Jacksons August Update 1

Mission Africa has now decided that it isn’t possible for them to extend their remit to South Africa. But a South African group, NetAct, are extremely keen for Fraser, to run an online African theological library for them, giving him the opportunity to make a huge difference to the quality of theological education and training throughout Africa for many years to come.

 We’re expecting to work freelance alongside NetAct.

The opportunity is quite amazing and it’s incredible how closely Fraser’s talents and experiences fit with the specific role he’s being asked to undertake. Tailor made. He’s also recognising how past work with HTC has been a preparation for this.

On Saturday 16th we plan to have an afternoon at the Hub (DEC) where people could drop in to chat with us.  We’re more than happy to come to Castle Street sometime during 10-19th September as well.

We very much appreciate the support the Mission Team give us. 

It’s an exciting time waiting to see what God’s going to do.  Sometimes I wish it was a bit easier but it’s tremendously worth it.

Jacksons Update 2 – July 19th

Fraser is very excited about the opportunities for improving theological library provision to colleges in developing Africa.  His combination of skills and experience are exactly what is required for developing these services.  Better resources for students will have a great and strategic impact on the strengthening of the church throughout Africa.

NetAct is asking Mission Africa to second Fraser to their base in Cape Town.  The Mission Council will meet to discuss this on July 25th.  Pray that the Council will be clearly led to the right decision.

NetAct also develops ways for people to put their faith into practice in the community.  Dawn’s experiences with BRICC and InReach mean that this could be an area she could beneficially be involved in.

We feel that this is the direction God’s pointing us in.  We would like to be able to go out with Mission Africa but await the Council’s decision.  We very much appreciate your continued prayers and financial support.

Jacksons – June 20^th Update

 We still don’t know what the future holds. We had a meeting with a small panel from the Mission Council and still believe that God has plans for us in Africa.

Pray for discernment, wisdom, courage and faith for the Council. 

Fraser has been invited to attend a conference on July 1st held by NetAct, a theological education networking organisation, as a library specialist.

NetAct (based in South Africa) is keen to develop its ability to help libraries in African theological colleges. This may be where God is leading us.

Mission Africa has no one working there so it would be a big step if the Mission decided to send us.

Please pray for us as we wait to see where our home for the longer term will be.

Jacksons – June 6^th Update

On Thursday Dawn and Fraser fly over to Belfast for the Mission Africa Conference. 

On Friday, we meet with the Mission Council to discuss our future roles. Please pray for alertness and good concentration.  Pray that God’s leading will be clearly discerned by all and that all concerned will have the courage and grace to follow whatever course he reveals.

We know that he has been preparing the way for what’s next for us and will help us through any challenges and obstacles. May God be glorified in our lives and the continued work of Mission Africa.

Pray for safety in travel, flying from Leeds/Bradford airport on election day.

We have all been hit by a debilitating bug over the last week but are glad it happened before the trip to Ireland. Pray for a recovery of strength before we travel.

Pray for a reaching out towards those enslaved by hatred, lies, fear and despair in countries throughout the world.

Jacksons

Continue to pray for Fraser, Dawn and family as they await guidance on their own future.

Nigeria Update – May

Christian Solidarity Worldwide

Thousands of Christians and other non-Muslim religious minorities in Central Nigeria are being killed by Fulani militia.  In 2014, the militia was named the fourth deadliest terrorist group in the world by the Global Terrorism Index.

Whole villages – men, women and children – are being wiped out, their land taken away and their homes destroyed.

These attacks, which are decimating families, are also contributing to an emerging famine, as people are too scared to work in the fields, where the Fulani militia members wait to attack them at their most vulnerable.

In the south of Kaduna State in central Nigeria, more than 800 men, women and children have already been killed and over 10,000 have fled their homes, according to the Catholic Diocese of Kafancha.