are experiencing hunger as the result of a relentless rise in food prices in urban areas5 combined with persistently low incomes. Four out of ten children in the cities of Africa are said to suer from stunted development, a situation which mirrors the circumstances once found in the industrial cities of Victorian Britain. Millions are born into hunger, grow up in hunger, and might die in hunger, if no remedial action is taken6. The much-publicised terrorist attack on a luxury shopping mall in Nairobi in 2013, oered an illustration of the urban divide in the cities of Africa, since that complex is located close to the immense slum of Kibera a fact that attracted little attention from the worlds media.

In 1900 In 2015

45%
Sub-Saharan Africas mobile subscription has grown by

18%

annually over the last ve years

4 out of 10 children in the cities of Africa

are said to suffer from stunted development

5

The City of Man and the City of God

The prominence of the city in the biblical story has often been overlooked. Abraham left the cities of Mesopotamia, according to the writer of the letter to the Hebrews, in search of a dierent kind of city, whose architect and builder is God. Thus, the contrast between two kinds of city, the city of Man and the city of God, is present in the Bible from the beginning. Jerusalem is set over against Babylon; the former intended to be a model to the nations of what urban life might look like when it was shaped by the justice and holiness of God, while the latter came to symbolize the corruption and injustice, which would mar human life in the city from which God was absent.

the earliest Christian movement was urban in character. Especially under the influence of Paul

The failure of Jerusalem, and of Israel, to full its calling resulted in prophetic visions of a time when urban life would at last be transformed by the triumph of Gods grace and the city would become a delight and its people a joy (Isaiah 65:18). When Jesus announced in the synagogue in Nazareth the arrival of the reign of God and the coming of the year of the Lords favour, he quoted a text from Isaiah in which the promise of urban renewal was prominent (Luke 4: 18-19, cf. Isaiah 61:4).

Cities of the Empire or Cities of the Kingdom?

The world into which Jesus came was one in which a fresh wave of

urbanisation was sweeping across the Mediterranean lands, which had fallen under the control of the Roman Empire. The city of Rome itself stood at the centre of this development, but it became a kind of model for the cities built by the Romans wherever they held power, including the occupied land of Palestine. Galilee, which features so prominently in Jesus life, as it is described in the synoptic gospels, was itself being urbanized and the new city of Sepphoris was built within sight of his native village of Nazareth. Did he have this Roman city in mind when he called his followers to be like a city on a hill; a community with a vision of an alternative city to that which he witnessed just down the road?

City

Marseille

Focus

France

Marseille is the 2nd largest city in France with a population of about one million.

Download a prayer sheet: aimint.org/eu/islands

It is a port city on the Mediterranean which attracts many people groups. Half the population have North African roots.

Over 80,000 are from the Indian Ocean Islands. Most have come for economic or educational reasons, but still consider the Islands home.

The AIM team that works in Marseille, works among the Island peoples, seeking to share the Good News of Jesus with them.

This team also seeks to encourage the local French church to reach out to this spiritually needy community.

What cannot be doubted is that, after the resurrection and the event of Pentecost, the earliest Christian movement was urban in character. Especially under the inuence of Paul, Christians saw the cities of the ancient world as crucial to mission and discipleship. Pauline Christianity has been described as entirely urban and his mission as from start to nish an urban movement7. We may wonder what a dierence might have been made to the modern

missionary movement if the urban character of the Letter to the Romans, addressed to all in Rome loved by God, had been properly recognised?

F rom Babylon to New Jerusalem

We cannot leave the Bible without mention of the great vision of New Jerusalem at its close. This must be read in conjunction with the terrifying depiction of the collapse of Babylon in Revelation 18, a warning of the futility of the City of Man. Yet the nal word is one of urban hope, as a vast city descends from heaven and at last brings to fullment the great predictions of Gods promised shalom, displayed in an urban setting. If this great vision arms Gods future to be urban, it casts its light back across our history and oers us images, models and directions for the renewal and beautifying of our cities in the present.

the final word is one of urban hope, as a vast city descends from heaven and at last brings to fulfilment the great predictions of Gods promised shalom

The City and Christian Mission

The historical record of mission in relation to the cities of Africa is not always favourable. Aylward Shorter pointed out that many European missionaries arrived in Africa with an anti-urban mindset, so that priority was given to rural mission. One need only think

of the traditional imagery of missions in Africa to recognise the truth in this claim. However, as African converts migrated to townships, they rarely held onto such negative views of the city and became extraordinarily adept at taking Christ with them into the urban context. However, the urban world we have described at the beginning of this article poses new and very demanding challenges to Christian witness today, not least the threat of a creeping materialism and secularism. The ever-growing cities of Africa are being shaped by ideas and values that are derived from non-African sources, so undermining both traditional social solidarity and spiritual well-being. The African Church, together with Christians everywhere in a globalised world, will need to grasp the rich resources for urban Christianity within the Bible, always recalling the vision of the New Jerusalem and the promise that the nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendour into it.
1. See State of the Worlds Cities 2010/2011 (London: Earthscan, 2010), ix. 2,3,4. ibid 5. ibid - my emphasis 6. ibid 7. Wayne Meeks, The First Urban Christians: The Social World of the Apostle Paul (New Haven: Yale University Press, 1983), 10.

More from David Smith

n his book, Seeking a City with Foundations, David Smith helps Christians to understand the globalized, urban world within which their faith must be confessed. He argues that this context presents world Christianity with a unique opportunity to share its vision of an alternative human community.

ISBN: 9781844745319

AIM has a special deal for our supporters. Visit the link below to nd out more. aimint.org/eu/books

FROM KENYA TO GERMANY

BY THOMAS HIEBER
eople are on the move. Cities have become a magnet for people travelling to nd hope, security or better options in life. Our family moved to Nairobi to minister in an urban context with one of these travelling Diaspora groups the South Asian communities. AIM had just nished a TIMO programme, of which the Becker family was a part. We joined the Beckers and together started AIMs South Asian Outreach team.

Bridging the gap

Urban Berlin is even more diverse than urban Nairobi, as people from about 190 nationalities live together in this historic city. Right from the start, I joined a non-denominational Christian city network, called Together for Berlin, and became the coordinator of the forum for intercultural relations. Working in teams and building relationships of trust are at the heart of our network. Part of my role is being a bridge between the German churches and some of the roughly 200 ethnic churches in Berlin.

How ministry in urban Nairobi prepared me for work in Berlin

Breaking down barriers

Relationships of trust were at the heart of our ministry. We could only be an example to the strained relationships between Kenyans and Asians if we worked in multicultural teams and in equal partnerships. Being a part of a multi-ethnic network, called ASCKEN (African Asian Concern Kenya), prepared me well for where I am today. In the urban context of Nairobi, I learned that we need each others dierent gifts and that we need to network with like-minded people if we really want to impact society. The sight of our team, when we entered a church or Bible college, was already a witness to the power of the gospel that breaks down barriers of race and culture and promotes unity in diversity.

Opening doors
Many of these ethnic churches are from Africa and my African experience serves as a door opener into the hearts of their pastors. Understanding the importance of relationships, as well as their Christian African background, gives me understanding of their lives and ministry contexts in Berlin. Sometimes the feeling of not being wanted in each others countries is a common factor that we also share. 25 years ago, the Berlin wall came down and united a city and a country. As we work towards unity amongst all believers and ethnic backgrounds in that city, we are fullling our biblical mandate. In cities like Berlin, London or Nairobi the gospel shines even brighter if believers are united and display what Jesus prayed for: that they may be one.

Go A
Send
8

Creative Access Cities

More Resources
www.unhabitat.org Lots of helpful information and publications on the urban world. www.vimeo.com/16949385 - Tim Keller on Gods Global Urban Mission. www.urbanizedlm.com A feature-length documentary about the design of cities.

re you interested in serving in an African city? Many gospel workers in Creative Access Nations often go to urban centres because of their strategic importance in reaching that nation. Workers adopt creative ways to make Jesus known, often becoming students, teachers, businessmen or medical professionals. If you are interested, please get in touch.

how their faith should impact every aspect of their life. As they train in Kijabe, we pray that God will be preparing and equipping them to serve him wholeheartedly, wherever they may be.

Sending Out
Graduates of the hospitals training programmes are now serving in a huge number of countries across Africa, including some Creative Access Nations. As they live and work in these areas, they have many opportunities to share their faith and be leaders in their local Christian communities. Kijabe hospitals excellent reputation has also led to various invitations to go into other countries to help teach and train. These regular trips have enabled relationships to be formed in which people can share their faith alongside their medical work, and indeed God has graciously used these trips to pave the way for full-time workers to move into a Creative Access Nations. As Kijabe Hospital approaches its 100th year, it is a blessing to see how God is continuing to use it to make disciples of all nations and also demonstrate his love to a broken world.

Kijabe Hospital has become strategic in reaching out to unreached people groups. Pete Halestrap, a doctor at AIMs Kijabe Hospital explains how.
patients come from this region. It is wonderful to think that each month in excess of 1,500 patients from this people group are being exposed to Christian lms and preaching in the waiting room. They meet and interact with sta who are keen to share their faith, and are able to witness the love of Christ clearly demonstrated in the care that they receive. It has been exciting to see how God has chosen to call people to himself through these interactions and opportunities.

KIJABE HOSPITAL

ijabe Hospital is located approximately 60km from Nairobi. It was founded by AIM missionaries in 1915 and has expanded during the last 100 years to provide extensive medical and surgical services. The 280 beds are almost always overowing and the Outpatient Department sees in excess of 15,000 patients a month. It is perhaps easy to see how the hospital is obeying Jesus command that his followers should love their neighbours, but how is the hospital also obeying Jesus commission to go and make disciples of all nations?

Building Up
Kijabe Hospital also acts as a major teaching centre for health care professionals. It is involved in the training of nurses, clinical ocer and medical ocer interns, and oers several international postgraduate programmes. As the hospital undertakes this role, it seeks not only to mentor people professionally, but also spiritually. The Great Commission reminds us that Jesus wants disciples, not just converts, and there is a huge need among many who work in the hospital to be discipled; to be built up in their faith and to see

Reaching Out
Whilst the hospital is located in an area of Kenya in which the gospel has been proclaimed for over 100 years, patients attending the hospital travel from a vast area. Many of those coming are from under-reached or unreached people groups, and in particular the hospital has gained a positive reputation with people from the Horn of Africa; indeed approximately 10% of the

Pete & Libby Halestap with their two children, Finlay and Gabriel seek to serve the people attending Kijabe Hospital. Find out more about them on their blog: or page 12 of AIMs People & Places booklet www.aimint.org/eu/ peopleandplaces

THE HALESTAPS

halestrap.wordpress.com

FAMILYFOCUS

The Pugh family recently returned to the UK after their assignment on a TIMO team. We asked Ella (14), Charlie (11), Imani (10) and Cerys (6) to tell us about it.

Meeting the Pugh Children

Where have you been for the last three years?

I (CH & CE): In Gaara, thats in Tanzania. E: Tanzania, and boarding at RVA (Rift Valley Academy) in Kenya.

CE: Tasty - kind of. (My favourite: bolisa) E: We could go to town for pasta, pancakes and things. But I do like Alagwa food.

Describe Gaara for us?

CE: Somewhere hot and dry. Kind people live there. E: Its a rural village in North Central Tanzania. The people are really welcoming and live in houses made of mud bricks. They raise cattle and farm.

Whats it like living in another country, telling people about Jesus?

CE: Fun. E: Only missionary kids (MK) really know what its like and how you feel, which is part of the reason that I went to RVA. Most people there have been through what you have. Being an MK is good, because you get more than one home, but sometimes its bad, because you end up not really tting in anywhere. CH: Boring sometimes, but fun at others. It gives you a strong connection with other missionary kids, whove shared the same experiences. Its brought me closer to God. Before, I had God as a concept real but not really active. Seeing him work over the last three years has changed my understanding of him to a real, strong and moving person. He loves us so much, he doesnt want to control us like robots; he wants to be with us and help us.

The Alagwa
The Pughs have been living amongst the unreached Alagwa people, who live in North Central Tanzania. Download a Prayer Sheet for more information
www.aimint.org/eu/ alagwa

Homeschooling was difficult; its so weird having your mum as your teacher.
What was the food like?
I: Dierent kinds of beans, ugali, and on special occasions, rice. (My favourite: steamed maize on the cob.) E: Mainly ugali, made from maize or millet our and water; it has the consistency of play-doh. CH: It was suited very well to the lifestyle everyone lived. It wasnt especially tasty, but some things tasted really good, like bolisa (dried, ground wild sesame leaves cooked with water).

The Pughs
are looking to return to the same area to help with the new church that is being planted there. For more info, see page 21 of AIMs People & Places:

What was school like?

I: I didnt like school with my siblings. Now [in the UK] I get to be with my old mates all day, which is awesome. CE: I liked maths and art. I denitely liked doing science. E: Homeschooling was dicult; its so weird

aimint.org/eu/peopleandplaces
10

having your mum as your teacher. In our last year, I decided to go to RVA, so I did two years of homeschool, and one year of boarding. I really enjoyed RVA, even though it was hard being away from my family. I made so many great friends. I wanted to get good grades and work harder, whereas there was less incentive in homeschool. I look forward to going back in the fall.

CE: It was noisy. I: Three dierent ladies from our team did Sunday School for the kids.

News in brief
ast September, we reported on Margaret Youngs 104 birthday. Sadly, Margaret died in December. This tribute came from Daniel Arap Moi, exPresident of Kenya, where Margaret worked for many years: I learned of Mrs. Margaret Youngs calling to home with deep sorrow but rejoicing, knowing she is with the Lord after work well done. I knew Mrs. Young and her late husband (Herbert) from 1940s. They devoted all their active life time from 1937, serving the Lord through AIM I am thankful to God that I was able to work with these faithful servants of God.

What do you get asked most by friends and family at home?

I: What was Africa like? Where were you? People also say, Look how much youve grown. E: Were you the only white/ British girl in your class at RVA?

HOME AT LAST

We used to visit other nearby churches, but after a while we met as a team with the local believers, in peoples houses every Sunday.
CH: School in England is fun - I think - and great being with friends all day. [School in Gaara] was not as productive because my attitude for learning wasnt great. Getting used to having my Mum as a teacher wasnt easy.

Where do you want to live in the future?

I: Dont know CE: On a beach E: In the near future, between Gaara, RVA and England. After I graduate who knows? Wherever God leads me! CH: I think RVA, England and Gaara - a mix of all three.

Do you have any favourite Bible verses or stories?

I: Two stories: Esther, because of how she saves the Jews, and Ruth, who never leaves her mother-in-law. Esther was brave and Ruth was faithful. Favourite verse: Philippians 4:13 CE: For God loved the world so much he sent his only son, because it reminds me of when Jesus came to save us. E: 1 John 3:1; Eph 6:10 CH: John 1:1-5.

eith & Margaret Ferdinando have completed their nal AIM assignment at Shalom University, Bunia, D R Congo. A service was held at their home church, Woodford Evangelical, in October to mark their return to the UK. Keith has taken up a part-time appointment at the church. No doubt Margaret will keep busy, too. We apologise for omitting them from the list of retired members in People & Places. We have added them to the online version: www.aimint.org/eu/peopleandplaces

DE-COMMISSIONED OR RE-TYRED?

Did you go to church in Gaara?

E: Yes. We used to visit other nearby churches, but after a while we met as a team with the local believers, in peoples houses every Sunday. Most times other people came to be prayed for at the end of the service.

MISSION-NET

traight after Christmas, Andrew Chard attended Mission-Net 2013 in Oenburg, Germany. Its a gathering of 3,000 predominantly younger people from across Europe, who are considering short and long-term mission. Andrew met inquirers from places beyond our normal mobilising countries, including nations not known for missionary zeal. Please pray as we discern the best way to follow up those interested in serving in Africa.
11

a two-year training programme with a team approach to learning

Training in Ministry Outreach is

about reaching the unreached with the good news of Jesus Christ.

about planting churches that plant churches

Find out more about TIMO www.aimint.org/ eu/timo

Bara team
After some comings and goings the team now has eight adults and eight children. The new family, J ason & Kristi Balstad, with Sara (12), JJ (10) and David (2), are settling into language study, as the rest of the team develops a ministry of discipleship through community projects. P ray for the Bara people. They find it increasingly difficult to keep livestock because of the risk of cattle thieves, so are moving more towards farming. Pray for the local church to help the Bara adapt to these changes.
Pray for the Bara people. Download a Prayer Sheet
www.aimint.org/eu/bara

Lesotho

Shepherds team
Newly arrived and living on the LesothoSouth Africa border, the Williamson family have sent this up-date on the Shepherds TIMO Team: As a family were getting used to many new things: schools, language, church, friends and rising early! The TIMO Shepherding team, starting in September, has four courageous men signed up, including Chris Klompas from the UK, and potentially three more interested. After experiencing an epic thunderstorm, lasting seven hours and power being cut off, the reality of this teams boldness and faithfulness in reaching souls, despite the hazards, has become very apparent.

ANTAKARANA

update
12

The Antakarana live in the far north of Madagascar. Here is an update on the team

n the October prayer diary, we asked you to pray for the Willard family, working on Nosy Mitsio, Madagascar, the sacred island of the Antakarana people. TIMO team leaders, Adam & Lora Willard, have been there since August 2013 overseeing construction of huts for the teams arrival in July. Despite unforeseen hold ups and diculties, praise God that they are nearly nished. For those who saw the post on facebook for an opportunity to join the Antakarana team, we are so thankful

The Wilards new house in Nosy Mitsio.

that Kelly Segit, in America, saw it and is now part of the team! Check out her story and get more prayer news on her blog (ksegit.aimsites.org) or the Willards blog (madmissions.com).

F or over 30 years, TIMO has been a major factor in AIMs strategy for reaching unreached people groups. But how does it work? One thing is clear; it takes time. So where do you start?

How do you seek to reach the unreached?

F ocus

The Ik people
Live in the mountains of northeastern Uganda near the border with Kenya The Ik are traditionally a peaceloving people A small farming and hunting community know as Teuso by their neighbours Each December, the blessing of the seed ceremony marks the beginning of the Iks agricultural year For more information on the Ik. Download a Prayer Sheet
www.aimint.org/eu/ik
13

n Uganda, there are still three people groups who are identied as unreached. Eight years ago, we chose the Ik people as the next group on whom to focus AIMs attention. They live in the north east corner of the Karamoja region, where Kenya, South Sudan and Uganda meet on the edge of the great Rift Valley. The Ik (called Teuso by their neighbours) are a small farming and hunting community squeezed between the large, powerful Karamojong, Toposa and Turkana pastoralist tribes. As well as facing problems with their neighbours, the Ik have struggled to survive in harsh ecological conditions droughts and oods. Now, they continue to ght against isolation and marginalisation to enter Ugandan national life as a people with their own culture and voice.

developed, so opportunities arise for the gospel to be shared in culturally appropriate ways.

Leadership
One key step is the identication and appointment of suitably experienced and gifted people to lead the team. Finally, after a long search, leaders have been called by God and plans are underway. The Rauchs are currently working with our partner mission, Diguna. They will begin work among the Ik in 2015, in preparation for the teams arrival in 2016.

Team
So what next? 2016 still sounds a long way o, but it takes time to select, prepare and send a team of people to Africa. And that starts now. Were looking for people with a passion for church planting among the unreached; almost any skill set will t - from practical skills to health-care to education to linguistics. Do you or does someone you know t that description? As we begin the process of assembling a team and equipping them for service with the Ik, please pray for the Spirit of God to prepare the hearts of the people to receive the gospel message.

Invitation
With any TIMO team, it is important that there is an invitation from the local community. Teams are only placed when welcomed with the understanding that the team are Christians, who desire to live among and learn both their language and culture. As relationships are

In the last magazine we gave news of a new team planning to work amongst the unreached Lopit people in South Sudan. Here is the latest update.

Unreached Updates
The Samburu of Kenya

Please pray for a 10 year old shepherd called Marasaio (which means colourful beads) who had septic arthritis to the hip joint for three weeks. Close to losing his life, he, accompanied by the village chief, was sent to a mission hospital. Two surgeries later Marasaio was ready to return home! Pray that the love and message of Jesus lived out at the mission hospital would take root in these two lives and transform the village they live in.

Lopit 2 Update

The Laarim of South Sudan

Give thanks for a recent handful of young Laarim believers throughout Eastern Equatoria State who express a hope of returning to their home areas in the future to share the gospel with fellow Laarim.

he Lopit are an unreached people group in South Sudan. But, praise God, there are signs of change. The rst Lopit TIMO team saw a edgling AIC congregation started in Lohutok village. This church has experienced spiritual and numerical growth and outreach work has seen local congregations emerging in several other villages, including Ohilang. We rejoice that lives are being transformed by the gospel and this has paved the way for the Lopit 2 team to begin in Ohilang and Iboni villages. A young educated adult believer celebrated his wedding in February. Pray that the testimony and witness of this joyful occasion will have lasting impact in this community, where there are still many challenges. The Lopit people drink a lot of home-made beer; they call it food and even feed it to their young children. Drunken behaviour leads to ghting, killing, marital problems, ancestor worship, and wasted food resources, leading to hunger. Pray for openings to introduce Christ, who alone can bring salvation. The Lopit 2 TIMO Team, consisting of two Kenyan families, with four and two children respectively, a Brazilian couple and two single ladies from USA and

New Zealand, arrived in December. They were welcomed by their Unit Leader, fellow missionaries and the local community. There was amazing joy and celebration from the villagers to have visitors. The team were excited to see their new homes and the people they will live and work with for the next two years. But after little more than a week, they received news about conict in the country and, as reports of insecurity increased, they were evacuated to Arua, Northern Uganda. We thank God that the situation has now improved and in February the team was reunited in Ohilang. The evacuation has aected the teams dynamics and ministry. New relationships became disconnected prematurely and unplanned expenses were incurred. The team felt dislocated and frustrated. This has been hard to process, but they praise God that he understands and comforts us in all situations. As a team, they accept Gods plan and sovereign rule, which sustains us all. Please pray that the progress of the gospel will not be hindered and that Christ will build (his) church and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.

Pray for the Lopit people. Download a Prayer Sheet

www.aimint.org/eu/lopit

Simon & Sue French

are involved in discipling Datooga believers, in partnership with the Africa Inland Church Tanzania. Please pray for them as they encourage and empower Tanzanian evangelists to reach the unreached.
Lake Victoria Mt. Kilimanjaro

Gaara Manyoni

Mt. Hanang

Dodoma

Dar es Salaam Morogoro

The Datooga

Goats for the gospel

area will then be able to join the project using these goats. Tagging was recently introduced to make identication and monitoring the goats easier. A small plastic tag is clipped on the ear of each project goat. Each tag is numbered and each participating evangelist has his own colour for his tags. I like this as to me all goats tend to look the same! The Datooga, of course, can easily tell goats apart and recognise the ones that are their own, but even they agree that the tags help project goats to stand out in a large herd.

Location: Across Tanzania. Homeland near sacred Mount Hanang. Number: 200,000 people Livelihood: Keep cattle, goats, sheep, donkeys and chickens, grow maize, millet, and beans Culture: Proud people who see no reason to change. Distinctive body markings. Love wearing beads. Polygamy widely accepted. Religion: Respect and fear for ancestors, who communicate through spirits. Belief in a distant creator God, Aseeta, whose twin sons will come to rule and judge the world. They also have many rituals.
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IM has introduced a project to help evangelists reaching the Datooga supplement their income by starting small goat herds. Each participating evangelist is loaned ten goats. It takes around two years for these goats to reproduce and their ospring grow to a size when they can be sold. One of the most successful participants is pictured above right. In the next few months, he and another evangelist will return some of the kids from the goats they were loaned. One or two of the newer evangelists in the Lake Eyasi

by Simon French

Opportunities to get involved with crosscultural mission in Africa with a heart for making disciples of Jesus Christ.

Synergy short-term
www.synergyafrica.com

Just before he started a sixweek medical elective in Kapsowar, Kenya, we asked Sammy Mercer why he chose AIM and what hes expecting to do. I chose to do my elective with AIM because a good number of my senior medical colleagues had worked with AIM in Kagando, Uganda. Theyd all reported having a good experience. I wanted to work with a Christian organisation, so as AIM had a good reputation, I chose them. I expect that my experience in Kapsowar will be interesting. Ive never worked in Kenya before, so Ill probably nd it very different to anything medical that Ive practised before. My understanding is that Ill be running my own ward rounds and on calls. Im hoping to use this elective as a learning experience and this will provide an excellent opportunity. I also want to be of use to the African Inland Church. In preparation, Ive been trying to pray for guidance and wisdom every day. Ive also started reading the Daily Nation, one of Kenyas largest newspapers. In addition, Ive been provided with orientation training by AIM, which proved most useful.

Why Synergy

ON THE MOVE
After much prayer, the Lord led us to appoint Amy Birtwistle to succeed Marcella Bernales as Synergy (Short-T erm) Coordinator, when Marcella and her husband, J oe, returned to the USA in early March. Amy has a wealth of AIM knowledge, having done a Synergy placement in Chad, and been a part of the AIM office team as P ersonnel Administrator for three years. Please pray for her as she adjusts to the transition of roles within the office and as she, with the leading of the Lord, runs the Synergy programme. If you are interested in doing Short-term with Synergy, feel free to email Amy.
synergy.eu@aimint.net

Can you teach?

There are many opportunities to serve in Africa with AIM. This month we are highlighting a few of the many teaching placements.

School based
Where? Wellspring Academy, Ndjamena, Chad (City)- primary grades 1-8 Rift Valley Academy, Kijabe, Kenya secondary grades

Home-schooling
Where? Kurungu, Kenya; Kalacha, Kenya; Magumbua,Tanzania; Espungabera, Mozambique; Creative Access Nation

Tutors for Home-schooled missionary children

This assignment could involve travel to several families around Madagascar. Where? Toliara, Antananarivo and Mandritsara

Find out more: synergyafrica.com/teach

Missionaries to the Missionaries

Pastoral care and support

e came to Uganda last September, initially for one year, having retired from our role in pastoral ministry at Above Bar Church, Southampton. Its been an exciting journey so far! The AIM team in Mbarara is currently made up of fteen adults and seven children: ve couples and ve singles; seven long-termers and eight short-termers. Our previous visits here and conversations with Unit Leaders, Joel & Jill Skinner, conrmed that there would be a role for us and that a signicant part of that would be to oer the team pastoral care and support.

may well be encountering many additional challenges.

am The Mbarara te
Paul & Di Allcock from Above Bar Church are working in Mbarara, Uganda, providing pastoral care & support to the team there. They talk about their journey so far.

Adjustments
Its still very early days for us, but some of the issues that we all face here are: missing home and working out for dierent people what is a healthy level of contact with friends and family having a fairly small number of westerners to relate to, and theyre often not people we would have chosen! cultural adjustments between team members Americans, Canadians and Brits have their dierences! people come and go a lot, especially short-termers things dont stay constant for very long just living - even though were in quite an urban setting, it takes more time and is more tiring (or perhaps its just that were getting old!) One of our aims is to provide a place where missionaries are listened to and given time, and to develop a culture of openness, vulnerability and accountability. This is a great team to work with and were learning so much from them. We thank God for bringing us here!

People of all types

Joel & Jill have been so supportive and have trusted us with the opportunity to meet one-to-one with team members, which is a great privilege. We try to meet with each person once every two weeks. Its astonishing to see the dierent personalities and experiences within the team and a constant reminder that God uses people of all types and at dierent ages and stages of their journey. Were also aware that becoming a missionary doesnt turn you into a spiritual giant we all have so many of the same issues we had back home, but

Pray for the Allcocks

Thank God for calling the Allcocks to serve the Mbarara team Pray that their pastoral care will strengthen the teams relationships with God and each other and multiply their effectiveness in ministry

mbararacalling. wordpress.com
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TRANSFORMEDLIVES

Discipleship amongst the Ndau people

Walter has worked with pastors, helping them with biblical studies and Rosie has taught the Bible to women.

Walter & Rosie McCorkell, from Newtownards, N Ireland, describe themselves as an ordinary couple, called to minister in the bush in rural Mozambique, where their discipleship and church leadership ministry has been transforming lives.

or the last four years, we have lived amongst the Ndau people, in an area with no running water, mains electricity, tarmac roads nor a good supply of groceries. Imagine a Christian whos never heard the Christmas story; or one who doesnt know that God can use anyone he pleases. Now imagine telling them. Discipleship ministry changes peoples lives as they discover more fully what it means to be loved by and to serve the living God. The expression, Faith is miles wide but inches deep is, unfortunately, often true in Africa. Many are walking the walk with a very partial, inaccurate and poor picture of our loving God. Discipleship ministry involves explaining the gospel in simple, understandable ways, sometimes at a level typical of Sunday School at home. But people have a hunger and thirst for Gods Word that we dont always see in the civilised world. The Ndau

are anything but uncivilised, but are a people who are underprivileged, unnurtured and want to know so much about God. This means sharing the whole of Scripture. It also calls for sacrice and obedience; you need to be willing not only to go, but also to be open to all God wants you to do. It brings you face to face with witch doctors, false prophets, snakes and tarantulas, alongside the rigors of basic living, but it also brings you to a style of living that God ordained. Its both invigorating and character-building, and very much like the church of Acts 2, where everyone shared with and cared for one another. Youre on-call virtually 24 hours a day; you become peoples life-line in times of medical emergency, spiritual uncertainty and physical hunger. Not only do you get insights into the spiritual and emotional needs of the community; you become an integral part of that community.

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people have a hunger and thirst for Gods Word that we dont always see in the civilised world. The Ndau want to know so much about God.
Mornings start early, with lesson preparation, travel, to minister in the churches, or sharing the Good News of Jesus with those who visit. There are regular Bible studies, separately for men and women; not because they cant mix, but because virtually none of the ladies have ever been to school and they learn at a dierent pace. Teaching them just to write their own name, rather than an X, has brought dignity and self-condence and an assurance that God loves them as individuals. There have been many changes in people during our term. Weve seen men not only taught, but now using biblical truths correctly. Theyve changed from relying on their wives and children for everything to showing concern for their family and sharing domestic tasks. Theyve grown to respect their wives more and now, unlike their prefathers, refrain from marrying many wives. This ministry changes peoples situations spiritually, emotionally and, frequently, physically, beyond their wildest dreams. And this brings you fullment, strengthening and encouragement. As you hold the hands of the despairing and the dying, of the lost and the searching; as you help the sick and suering and bring Gods hope and promise to people, you receive far more than you ever give.

Population:

1.86m
the Ndau people

Religion:
49% - Ethnic Religions

he Ndau is an ethnic group which inhabits the Zambezi valley, in central Mozambique all the way to the coast, and eastern Zimbabwe, south of Chipinge and Chimanimani. The McCorkells lived in Siyabuzana near Espungabera, an area steeped in witchcraft.

6% Islam

45% - Christianity (Evangelical - 12%)

Walter & Rosie McCorkell

Born in Co. Down, Northern I reland, Walter & Rosie McCorkell from Strean P resbyterian Church have been married for over 30 years and have three grown up daughters Kerry, Naomi and Laura. Since 2009, they have been working amongst the Ndau people group in Mozambique discipling church leaders. Walter has worked with pastors, helping them with biblical studies and giving practical support. Rosie has taught the Bible to women, some of whom cannot read or write their own names. They were also involved in the development of a new church building with a dormitory to allow further teaching. As their service among the Ndau comes to an end, they look to hand the baton on to others, who will carry on from where they left off. A discipleship ministry requires you to listen to Gods still small voice. Is he calling you?

As their service among the Ndau comes to an end, they look to hand the baton on to others

Meet Oliver Bomba

During my Christian life I did not know in reality how the Bible works and how it is structured. I just walked in the church but without knowing the Bible, but now I feel different with the appearing of missionary Clara and her ministry in my church. I began to learn how to save the others who do not know God as their Saviour, especially how to be responsible in a congregation of God and these teachings helped me a lot in the work of God because now I know how to teach people to know God better. Today I know how to teach what I am teaching, and what God wants done. Now I feel prepared for the responsibilities of service of God, because what I was before is now different, and the people I lead are changing for the better and are growing in spirit. I want to thank missionary Clara together with her ministry, and God bless her richly. Oliver Bomba, Zone Leader, Igreja Misso F Apostolica, Assembleia Francisco Manyanga, Chimoio, Mozambique.

Discipleship and Church Leadership in Mozambique

Jesus said, go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19) ozambique still bears scars from the war that ravaged the country up to 1992. Recent civil unrest has been a stark reminder that the country may not always be accessible to missionaries. We must use every opportunity, so, for sustainability, the work is focused on making disciples, who make disciples, who in turn will make disciples An essential part of this is to assist church leaders to establish eective discipleship programmes, and to mobilise the Mozambican church for mission. My days are very varied, involving teaching, training, mentoring and coaching at a group, small group and individual level. Sometimes Im presenting a seminar in a local church, at other times

Claire weddell is based in Chimoio, working with local churches in discipleship and leadership development
teaching in a Bible School or working one-on-one. In this cross-cultural situation, coaching is of particular value, as it gives students the opportunity to nd their own culturally-appropriate solutions to the challenges they face. Discipleship and leadership development are not just about classroom teaching, but about sharing life - the struggles as well as the joys. I try to provide practical ministry opportunities, but also get involved in the lives of the students and their families, by being available to help them address the challenges they face and apply the teaching in real-life situations. May God be gloried in Mozambique and beyond!

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Tumaini Counselling Centre

eople join mission work with a calling and a natural enthusiasm; the costs have been carefully weighed, as has Jesus command to put him above all else. So when crises occur we can be surprised and troubled: Are we in the right place or made of the right material? But missionaries often live in extreme circumstances and are aected by the same stresses as everyone else; theyre also in the spiritual front-line. In 1991 AIM partnered with another mission organisation to open a counselling and mental health service for missionaries, staed by professionals who are themselves missionaries. Before this, psychiatrist and AIM Care missionary Roger Brown explains, missionaries simply had to go home if they had any kind of mental health needs requiring professional help. Rich & Kathy served in Mombasa; Rich had taken on several additional roles, alongside his teaching. Then regular anti-Western demonstrations in their strongly Muslim city began, coupled with a deteriorating environment in their daughters school. I could see I was spiralling down, Rich remembers. Previous depression, thought to be under control, surfaced again, and with intensity. Tumaini helped them with the dicult decision to change ministry locations, hard schooling decisions for their kids, and guided Rich through his battle with depression. Hes a new man, Kathy says of her husband today. Rich and I are dierent people. And their ministry was aected, too. Sometimes we oer people a shallow spirituality because we havent worked through our own issues, Kathy says, In some ways, the crises are a God-send. God uses such dicult times, not just for our own healing and spiritual growth, but so we can bring Gods love to others who are in a broken place. Mark Phippen was the F ormer Head of Counselling at Cambridge University and has recently joined the Tumaini team as a counsellor. Visit Mark & Barbaras blog: stepsalongtheway.aimsites.org

Claire Lister is AIMs new Supporter Finance Ofcer. We asked her a few questions. What are your rst impressions of working at AIM?
a story behind every number in the accounts. Accounting brings order and understanding to nances without it thered be chaos!

Mobilising Mission

mongst other things, its my privilege to process all the cheques, bank transfers and Standing Orders. My rst response has been thanksgiving for Gods faithfulness; he doesnt just call people to go, but also enables them by calling people to support them, nancially and in prayer.

How does your job contribute to AIMs vision?

Im the link that helps donors at home, support missionaries overseas. Missionaries can focus on the ministries that theyre uniquely placed to do, and not be distracted by the technical side of receiving nancial support.

Youre a qualied accountant. What made you join AIM?

I was an auditor during my training and for several reasons wanted a dierent job when my contract nished. I qualied in October and the AIM vacancy kind of found me at just the right time! I knew AIM through church and friends, and was excited at the opportunity to use my skills to support AIMs vision of Christ-centred churches across Africa.

Life isnt all work. What do you do away from AIM?

Im involved with a weekly Globe Caf for international students, and also my churchs childrens ministry. My husband and I love inviting friends for dinner. At weekends, I like to get outside for some fresh air - more of a wander than a serious hike!

People joke about accountancy being dull. What excites you about it?
I like the logic of numbers; they provide so much useful information. I enjoy knowing that theres

How can people pray for you?

Please pray that Id learn quickly, so that I can be a support not a burden to the rest of the team. Pray that Id always be amazed at Gods nancial provision for his work through his people.
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GOSPELPARTNERSHIP

From Sunday School to the Samburu

Carey Baptist Church, Reading is the sending church of F razer Mayhew, who has recently joined a TIMO team working amongst the unreached Samburu people. Co-pastor, David Magowan tells us of their journey alongside F razer.

Frazer Mayhews commissioning service at Carey Baptist Church

Frazer was always thoughtful in Sunday School - he wouldnt just offer his opinions, he would think things out carefully. His quiet determination and godliness in the face of lifes difficulties always impressed me.
Sheila Stephen Sunday School teacher

young boy listened intently as his Sunday School teacher spoke about her experiences growing up in Tanzania, and talked enthusiastically about world mission. One of the churchs missionaries at that time was Veronica Hindle, working with AIM at Kijabe Hospital, Kenya. Thus was sown in Frazer Mayhews heart an interest in mission that has grown and now blossomed into full-time service amongst the unreached Samburu people in northern Kenya. Frazer grew up in Carey Baptist Church, Reading. As our name suggests, were a church with a strong, active commitment to mission: we currently have members serving in Poland, Peru, Ghana, India and Italy. After graduating from Nottingham University, Frazer spent seven months in Kenya on AIMs Synergy programme, teaching at a local school. Back in Reading, he obtained a PGCE and taught in a local primary school. In 2009, Frazer spoke to one of the church pastors about his desire to be involved in longer term cross-

cultural mission, so we sought opportunities to test his gifting and suitability. In 2011, he was appointed as the international apprentice at Carey BC. In this role, Frazer taught at the churchs English language school, organised an international Bible study, visited internationals in their homes, and met with individuals for evangelistic Bible study and discipleship. Throughout this time, Frazer was mentored by pastoral sta. As his future plans began to formulate, Frazer met with the church elders and the churchs mission committee. Last year, with the churchs support, he applied to AIM to join a TIMO team and to undertake shortterm studies in mission at All Nations Christian College. As one of the churchs pastors, I met separately with AIM personnel, Peter Root and Steve Lancaster, to discuss Frazers application. The AIM assessment was rigorous and considerable time was given to interview Frazer. At his nal interview, I played an active role in the assessment process, as part of the panel, and was involved fully in the ensuing discussion and decision. As a church, weve been very impressed with the AIM application process and AIMs close communication with us as Frazers sending church. We have a real sense of being in partnership together with AIM in supporting Frazer as he embarks on TIMO.

By David Magowan

Carey Baptist Church

is an independent evangelical church in the centre of Reading seeking to spread the amazing news of Jesus Christ. Find out more, visit: www.careybaptistchurch.org.uk
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The Samburu
are related to the better known Maasai and are a semi-nomadic people living in central northern Kenya. Download a prayer sheet:
www.aimint.org/eu/ samburu

Join the AIM network

Africa Inland Mission is an evangelical, interdenominational organisation. We work in partnership with churches in Europe and Africa to see Christ-centred churches among all African peoples. Please sign me up to receive Your quarterly publications (including your Magazine and Prayer Diary) Your weekly email (with latest news and prayer items from Africa) I enclose a gift of
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201404MAG

Reaching the San

The unreached San people are the oldest inhabitants of Southern Africa. Known for their survival and hunting skills, they have a formidable reputation as trackers.

Population

40,000 0.175%
In January 2015, AIM plans to place a TIMO team to live among the San in northeast Namibia for two years, with the team vision as San for the Son.

Disciples of Jesus

Could you help go and reach the San with the good news of Jesus Christ? We are particularly looking for people gifted in agriculture, medicine and education.

Find out more about TIMO on page 12 or to enquire about the San team contact us: personneladmin.eu@aimint.net

European headquarters
A International Halifax Place Nottingham NG1 1QN United Kingdom 0115 9838 120 admin.eu@aimint.net
Africa Inland Mission International, a company limited by guarantee (04598557), a registered charity in England and Wales (1096364) and a charity registered in Scotland (SC037594) Registered Oce: Halifax Place Nottingham NG1 1QN.

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0845 270 4416 scotland.eu@aimint.net

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0845 270 4417 ireland.eu@aimint.net

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0845 270 4418 south.eu@aimint.net

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0845 270 4415 north.eu@aimint.net

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