Plans, puppets, police, partnerships, planes, prayer, people and parachute games…
But not necessarily in that order! Is it easier to see God’s plans when you are looking back at what has happened? When Adrian joined Essex Police 30 years ago, few of these were in his plans. His work provided opportunities through community policing to help people solve some of the problems they faced.
Adrian and Jaqueline were married in Stanway, Essex, in 1979, and then attended Bishop’s Stortford Baptist Church where they were both baptised. A move to Braintree in 1982 and the arrival of their two daughters, Emma and Katherine, saw them attending Bocking United Reformed Church, and together leading a rapidly expanding children’s club where parachute games were enthusiastically played.
During this time, Jacqueline gave Adrian the excellent present of his first flying lesson! A Private Pilot’s Licence, gained at Earls Colne, was the result. Meanwhile, Jacqueline was involved in a ministry to children – of all ages – using puppets.
Moving to Norwich saw Jacqueline working with children at Surrey Chapel while Adrian, now a Police Inspector, worked closely with partner agencies on projects to successfully reduce crime in the area. Then working from Norfolk Police Headquarters in 2005, Adrian developed a countywide strategy for police to work closely with young people, helping them become involved in positive activities rather than crime.
So after 30 years of policing and working with young people, Adrian and Jaqueline felt God was calling them to something new. They are based in Uganda where Adrian serves as Operations Manager, working with partners to get spiritual and physical help to people in places where aircraft provide an essential lifeline. Jaqueline is also involved in supporting MAF and local community projects involving puppet ministry.