Mike Beresford has kindly penned the following tribute to Colin:
Colin was involved in both my first and second interview for the role of Mission Director at York Baptist Church in 2012. Even then I sensed that he was a warm-hearted and godly man who seemed to have a deep understanding of God’s grace. On joining zm Colin became an important part of my time in the mission. He had started working for zm in 1996, appointed by trustees who were aware that new wisdom and energy were needed as the new millennium approached. Over the next 7 years until he retired from full-time employment, Colin laid much of the groundwork for the way the mission was in 2012 and continues to be today. There are several aspects of this, that each point to his godly and gracious character. Colin had a deep love and respect for our Malawian and Mozambican partners. I think he was responsible for much of the recent return to the mission’s founding “Africa for the African” vision which dated back to the 19th century. Colin recognised that Malawians and Mozambicans were the best people to reach their country for Christ. Training men and women at the Evangelical Bible College of Malawi was a better model of mission than sending workers all the way from the UK. This approach continues today.
Colin was also instrumental in establishing the modus operandi that zm currently uses in its relationship with supporting churches. In a day when churches can feel pressurised to give financially to the mission organisations that they support, Colin modelled a different approach. This was not only relationship-driven but also focussed as much on the needs of the supporting churches as on the needs of the mission. Colin also ensured that zm was not parochial, never championing its cause to the detriment of other mission organisations. He argued instead that the broader mission of the church was paramount, as opposed to zm behaving as though it was the only mission in the world. Colin’s work led to the mission building up a large number of supporting churches in the UK and particularly in East Anglia. Whenever I visited a church, people would ask me how Colin was, and Colin would often join me at local churches. But he was always content to watch and encourage from the background. He would always have a prayerful interest in my visits and really used our prayer diary. When speaking to him shortly after a church service or meeting he would always ask how I had got on. Knowing that I was supported in prayer in such a busy role was a huge encouragement and blessing.
Colin was also a very important part of our Executive Committee for many years. He knew the churches and the contexts in Malawi and northern Mozambique well, so he had a unique insight. But he didn’t just let his own view from the past prevail, recognising that time had moved on since his visits. When difficult circumstances or relationship breakdowns occurred Colin often epitomised the phrase “what would Jesus do?” His memorable response to one situation was – “we should pray for them” accepting how important it was to “pray for those who persecute you”. It was always good to have him with us. He also enjoyed coming up to York by train, describing his thrill when a fast train passed through Peterborough station without stopping! We asked him to withdraw his first letter of resignation due to age, which he graciously agreed to do. I think it was when he turned 80 that he pleaded somewhat light-heartedly to be released, something that the trustees reluctantly accepted. After he stepped down it was still good to visit him when I was in the area, a habit which continued after my retirement in 2024.
Thank you Lord for Colin – he was a good friend and a faithful brother in Christ. I cherished his prayers and learnt so much from his ministry. We give thanks and praise to God for Colin’s life and witness to his Saviour Jesus Christ.
May the Lord bless you and keep you and Colin’s family as we grieve this wonderful man whilst taking comfort that we will see him again.
