Mid Norfolk couple take the Good News to Kenya
Norfolk couple Alexander and Astrid Milne moved to Kenya in September to share the Good News and work with indigenous churches to reach unreached people groups. Peter Bending reports.
From a young age
Alexander felt drawn to East Africa, wanting to become a game warden there. A heart for mission eventually led him to
London City Mission, where he met
Astrid. From childhood, Astrid developed a heart for Africa after hearing her father, a pastor, tell stories of missionaries making a difference in far flung places.
Astrid lived as a member of a German minority in Transylvania at the time, behind the Iron Curtain. Her family emigrated to West Germany after the collapse of communism, but she didn't stop there for long, wanting to be involved in sharing the Good News abroad.
Astrid said: “I joined London City Mission on a gap year 30 years ago, where I met Alexander. It became clear that it was God’s will for us to be married and so we’ve been on mission together ever since!”
After 18 years of outreach and ministry in East London, they relocated to rural Norfolk where Alexander was born, raising their family, and continuing mission on the streets and in various locations, including with the House of Genesis. They worshipped at Fountain of Life church in Ashill.
Alexander said: “God began speaking to us about going to Kenya around six years ago. We went on a vision trip two years ago and now it is time to get out of the boat and go long-term.”
The couple touched down in Mombasa on September 5 with all their bags accounted for and began to settle in, trying to get used to the tropical weather, the African way of life, the Swahili language, and the continual haggling for a fair price.
“We feel incredibly blessed and grateful to be able to rent the house of a pastor’s family, who have been praying that God would use this property for His glory. Two weeks after our arrival we had the privilege of welcoming 30 people into our living room and in partnership with other NPL practitioners helped train them in evangelism, discipleship, and church planting. From this group we have been able to form a Missionary Team that meets regularly at our house for fellowship, training and to reach out across Mombasa.”
Alexander comments, “We have found that there is dissatisfaction among many with the established church, with its emphasis on money, and it is felt that they are run more like businesses. I have been pleasantly surprised by those who are prepared to explore having church in their home, which was the way it was in the New Testament.”
As a result of the initial training, the couple, together with team members, have had the opportunity to provide training in four churches in Mombasa so far.
It hasn’t all been good news from their first few months. A young man they invited into their home attempted to break into their locked bedroom. He was interrupted by the housekeeper, Jasmine, but took off with her laptop.
“Amazingly, Jasmine, who is from a Muslim background, has since expressed a desire to follow Jesus and read the Bible with us, so that has become a daily morning routine in our house,” said Astrid.
“We thank God for the opportunities to share the Good News, train others, and for experiencing the joy of leading people to Christ. We also give thanks that the bad situations, where people took advantage of our well-meaning intentions, turned into a valuable lesson and nothing worse happened.”
Alexander and Astrid continue to look ahead on this new adventure, seeking to build partnerships as they hope to reach unreached people groups in due time.
The climate, culture, and challenges they face now may be different to life here in Norfolk, but the message of the Good News is the same.
“Please join with us in asking God to send out more workers into his harvest field; for believers and churches to be equipped to make disciples who make disciples and for multiplication of disciples among unreached people groups”.
They are very grateful for the prayers and practical support of people back home as they know that God’s kingdom work is a Gospel partnership.
If anyone feels led to be a part of this Gospel work, feel free to contact them through their Stewardship Partner Account Page to find out more. stewardship.org.uk/partners/Alexander_Astrid