Before Robert and Yvonne came to MAF we worked in Burundi, Central Africa, Robert as a Project Director and Yvonne as a Teacher at a mission school. Their call to Africa seemed very dramatic at the time but, on reflection, they can see how God tested and prepared them for mission work in a war-torn country. Despite a great many frightening and challenging situations, God’s grace was sufficient, and the peace that passes all understanding never failed. God is faithful. Thier sons David and John live and work in England. While living overseas, Robert and Yvonne have adopted Raisha who is now seven.
Robert and Yvonne had felt hungry for a new challenge for about a year while working in Burundi, but this seemed at odds with their circumstances. There were still many needs in Burundi. Then Robert’s mission, whose purpose is emergency relief, decided to leave because the war was ending. They realised then that their restlessness was God preparing them for change.
When they visited MAF’s work in Dodoma, Tanzania, Robert wanted to join immediately. As a young man, he had been a loadmaster in the RAF. They were accepted and Robert was able to return to his first love, but this time as God's servant, as Deputy Operations Manager.
Yvonne was called by God to be a Teacher. He directed her to university as a mature student through many miraculous experiences, and then into teaching positions where she was able to communicate to children how much God loves them. In Burundi, her call was to teach and disciple orphaned children. This ministry widened when many Muslim children joined the school. In Dodoma, the local Christian school has a great number of Muslim children who all need to know the love of Jesus.