Sadly, Anneli developed cancer and in spite of returning to England for treatment, went to be with the Lord just a year later.

James returned 'home' to Tanzania in July of the same year to continue the work they had both started. He is a wonderful blessing to us and we often describe him as a 'low maintenance missionary' which is a wonderful reflection of his character and commitment.

Prior to his work in Africa James was an Assemblies of God Pastor in Whitby, England.

News updates

July 6 2007

'Greetings from a tired James. It was good to be busy for the work of God but now I am stepping back to take a much needed rest. In June we had the Pastors' Conference followed by the Youth Camp. As Robert Chidundo was busy with final exams he could only look in on the events and take his sessions. Responsibility as Host Pastors lay with Pastor Komba and myself. Initaially I had two sessions in the Pastors' Conference but was given a third when one of the speakers did not come.

During the week God woke me at 2a.m. to tell me about some of the pastors that they were facing severe opposition. So I prepared an encouraging word for them and concluded the session with a powerful ministry time. Half of those present were facing opposition so as they stood I got the other pastors to pray with them. I was praying for Pastor Michael Laurens from Dar Es Salaam and the following week he told that already God has begun to move and deal with the opposition he was facing.

My first message was about starting well, continuing well so that we may finish well - in this I included how David encouraged himself in the Lord - something we as pastors need to be able to do. The second session I spoke in reference to Hebrews 6: 2 about the teaching and warnings about eternal judgement; in my third session I spoke about Daniel 11:32b, about knowing God.
The week ended with the ordination of ministers. I was invited to assist in praying for them - included in the new ministers was Silas, having proved his ministry. It was a joy to pray for him and his wife.'

June 9 2007

' The three days seminars went very very well, the pastor and elders were well pleased and invited me to come again for ministry. On Monday we start the week-long Pastors' Conference at our church, Robert and I each have a couple of the teaching sessions.
Then the following Monday is the start of the Youth Camp - hosted by our church. The leaders have asked me to take a session teaching on Holiness. I have also been busy as I was asked to prepare a test on I, II, and III John. They have been studying thse letters before coming to camp, ready for the test at camp with an award to the winner of the test.'

May 19 2007

As part of our support ministry for James, we regularly send out items for medical purposes. Today we had an e-mail from James saying that the lastest batch was received safely. With the distances involved it's always a blessing when we hear that everything has got through.

May 16 2007

Anyone who is in regular contact with James, either via SICM or direct, will know that he is in Africa for the long-term. Therefore it is only natural that he wants to develop things around him, for example the construction of a house which is an ongoing current project. Another aid to his quality of life and his ministry out there would be the purchase of a vehicle.

For some time now, there has been a low-key fund whereby a trickle of finance has been raised. However we have just received the pledge (and we know the people personally so it will come to fruition) of a substantial amount of money that will go a very long way towards the purchase of a very good 4x4, which James needs to negotiate the Tanzanian terrain.

Once we get the money banked we will be launching a specific appeal. It won't be pushy in any way, that's not our style. But we do want to give the opportunity for James' supporters to get behind the project so that one of his dreams can become a reality. So as they say, watch this space!

May 4 2007

The following is an excerpt from James' forthcoming newsletter:

'When you know you are where God wants you, doing what He wants you to do, you have peace, contentment and great satisfaction. You find conditions and material things are not so important - it is amazing what we are able to put up with or do without when we are in the will of God....Some of you may find this strange but I do not miss the things I had in England but do not have here.'

April 24 2007

We received the following in an e-mail from Silas Mkumbu (James' son in Tanzania) and it blessed us so much that we though we would include it in the news updates.

April 17 2007

'Everything is well, though hampered by the rains - but can't complain as we know how important they are. Yesterday I got caught out in the rain and was soaked. Otherwise all is well and ministry continue well - it continues to be a great joy to share the Word of God.'

April 7 2007

'Wishing you all a very Happy and Blessed Easter. Robert has asked me to bring the message on Easter Sunday Morning in our church.
Thank you for your prayers; I am now fit and well and back in ministry. God is good. God Bless, James'

April 4 2007

We received an e-mail at base today from James. Nothing of particular interest to report, but it's good to just communicate sometimes about this and that. James sent his best wishes to SICM's Sharon Simmons, who is getting married in a week or so.

March 30 2007

After James' recent health problems it is good to report that he is on the mend now. The following is his own report received today.

'Reporting back that now I am well and back in ministry and enjoying God's blessing. At the beginning of March I had a fever and headache and "ugh" taste in my mouth so I went for a malaria test. Report was no trace of malaria.

But I definitely had a fever so was given medication accordingly. A week later I was just as bad so we got the medicine for malaria and straight away I could feel the effect.

I had malaria but through the medication it cleared though I was left feeling tired, with no energy and no appetite. So it was very hard to get going again. But now my appetite is returning and all is well.

March 26 2007

An update from James concerning his health situation below. Often even Christians see the mission field as some sort of glamour place, a platform where gifts and ministries can be paraded around to great effect. But in reality it is about hard work, sacrifice and commitment.

'Good to talk briefly on the phone! Feeling much better but have no energy and no appetite. I am finding it a struggle to eat. Too much on my plate and I am put off completely.'

March 23 2007

We have had a telephone call from James to say that he has just had a bout of malaria. He is recovering but please pray for him.

March 12 2007

The following is taken from the SICM newsletter (March edition) where James was reporting on the recent visit of Jim and June Brown. James features regularly in the SICM newsletter and you can subscribe to that via the tool bar at the top of the page.

'The visit was good and everyone appreciated Jim and June’s ministry. It was certainly very hot, especially in Dar-Es-Salaam, but with plenty of cold water to drink everyone survived.
They began by speaking on the first Sunday at our church in Picha Ya Ndege, and were a great blessing. On Monday we moved to Urafiki in Dar, for the evangelistic outreach at Silas’ church. Each evening there was a meeting followed by the showing of a Christian movie.
Jim and June spoke at the first meetings and saw many people come to faith in Christ. By the end of the week there were 50+ decisions for Jesus. They were also able to visit and speak to the Christian group where Robert Chidundo is studying.
The second week, the church had seminars for believers but especially for the new Christians who had just got saved. Jim and June were now back in Kibaha and ministering in the local churches there.
Their ministry was greatly valued and appreciated. As always, a good sign is that people left wanting more. Thank you Jim and June – you are welcome again.’