Mission Partners

Gerry and Catherine Straker, Church by the Bay

Gerry Straker, formerly our assistant pastor, is heading up our first church plant, Church by the Bay, supported by his wife Catherine (and two children Jack and May). They are being joined by a team of people originally from Moorlands Church who live in the Morecambe area. The Strakers have lived in the West End since moving to the area in July 2008 and love living in Morecambe. They are delighted with this opportunity to bring the good news of Jesus Christ to people in their town.

 

Nathan and Sian Weston: Oak Hill College London.

Nathan began training for full time ministry at Oak Hill College, London, in September 2009. Previously he worked as a Research Associate at Lancaster University while serving as an elder at Moorlands.   Sian looks after Ben their son while also taking some courses at Oakhill. Nathan and Sian played a key role in Moorlands' first four years as a church plant and we are thrilled to continue to partner with them as they prepare for full time ministry.  

 

James and Myriam Hely-Hutchinson, Belgian Bible Institute

Before becoming the Director of the Belgian Bible institute James trained at Moore Theological College, Sydney and completed a PhD at the Faculté Libre de Théologie Evangélique de Vaux-sur-Seine in France. Under his leadership the Institute's aim is to "train faithful, competent, godly servants of the gospel for the harvest field of French-speaking Europe in order to promote God's glory". Myriam supports James in his ministry and looks after their daughter Clara.  We are privileged to support them as a church in this strategic gospel work.  

 

Carlisle Baptist Church

Peter and Lucy Walkinghaw

Peter and Lucy moved to Carlisle in September 2010, where Peter is now the pastor of Carlisle Baptist Church.This 'fresh start' for thechurch, comes after several years without a pastor and at a time when there were just a handful of committed members. Peter says, "We aim to help people... connect to the real Jesus, be transformed by the power of Jesus and be sent out to tell others about Jesus." Before the move Peter served as associate minister at Trinity Church, Buxton having trained for ministry at Oak Hill College. Lucy is kept busy helping Pete and looking after their children, Maisie, Elise, Zachary and Jed.

 

Joel Higson

Joel was born in Bury and grew up in a Christian family. At the age of 13 he became a Christian and was baptised. He has since grown in his knowledge, love and faith in God. Joel spent the last 3 years at Lancaster University studying geography and being a part of Moorlands. After graduating in 2010, he moved to Carlisle to help with the ‘fresh start’ at Carlisle Baptist Church as their Ministry Trainee.

In his spare time Joel enjoys cycling, walking, colouring in and baking. He drinks both coffee and tea (milk no sugar).