Lauren and I are persuaded that God would have us leave our respective employment in Cape Town to assume responsibility on the Island of Mauritius as missionaries of the Baptist Missions Department (BMD). This course of action was prompted by the Mauritian Bible Training Institute extending an invitation for me to assume responsibility at the Institution as Principal; an invitation that I have come to believe is God’s direction for us as a family at this juncture.

We are not unaware of the risks to ourselves and our children. We abandon lucrative employment as well as family, church, and other support structures to undertake responsibilities in a foreign country within an unfamiliar cultural context. The risks are substantial, and we do not know how it will go with us, but it is our ambition to preach Christ where he is not yet named and trust that our ministry will facilitate the proliferation of the Gospel of Christ in Mauritius and beyond.

The Mauritian Bible Training Institute was born out of a part-time Christian Leadership Development Program launched in 1992 by the Evangelical Churches of the island. Due to the considerable interest shown by Christians from other denominations, it was deemed important to open the doors to all those who wished to come and learn the Word of God. A number of other courses were set up in the following years. It was then decided to bring all these courses together under the auspices of one Bible school.

In January 1998, the Mauritian Bible Institute was born. MBTI would later offer a one, two and three-year degree course in its study center in Curepipe as well as certificate courses in its various extension schools. A total of 150 students attended MBTI in its first year of existence (1998).

It goes without saying that an undertaking of this nature cannot be embarked upon without substantial support from our Denomination, Local Church, Family and Friends. You can support us by praying for Lauren, Isla (5), Iain (2), and myself. More than anything ask our Father that we would know the demonstration of God's power as we discharge our duties. In addition we will require substantial financial support. The Baptist Missions Department requires us to raise the necessary financial support toward expenses on the Island prior to our departure.

It is with this in mind that we humbly ask you to partner with us by earnestly pray for us. In addition, please consider making a monthly financial contribution to our expenses on the Island of Mauritius.