Nathan Betts
Crete, August 5 - September 1
Nathan was born in Canada where he studied theology and then became a youth pastor. For baseball enthusiasts, he also worked for the Toronto Blue Jays Ground Crew! Nathan moved to Oxford in 2006, where he works for the evangelistic organisation, the Zacharias Trust. He is a member of St Aldate’s Church in Oxford. Nathan describes himself as a passionate follower of Jesus Christ, who enjoys being around people. He’s always interested to find out how God is working in other people’s lives. In his spare time Nathan enjoys playing the drums, taking part in various sports and reading the Sports section of the Times, a novel or the Bible (not in that order!). Nathan’s favourite hymn by his favourite hymn writer is Charles Wesley’s “Love Divine”.[back]
Ed Briggs
Samos, July 31-August 27
Ed came to know Christ at the age of 16 while still at school. He had always called himself a Christian and it came as a shock to discover that up till then he had had no idea what he was saying! He studied marine navigation at Plymouth University and was already a qualified yachtsman and sailing instructor. At uni he had been involved with the Christian Union and he spent the year after graduating as a Relay worker with the UCCF, supporting a CU in Cornwall. Intending to sail professionally, Ed found himself in Turkey as a Mastersun sailing instructor and was hooked! Ed was invited to lead winter ski ministry in the Alps and two days sailing in the Baltic that December delivering a yacht helped make his mind up! Since then he has both led ministry and managed beach resorts. When he’s at home, Ed attends a Baptist Church in Dorset. He is now looking forward to a more sedate career as a welfare officer in the Royal Navy! Ed has the distinction of having been the best man at his parents’ wedding.Ed’s favourite Bible verse is Romans 5:8 – “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Ed writes, “God made the first move, not me. Before I turned to him in faith, he chose to love me though I was his enemy. 2000 years ago, before I was even born, he gave his life for me on the cross. This means that I can wake up knowing that before I opened my eyes this morning – God loved me. There is nothing I can do with my day to improve on that or take away from it – he will still love me. I am free to enjoy the day he has given me. A day full of joy and excitement – because my God loves me and I want to love him back.”
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David Gordon-Watkins
Crete, May 6-June 9
Samos, July 17-30
Following a 25 year career as a London Money Broker, David and Suzie retired to [back]
Trevor Gribben
Samos, July 10-16
Trevor was born in Tandragee a small town in rural [back]
Paul Hicks
Samos, August 28 - October 8
Paul was brought up in south London and became a Christian at the age of seventeen. After studying French, German and law at Oxford polytechnic Paul spent four years with the UCCF working with students in polytechnics and colleges of education. He then joined the West Yorkshire police where, apart from ordinary patrol work, he took on specialist roles in intelligence, IT, training and more recently emergency planning. In 1973 Paul married Jean and they settled in Leeds, where Jean taught. They have three children and five grandchildren. Paul retired at Christmas 2006 and they moved to central Scotland where Paul works as a freelance web designer and occasional ministry leader! His home church is Killin & Ardeonaig Parish Church. He is particularly interested in the potential for producing and distributing Christian music and literature on the internet. Paul has always enjoyed music and plays both acoustic guitar and keyboards. He confesses that his tastes are somewhat eclectic and range from classical to folk but he is most satisfied listening to blues, especially played simply on a solo acoustic guitar. Paul’s favourite verse is Job 19:25-26. He writes, ”For me, this is the heart and pinnacle of the book. It’s such an amazing declaration of faith and one to rival that of Abram, Moses, David or any other great figure in the Bible. I struggle each day to echo this faith and hope in my own life.”
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Brian & Brenda Jones
Crete, September 2-9
At the age of 22 Brian had a life-changing experience of God’s grace and, after a varied career that ranged from potato packing to building jet planes, he headed for Bible College. That led to 12 years running an outdoor pursuits centre, 7 years hosting a sailing centre and 12 years pastoring a church in Surrey. An unashamed romantic, Brian has been married to Brenda, his “true helpmeet”, for 46 years and they have been blessed with 2 children and 4 lovely grandchildren. An experiences skier himself, Brian has ministered to ski groups for over 30 years as well as leading summer sun weeks. Now retired, Brian and Brenda enjoy gardening, walking and, for Brian, tinkering with his Bugatti 2-seater racing car replica! They are members of Living Waters Elim Family Church in Chorley. His claim to fame is that he once canoed from Hay-on-Wye to London’s Tower Bridge and appeared on BBC1. His greatest passion is to be an instrument of God’s grace so that others may find and enjoy God’s love personally for themselves. Brian’s favourite Bible verse is 1 John 3:20, 'If our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our hearts', reminding him that God's grace is sufficient for him even when it feels like it isn't!
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Philip Jones
Samos, August 28 - September 10
Philip is originally from near Liverpool but now lives in Sussex. He is married to Jackie and they have two daughters - Sarah, who is an artist and writer - and Anna, who is a nurse. He comes mainly from a Baptist background but became a Christian at a Brethren church as a young teenager. He has been a ministry leader for many holidays for Mastersun and now Richmond. He is an experienced worship leader and has led worship home and abroad (particularly South Africa) over the years at conferences and church events. His love has always been music. He plays keyboard and guitar and as a singer/songwriter he has sought to communicate the Christian message through his songs which are inspired by scripture or are a testimony of what God has been saying or doing in his life.
His interests include DIY (the only shop he will go in is B&Q!) and cars of all types (so please do not phone when Top Gear is on). He remains concerned that so many ministry leaders on the Richmond webpage support Arsenal and as a keen Everton supporter he will do his best to redress the balance.
One of his favourite chapters in the Bible is Isaiah 40 which so clearly declares the greatness of God but also His amazing love and care for us. Arising from the last few verses of that chapter his favourite Christian song at present would be "Lord I come to you (the power of your love)".
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Richard Kagumya
Crete, June 24 - August 4
Richard is the Director, Executive Producer and Presenter of the Dreams for Living Talk Show. He has a degree in Theology and has great skills in media and communications, talents that are put to use in his talk show. He has interviewed a number of well known individuals from the worlds of sport, music and politics about the struggles they have faced and overcome in their own lives. He also works on the School Aid Roadshow programme, an umbrella project of World Vision and has travelled extensively across the UK with the roadshow. Richard was born in Uganda and came to live in the East End of London at the age of four. He is one of seven siblings and currently attends Glory House Church in Plaistow, East London. Richard once played football in the Arsenal Academy! His hobbies are football, playing pool and travelling. One of his favourite films is Amazing Grace; he is inspired by the way in which William Wilberforce never relinquished his dream of abolishing slavery.
Richard has two favourite bible verses. The first is Psalm 27:4 ‘One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. The second is Esther 4:14 when Mordecai sent his answer to Esther, “And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?"
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Richard Langmead
Samos, May 8-21
La Rosiere (Alps), June 21 - August 1 / August 23 - October 3
Richard has been involved with Mastersun and now Richmond Holidays for ten years as a waterfront manager, ski guide and now as a ministry leader. He loves to climb, windsurf, ski, explore new places and talk about God, so leading ministry for Richmond Holidays is his ideal combination of all of these! Richard had travelled a great deal, as a child with missionary parents and more recently through America and Africa visiting churches and seeing how diverse cultures meet and worship Jesus Christ. Richard currently lives in Poole, Dorset (ideal for windsurfing!) and attends St Mary’s Church, Longfleet. He works at a Christian outdoor centre leading children’s groups in activities and ministry. His family returned from mission aboard the OM ship Doulos some years ago and is now based in beautiful Herefordshire. In his free time Richard supports Arsenal, travels and reads books.
Richard’s favourite verses are 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” These verses tell us a great deal about what kind of a God we have and what kind of a people we should be.
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Gordon McGuiness
Samos, October 16-30
Gordon is an Anglican minister and has been the Rector of Ellesmere Port Parish since 2001. With his wife Julia he has been a ministry leader with Masterski/Mastersun for twelve years. Since being in his current parish, Gordon has been introducing the concept of Cell church to the congregation; he’s passionate about Christians practicing what they preach, and the cell model of church allows the development of disciples and the releasing of people's gifts. Gordon is very active in the local community, as chair of the local authority's Local Strategic Partnership, as a school governor and (until recently) the Mayor's Chaplain. As hobbies he loves skiing and wishes he could afford to do it more; walking (especially in the Lake District) and reading (anything really). He sings and plays trumpet, but not at the same time! In ministry Gordon best enjoys preaching and teaching, and loves the challenge of communicating the Gospel to people with no church background.
His favourite Bible book is Romans, because it grounds us in what God has done in Christ, challenges us to live the Gospel daily, and encourages us with the hope of a glorious future for all God's creation.
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Michael & Jenny McMurtary
Crete, September 30 - October 13
Michael was born in London and Jenny in Kent, but they moved to Surrey when they married in 1974. Michael studied Music at Trinity College of Music and Jenny read Biblical History and Literature at Sheffield University. Both trained as teachers and pursued MA courses in their specialist subjects.
They gained successful teaching experience in schools before joining the staff of Gipsy Hill College (later to become Kingston University) where they both became Senior Lecturers. Michael came into full-time Christian ministry in 1985 and Jenny continued at Kingston University, becoming Head of Religious Education in the School of Education until she retired in 2006.
Michael’s ministry experience has been varied and ecumenical in scope, sharing in the pastoral oversight of a group of four United Reformed Churches in Guildford, Director of Worship at St. Andrew’s Chorleywood and as a conference speaker, worship leader and Bible teacher in England and abroad. He is currently working as a lay pastor in a parish in Woking. Jenny and Michael are former members of the Guildford Arts in Worship Group, which presented programmes throughout the south of England and on BBC Television. Both are published authors and in recent years have contributed at an international level to research into children’s spiritual development. Michael’s passion is to encourage Christians to grow in their faith, to become all that God wants them to be and to deepen their understanding of worship. Jenny not only brings an encyclopaedic knowledge of the Bible, but also an ability to talk about Christianity to people outside the faith in ways they can relate to.
Jenny loves reading and listening to music, but balances this with lots of swimming and regular visits to the gym. Michael’s sport is table-tennis. A former league player, he still plays regularly and has even managed to win some tournaments. They both enjoy travel and exploring the countryside, getting off the beaten track as much as possible. Michael’s chosen scripture is Isaiah 40:27-31, which was given to him on the occasion of his baptism. Jenny’s chosen scripture is Philippians 2:5-11 which really impacts her with the wonder of what Jesus has done for us.[back]
Des Scott
Samos, May 22-29
Des was born and raised in Belfast in Northern Ireland. He studied theology at the London Bible College (now the London School of Theology) and has worked in the past as a youth worker and student pastor. For a while he managed a large homeless project in central London. Since 1989 Des has worked for the Church Army although he had a five year break from 2000 working first for Central Government and then for an organisation that manages charitable trusts. He is back now with the Church Army in the role of Director of Organisational Development. This means that he works in the Chief Executive’s office with responsibility for strategic planning and implementation as well as having oversight for the training of Church Army evangelists. Des lives in Bromley, Kent and he has a son aged 20 and a daughter aged 17. He loves rugby, but watching now rather than playing! He’s a director of rejesus.co.uk which he describes as “a fantastic website that enables people to find out more about Jesus and the Christian faith”. Des’s favourite Bible Character is Joshua. He was up for whatever God had for him to do but was acutely aware he needed Gods help. Des says he can relate to that!! [back]
Ben Shaw
Ben was born in Vancouver, Canada but soon moved to Sydney, Australia. In his mid-teens a enterprising school teacher invited the whole class home for scones and Bible study! Ben and a number of his good friends became Christians and together they formed a rock band in which they played full-time for over 5 years. Ben then studied at Moore Theological College, where he developed a keen interest in early Judeo-Christian history. Ben now works at Emmanuel Church, Wimbledon. His Bible overview course, “The Bible in 3 hours”, has been used extensively in different parts of the world and is currently available in book form (co-written with Peter Downey) under the title “Everything you want to know about the Bible”. His latest book, “Everything you want to know about Jesus” came out in August 2007. Ben is married to Karen and they have a dog called “Bear”. Ben still plays competitive cricket and football but enjoys just about any sport.
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Mark Simmons
Samos, May 29-June 4
Mark was born in Oldham, Lancashire and grew up a passionate supporter of Manchester United. Many of his teenage Saturdays were spent on the terraces of Old Trafford cheering on his humble little team! His other passion was the music of the “Fab Four” and, if the “Reds” provided the excitement, then the Beatles supplied the sound track of his early life. Age thirteen Mark made a personal commitment to Christ and, helped by his parents and local evangelical church, Mark grew and matured as a Christian. At sixteen he joined the family electrical contracting business but in 1982 he seized the opportunity to engage in full-time Christian work with the Saltmine trust. There he developed gifts in evangelism and music during fourteen years of itinerant ministry. Moving to London Mark then trained for Baptist ministry at Spurgeon’s College. In 2000 he became pastor of Selly Park Baptist Church, where he continues to serve. Mark is single but is the proud uncle of seven nieces and one nephew. An interesting fact about Mark is this: his Goddaughter’s brother’s Godfather’s wife is Princess Anne! Mark’s favourite Bible passage is Romans 8:28-39 “More than Conquerors”. His favourite hymn is “Great is Thy faithfulness”. He sang it for the first time with a group of young people one summer’s evening in 1972 on a headland in the Isle of Man looking across the water to the “calf of man”. He was only sixteen but he has never forgotten it!
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Norman & Barbara Sinclair
Crete, September 9-29, and October 14 - November 3
Norman was born and brought up in Edinburgh by Christian parents. From their example he committed his life to the Lord at the age of 11. After training as an accountant Norman became Commercial Manager in a major building company in the East of Scotland. He was also heavily engaged in family life, in his local church and in sporting activities. A clear call to Christian service over several years led to training at London Bible College. He pastored churches in Richmond, Morden and Cardiff. These were all good years, when Norman saw many come to faith and grow in discipleship.
He subsequently became UK Executive Director of a mission organisation working in over 130 countries, with a strong prayer and evangelism thrust, where his ministry took him to many parts of the world. The next step was to Northern Ireland, where Norman had the privilege of being Executive Director of two Charities involved in supporting and funding Christian ministry around the world, a role which combined his ministry, mission and accounting skills!
Norman is now a part-time Mission Consultant for that charity. That has enabled him to participate in a secondment to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Among other things he fits in overseas ministry at Pastors’ Conferences and charity trusteeships as well as over 20 year's ministering with MasterSun and MasterSki on holidays and cruises. He marvels time and again at how God often takes people away from home to give them time to listen to Him.
Apart from a passion to “burn out and not rust out for the Lord”, Norman has keen sporting interests, playing both cricket and rugby at a good level, highlights being playing cricket for the M.C.C. and rugby at Twickenham. He learnt to ski at 45 and supports Heart of Midlothian FC. Norman’s wife Barbara has now retired as an Occupational Therapist. Over the last couple of years she has been able to join him in the ministry visits and he describes her as “a tremendous support, spiritually and personally”. Norman’s current favourite hymn is “Jesus be the Centre” which expresses his heart's desire well. His favourite verses are Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will direct your paths”. – He has found this to be true for over 50 years![back]
Trevor Summerlin
Samos, June 26-July 9
Trevor lives in the Rhondda Valley with his wife Jan. They have 3 children and 4 grandchildren. Trevor is a professional coach, trainer and psychotherapist. He works from a Christian prospective with churches, companies and individuals, longing for men and women, young and old to be salt and light in today’s world. He teaches counselling courses in colleges across South Wales and conducts seminars and workshops on a range of topics from strategic planning to dealing with stress. His real passion is leadership training built on the foundation of Biblical principles. Previous roles have included youth worker, ski coach and Baptist minister. Trevor’s personal mission statement is “To serve God as a catalyst for change”. Jan and Trevor belong to Bethlehem Church Life Centre (BCLC) in a little village called Cefn Cribwr (pronounced Kevn Kriboor) South Wales. Trevor loves music but was once arrested for singing (even though perfectly sober!).
His favourite book of the Bible is Jonah where we see the amazingly unchangeable nature of God's love and how He still chooses to use us in spite of our weaknesses and selfishness. A favourite hymn of Trevor’s is "Oh Happy Day". He has chosen to have this at most of the significant services in his life and plans to have it at his funeral!
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Ben Tu
rner
Samos, October 9
sorry - details coming soon!
Derek and Gerry Wensley
Samos, June 5-25
La Rosiere (Alps), August 2-22
Derek and Gerry grew up in Bristol, where Derek studied theology. In 1964 Derek was ordained and served for three years as a Youth minister in Purley. Meanwhile Gerry studied music at the Guildhall and sang and taught singing professionally. Nineteen years of ministry in Guildford followed with Derek leading a group of United Reformed churches and Gerry involved in pastoral prayer counselling, evangelism and leading and teaching singing and worship skills. Subsequent service found them in South-East London and then Newham, one of the most culturally diverse areas in the UK. As team leader, Derek was responsible for a group of multi-ethnic churches and for a large social-action programme. Gerry continued her studies and now practices as a Spiritual Director and Counsellor. Following Derek’s retirement they moved back to Guildford where they are members of Guildford Baptist Church. They are involved in Alpha courses, counselling and music initiatives, as well as teaching some Together in Mission’s MA modules via the University of Wales. Derek and Gerry have two children and three grandchildren who keep them young as they negotiate the subtleties of Playstations and Disney Interactive games!
One of their favourite hymns is ‘There is a day that all creation’s waiting for’ (chorus: We will meet Him in the air). The first time Derek and Gerry heard it was at the funeral of a 42 year old missionary who died unexpectedly in his sleep after a day of witnessing on the streets of London. Rob was the first missionary to go on the field from churches where they had ministered and served God with his wife and 2 daughters in remote Mexican villages. Derek has booked that song for his funeral!
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