47 years in Tavistock

Reflections on over four decades in Tavistock - and beyond...

n 1962 Colin and Joy arrived in Tavistock to commence a new job at Tavistock School. It was that memorable winter when houses were submerged in snow on the moor and drifts came halfway up the shop windows in Brook Street. They brought their two-year-old daughter, Carolyn, who forgot her size and tried to shoo the moor sheep away from the school grounds. That winter Rachel was born at the old Tavistock maternity home in Whitchurch Road. Tommy Sweet had the tailors & outfitters in West Street, Tom Brown was the auctioneer, Stan Goode provided the cafe on the corner, Norman Creber had the international grocers next door and Bond's Garage stretched from Duke Street down to the river. Abbey Chapel had recently commenced and the Congregational church and spire were about to be demolished to make way for the Job Centre! Bishopsmead, Monksmead and the other estates were yet to be built and Dorothea Pinder was in her prime at Tavistock Town Council.

In 1965 they moved to Harold Moore's new estate at Priory Close where Rachel's claim to fame was carrying the neighbours' cat by his tail saying, "Look Mummy!" Snowy, child tolerant cat! Then a new baby arrived, Naomi. Tavistock School Christian Union grew in numbers, outdoor activities and residential visits to camps, hotels and caravans. Bill Ames, County Youth Officer took us under his wing and provided tremendous help along the way. This all helped bond the youngsters together until in 1975 Colin left teaching to lead the Tavistock Community Church. The church started in their home in 1972. People came from forty miles away but now it is more local and still invites you all with a warm welcome. Home for the church is now in Pixon Lane. The King's now provides a community centre for the town offering accommodation for parties, dances, forums, keep fit and the the popular youth club for the district's children.

y 1997 church leaders had been invited to Rwanda to help after the war there. Pastor (now Bishop) Sadiki, who lost most of his family in the war, leads the growing work. He has become so attached to King's Church that he looks upon it as his spiritual home and plays an important role among us. As we joined forces, the work in Africa spread to many thousands from Kenya to the Congo. Now it functions in the Kingdom Of God serving hundreds of churches.

At home exciting relationships have developed with Chris Cole (CEO of Cross Rhythms Radio and media), Cornerstone Church in Plymouth, the church at Gilead that restores those with addictions back into the community, and Inspiration Church at Okehampton. They all now meet as 'The Father's House' at the King's every other month. These are very special occasions, not to be missed! David, leading elder in the church, has seen encouraging progress working together with churches in Tavistock. Nothing stays as it was, constant change is here to stay! But the changes are exciting to those searching for God's plans for the future.

The work in Africa has spread across Rwanda, Congo, Burundi, Tanzania to Kenya and last of all to Uganda. Encouragement was given to churches to trust God for them to serve the surrounding community so schools have developed and some 'twinned' with schools in the U.K. African schools are waiting for partners here. Can you help? Five small hospitals have been established and recently a maternity hospital in Kahangi, a village where mothers die every year for lack of care. The orphanage run by Jared and Caren in Nairobi now cares for about 350 children and is desperate for funding, and orphans in Uganda have been housed and helped with school fees. Prayer partners have given so generously to help. God promises their reward!

nother orphanage is planned at Gweri Village where many parents have died resulting from HIV. The pastor cares for 15 orphans that sleep in his small house but another fifty need accommodation. Colin and Joy have built a hotel among the game parks to run safaris to provide funds for the growing church at the hotel and for the mission across Africa. See www.sunrisesafaris.co.uk. Colin and Bishop Sadiki are teaming up with others for conferences and help for the pastors and churches there.

Carolyn now is a grand-mother and works as accountant/book-keeper for farmers and businesses, Rachel continues the family tradition in teaching and Naomi now runs an agency for 'Pampered Chef'. Looking back over 47 years in Tavistock, what an exciting and satisfying fulfilment serving the King of kings.

Check out www.sunrisesafaris.co.uk for a different holiday, and help to fund local hospitals and clinics.