Middle East Reformed Fellowship (England & Wales)
44 Hamllton Road, Hayes, Middlesex. UB3 3AS
Re8iStered Charity No: 1044672
ANNUAL REPORT 2022
Trustees:
Dr. lain Wright, Orland Park (Hon. Chairmonj
Rev. Douglas Mccallum, Cambrid8e
Mr. David Umpleby, Banbury
Rev. Stephen Dancer. Solihull
Mr. John Mcclean, Antrim
Support Ct>mmlttee Members:
Rev. Gareth James, Doncaster
Rev. Timothy Burden, Eastbourne
Dr David George, Mr. John Lodge, Rev. Joseph Petitt, Mr. Richard Hall and Mr. Huwjones all
resigned as a trustees on 31 July 2022.
Mr. Hugh Pollington (Honorary Treasurer) resigned on 29 March 2023.
Or. lain Wri8ht, Rev. Stephen Dancer, Rev. Douglas Mccallum, Mr. John Mcclean and Mr. David
Umpleby were appointed Trustees on l August 2022 in accordance with the Trust Deed.
Rev. Timothy 8urden is employed by MERF {EnglandlWales). He is a member of the Committee
of Management of MERF and 15 full-tlme co-ordinator of the Augustine Biblical Tralning
Program.
The Deed of Trust Is dated 5th February 1995 and registered with the Charity Commission in England
and Wales Wlth the aim of promoting the spread of the Christian Faith in Arab lands and beyond
through work of the Middle East Reformed Fellowship {MERFI.
MERF is a g05pel-centred, evangelistic Fellowship of indigenous churches, workers, and theSr
supporters. It is a non-profit and non-political charitable organization, serving in the Muslim world on
behalf of churches and believers worldwide. It exists to promote the Christian Faith as embodied in thÈ
MERF Statement of Faith, by encouraging fellowship and f05tering cOperatIon between Reformed
churches, training and 5UPPOrting national pastor5 and evan8elist5, evan8elism, church plantin& and
the distribution of aid throu8h the agency of indigenous churches.
Our relationship with the Middle East Reformed Fellowship lour partner):
Our partnership with MERF is governed by a Grant Agreement which is subject to annual review and
approval at the AGM. MERF is incorporated in the Republic of Cyprus as a Charitable Foundation. Their
annual accounts and financial statements are prepared in accordance with International Financial
Reporting Standard5 IIFRSS) as adopted by the European Union. The annual accounts are audited by
firm of Certified Public Accountants and Re8Sstered Auditors in accordance with Intemational Standards
on Auditing11SA5}.
Operatlng Pollry:
All 81fts are used In accordance with the donoffs wishes or. if undesignated. placed in General Funds to
be used for the greatest needs as determined by MERF. No funds are transferred to countries subject
to UKIEU or US sanctions.
Monltorlng and verffylng end use of charltable fvnds:
Robust mechanisms of management and a close working relationship between MERF IEngland/WalÉs)
and MERF ordinarily ensure a good degree of monitoring ol projects and verification that grant funds
are spent on the projects for which they were intended. The global pandemic12020-20221 curtailed
some aspects of monbtoring our activity whith will be restored as restrictions continue to be lifted.
Intome:
The total Income for the work from churches and individuals In 2022 fell compared to income for 2021
by approximately 15% if you exclude the legacy income in 2021.
Reserves Policy:
MERF England/Wales is a grant-making charity and the bulk of income is submitted to MERF
International Headquarters in Cyprus.
Grantfunds are transmitted to the bank account of MERF International when requested. At each
submission a minimum of £40,000 is retained in the MERF England/Wales bank accountto cover
operating costs for a year. Operating costs encompass primarily the salary of one employee with
associated employment costs, and c05t5 of travel. Other cD5ts Ip05ta8e, stationeryi etcl ale mlmlmal.
MERF (England & Wale5) Promotional work:
The bi-monthly newsletter is produced and distributed to 3,000 recipients in England, Wales ènd
Scotland. The work of MERF is a150 promoted at meetings at supporting churche5 and conferences, and
through the MERF IEnglandlWales} website Imerf.org.uk). Promotional videos produced by MERF
IEngland/Walesl are used by the support committees of Canada. the U.S.A.. Australia and New Zealand
for promotional work Sn those countries, and Dutch subtitles enable the use of the vide05 for use in the
Netherlands. We have also supplied additional promotional materials (e.g. PowerPoint presentations} to
other national support committees to assist their promotional work.
Statement of Publlc Benefit..
MERF IEngland/Walesl works to promote the spread of the Christian Faith in Muslim land5 and beyond
through work of the Middle East Reformed Fellowship and their partnerships with indigenous churches
and workers. In every field of operation, the primary purpose of MERF is the advancement of Reformed
Christian Faith in accord with the MERF Statement of Faith (which is a summary of the historic Christian
faith as expressed in the early Christian creeds and the confessions of the Calvinistic Reformation).
Operating in more than 16 countries and 14 langua8es, MERF seeks to work with indigenous churches
as the best body to reach a population. Indigenous Christians live permanently as part of the culture and
know the language, and so face fewer of the barrlers that impede the work of foreign missionaries.
However. in Muslim countries Christians are a minority groupin8 and, in some countries, they face
severe repression and persecutlon. MERF works to strengthen their faith, build up their confidence to
evangelise, and equip them to disciple new believers,. and, as the Bible Is central to the growth of the
Christian. MERF seeks to equip churches throuRh biblical training. MERF a150 supplies diaconal aid via
indigenous churches to meet immediate practical need in a crisis but always with the aim of equipping
people to be a5 self-sufficient as is possible.
In pursuing these goals, the charity engage5 In many projects that serve the public benefit including the
advancement of reli8ion. the advancement of education. the prevention and relief of poverty, and the
promotion of health.
CURRENT MERF PROJEcrs:
Grant funds are used in support of the full range of charitsblè activities of MERF:
- Gospel Broad¢astins'.
The MERF broadcastsare designed to make known the full Impact of humar) sinfulness and the remedy
found in the riches of the redemptive 8race of Christ. Personalized follow-up of listeners responding to
the broadcast5 is provided by means of Skype. correspondence. literature and, where possible, pastoral
visitation and disciplin8 by trained local Christians. As a result of these broadcasts many have come to
faith in Christ, in places where no church or foreign missionary is permitted to exist.
- Arablcmedlo Ministry."
The Arabic Media Ministry bring5 God's Word to millions of Arabic-speaking people in the Middle East;
as it 15 an internet seryice this ministry has a global reach. The ministry ha5 been extended with the
introduction of new programs in specific Arabic dialetts. A new YouTube channel has been launched
broadcasting live interactive programs four days each week and which reiVeS fruitful and encouraging
responses. In addition to downloadable audio files of past programs and biblical teachin8 on many
subjects, the websites also host downloadable pdf files of Sunday School materlals and numerous
Christian e-books. Our partner churches in Egypt provide more than 50% of the Arabic Medla costs.
- Forslmedlo Mln15try."
The Farsi Media Ministry reaches millions of Farsi-speaking people in Iran. Azerbaijan, Tajiki5tèn,
Afghanistan and Pakistan: however, as it is an internet service this ministry has a global reach. The
ministry operates two websites.. Radio 5hodkami and Rodio Roshdino. In addltlon to Its daily broadcasts,
it hosts several hundred videos and numerous Christian e-book5 and booklets, many of which have been
downloaded many tirnes. Per50nalized follow-up of listeners resporbding to the broadcasts is provided
by means of sPe, ccrrespondence and literature.
- Terrestrial 8roadcqstlnq.'
In addition to internet-based media, MERF terrestrial broadcast teams also reach millions of people in
East Africa, the Middle East, Pakistan and Indonesia in their native tongue, broadcasting ifi fifteen
languages: Arabic- Dinka and Nuer {5outh Sudanl; Amharic, Oromo, and Somali {Ethiopia & Somalial,.
Farsi (Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Iran}; Amazight (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Mali,
Niger. Mauritanial Bahasa, J3vanesÈ. Sundanese. Toraja. Bugis and Makassarese Ilndonesial; and, Urdu
(Pakistanl.
- Blble Tralnlng Min5stry:
8ible-training is condutted at centres in Ethiopia, Kenya, Sulawesi, Java, Pakistan, Beirut and Egypr. The
work of Blble-training across all fields (great curtailed throughout 2020 in response to the Covid-19
pandemic) is now largely recovered. MERF IEn8land/Walesl continues to b.e directly involved In the
bible-training work based at Lokichoggio, Kenya,. and Addls Ababa, Ethiopia. Rev. Tim Burden (employed
by MERF Englandlwalesl has overall responsibiliry for ihe Bible-training programme in Kenya and
Ethiopia, and is involved in plannlng to extend the training programme to Egypt and Indonesia. During
the past year Rev. Burden has continued to produce course textbooks and a series of teaching vldeos for
use at the training ceDtr•s and onling. and has b••n providin8 trainin8 to the Nuer radio prOdur5.
- Addltlonal Fleld Mlnlstrles:
Kenya- The internatlDnal church at the tralning ntre compound continues to 8row and now exceeds
300 in regular attendance. In January 2021 twenty-five convertswere bapt15ed. 98 children attend
Sunday School and shelters are being built in several villages to house meetings.
Diaconal aid Imaize distribution) has been dlstributed several times during the year and local Turkana
are given free access to fresh waterfrom the MERF compound bore hole.
MERF continues to f und a scholarship programme for local Turkana chlldren.
l. The Advoncement oARellglon.'
MERF is a gospel-centred, evanEelistic Fellowship of indigenous churches, workÈrs. and their
supporter5. It exists to promote the Christian Faith as embodied in the MERF Statement of Faith, by
encouraging fellowship and fostering co-operation between Reformed Churches, training and
supporting national pastors and evangelists, evangelism and church planting.
The majority of MERF funding 15 directed to evangelism through 8ospel broadcasting by terrestrial and
Internet-based radio. literature distribution and the regular preachin& teaching and pastoral ministrie5
of indigenous churches. MERF broadcasts the gospel in fourteen languages. MERF'S trainin8 centre5 that
provide both language and theological training for Christian pastor5 and evangelists, also operate as
location5 for international churches and h05t regular servi5 of public worship and Sunday schools for
the spiritual education of children.
2. TheAdvoncement oAEduwtlon.'
MERF supports the education of more than 2750 children through the Calvin Academies in Pakistan. and
funds a scholarship programme for Turkana children in Kenya. A number of the Bible-training centres
also provide education in additional disciplines. For example. students at Lokichoggio also benefit from
intensive Instruction in the English language. students at the tra(n(ng centres in Indonesia also re1ve
instruction in animal husbandry and crop cultivation.. students in Pakistan also receive instruction In
animal husbandry, crop cultivatlon and sewing. The teaching of these additional skills is intending to
facilitate grÈat@r self-suffitiÈncy.
The Preventlon or Relielof Poverty..
Dlaconal ald li.e. humanitsrian aldl is dlstrlbuted to and through local churches.
Indone5io - Diaconal aid is regularly distributed through local churche5 for the relief of poverty.
Diaconal Aid was specifically directed to the relief of suffering in different region5 caused by floods and
drought. Instruction is given in animal husbandry and crop cultivation. and a c(>op start-up scheme
supports students in becoming self-sufficient, and creating a more resilient community.
- Kenya- MERF 8rants to local Turkana people free daily access to potable water from the borehole at
the teaching centre and has distributed maize several times in relief of drought and famine.
- South Sudon - Ald Is regularly dlstrlbuted to poor pastors and evangellsts. Also. tents. maize and
fishing nets have been distributed to people displaced by the civll conflict and suffering the effects of
flood and famine.
Ethiopia- Aid 15 regularly distributed to poor rural pastors, and education and training is provided in
animal husbandry to encourage 5elf-sufficiency.
- Lebonon- MERF ha5 continued to supportthe effort5 of the church in Beirut as It responds to the
ongoing need resulting from the 2020 Beirut port exp105ion.
The Pmmotlon olHealth..
MERF supported the Baraka Presbyterian Church in Bethlehem in supplying 12 oxygen machines for
high priority patients at the local hospital- and Supports two clinics in Lahore, Pakistan.
South Sudan- MERF continues to work in support of the Presbyterian Church of South Sudan which has
15,0(X) congregatlons. MERF supports poor pastors and evangelists. Millions of people have been
displaced by the civil war (politicalltribal division) that has continued for several years. In these
dlstressing circumstances, MERF contributes to the material 5UPP¢>rt of PCOSS ministers and
evangelists, and provides Diaconal aid to the dlsplaced. Diaconal Aid in the forrn of food. blankets and
canvas tarps was distributed in areas of Pochalla county and Wanding of Akobo where many lost
homes and stored food in the flooding. MERF broadcasts in the Nlrer language to South Sudan,
Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda. Enquirers who respond to the broadca5t5 receive follow-up by email If
personal follow-up is not possible. Phone cards loaded wlth radio broadcasts. sermons, songs and
studies have been a useful resource In supporting those who have been displaced.
Training is provided for church officers, and children & youth workers.
Ethlopia - The work in Ethiopia has faced several challenges during 2021; conflict between the Federal
and re8ional 8overnmcnts has displaccd 2 rnillion and led to large-scale destruction of crops and herds.
Insecurities prevent farmin& markets and basic services. The UN estimates > 5 million in need of aid.
Intertribal violence has spread in several regions. In the south. drought and famine increased with >30
million affected. Persecvtion of churches and individuals has increased; several churches have been
burnt. and many farnilies suffer social and economic difflcultles. Full-tlme ministers struggle to survive.
Each week the MERF team make three 30-minute radio pro8rammes in the three major langua8es of
Ethiopia (Amharic, Oromo. & Somali).
The Biblical Training Program is taught in two languages (Amharlc and Oromo) and 15 direrted at
pastors and evan8ellsts of existing churches. Seminar5 are organised ft)r varlous church worker5.
especlally youth ministry training. 208 people are enrolled on a course introduced specifically for
Muslim-background converts to the Christian faith.
- The MERF team are involved in the translation of numerous theolo8ical books to be used as text book5
on the training course, and inclusion in a new study library for the use of pastor5 and church workers.
Diaconal aid is used to support > 614 poor full-time ministers, and thelr families {3,070 indlvldualsl.
There is an evangelistic work among Somali people In Ethiopia and Somalia.
Indonesia- The work in Indonesia raises more than 40% of its own income through a co-op start-up
Scheme that helps farmers purchase and raise pigs and grow dragon fruit. The small profft-share is
repaid and re-invested to support others in becoming sÈlf-sufficiÈnt.
MERF also provides scholarships for less prlvlleged children to attend sch¢JOI.
Sulowesl & Malanq
Work has continued to transfer the terrestrial broadcasting {in Makassarese, Toraj3, and Bugi5) to
web-based radio broadcastingi allowing the servi¢e to bè expanded.
Radio programming in Sundanese has been expanded with additional staff appointed.
-The MERF trauma-healing centre set-up atPalau to SUPPOrt survlvors the 2019 tsunami continues
its work, but has been converted into an additional training centre.
The Bible training centres continue to serve the churches, providing instruction for church leaders. and
training children's workers and staff who teach Christianity in State school5.
Diaconal Aid wa5 Used to relieve the suffering of earthquake victims in Mamuju and MaSene-West
(11211 flood victims in Jakarta121211 and the Seroja Storm virtims In Kupang and Sumba-East141211.
Javq
- Work has continued to transfer the terrestrial broadcasting lin Javanese and Sundanese) to web-based
radio broadcasting, allowing the service to be expanded.
- Short videos have been produced for easy-sharing on internet and by smartphones.
A study library has been opened ro suppon pastors in their teaching ministry.
The Bible training centres continue to serve the churches, providing online instrurtion for church
leaders and evangelists and, trainin8 Sunday School teacher5 and children's workers.
Diaconal Aid was used to relieve the suffering of flo¢ victlms in Cilacap Central in December 2020.
Pak15tan-Through the MERF partnership with the'Bible-believing Church of Lahore" MERF 5UPPQrt5
trainin8 at their seminary which provide5 training for pastors and church workers. These pastors and
workers are involved in church-plantinE projects and running numerous literacy centres.
- There are four Calvin High Schools teaching rnore than 2750 children; two clinics; and several sewin8
centres where women are taught skills to enable them to be self-supporting.
Lebanon- Working with the Lebanon Reformed Fellowship, MERF has been teaching and trainln8 many
Kurdish and Druze people who have professed faith Sn Jesus Christ and formed churches in Lebanon.
Many Muslims have been attending sel¢e$.
Diaconal aid has been used to relieve the Suffering of refugees: to provide PT5D counselling to
refugees. and to a55iSt thelr return to thelr homeland followlng the cessatlon of hostlllttes.
Morocco- A new field has opened up in Morocco with a team of Christians entirely composed of
former Muslims. Presently the team is concentrating upon the produrtion of program5 in Amazight,
the language of Berber people living in Morotto. Algeria. Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Mali, Niger, and
Mauritania. This ministry operates via social media platform leg. Facebook). Personalized follow-up of
listeners responding to the broadca5t5 is provided by means of Skype, correspondence 2nd literature
which is produced in Moroccan Arabic and Amazight.
- The Heldelberg Catechism translation project continues and is made available online as a pdf.
Iraq- The Gulf Wars and the subsequent insurgency led to the destruction of five of the six
churches MERF partnered with in Iraq. The remaining church is only IO% Its former strength.
The Arabic media ministry 15 effective in encouraging the Christians remaining in Iraq.
Cyprus- MERF supports the International Evangelical Church on Cyprus lat Larnaca and kn'massoll.
MERF (England and Wales) discontlnued Its support of this partlcular mlnlstry durlng 2021.
Concluding remarks:
The Trustees are pleased with what has been achieved this year. We acknowledge with thankfulness the
success of the stated aims of the Fellowshlp Sn Its numerous ministries, and the way in which these have
been sustained despite the impact of global pandemic.
Significant Difficulties- Events that have taken place in another charity in Cyprus which is closely
associated with MERF have given rlse to conslderable tension5 that have strdined the relationship
betwÈen the General Director of MERF and MERF IEnglandlWalesl. It is hoped that these difficulties can
be overcome, restoring the former healthy relationship between us.
Notwithstanding these difficulties, we are grateful to be able to continue playing an active role in the
or8anization and extension of the training programs through the support of key workers. and that
promotional materials developed for use in England and Wales have proved so useful in the
promotional work of other national support committees. We give thanks to God for the on-going
generosity of Christian people in England and Wale5 who have faithfully supported our work,. and for
the willingne55 of friends to serve in 5UPPOrt of 8ospel ministry in Muslim lands.
Authorlsed Si8natorie¥:
Dr lain Wright
(Chairmcn of Tnistee5J
Mr David Umpleby
(Trustee)
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Middle East Reformed Fellowship (England & Wales) 1044672
Receipts and payments accounts CC16a
For the period 01/01/2022 31/12/2022
To
from
Section A Receipts and payments
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment
Total funds Last year
funds funds funds
to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £
A1 Receipts
Donations: General Funds (incl tax reclaims) 159,674 - - 159,674 191,445
Donations: Diaconal (Beirut disaster) - - - - 8,120
Donations: Diaconal (other) - 1,275 - 1,275 655
Donations: Biblical Training - 4,740 - 4,740 1,260
Donations: Broadcasting - 1,170 - 1,170 3,520
Donations: National Evangelists - 180 - 180 505
Donations: Literature - Tanzania - 2,000 - 2,000 -
- - - - -
Sub total (Gross income for
AR) [ 159,674 ] 9,365 - 169,039 205,505
A2 Asset and investment sales,
(see table).
- - - -
- - - - -
Sub total - - - - -
Total receipts 159,674 9,365 - 169,039 205,505
A3 Payments
Grants - General gift 90,000 - - 90,000 66,460
Grants - Diaconal Lebanon 22,000 - - 22,000
Grants - Diaconal South Sudan 30,000 640 30,640
Grants - Diaconal Pakistan 194 - 194 18,000
Grants - Diaconal other 32,000 2,405 34,405
Grants - Biblical Training 22,000 3,420 - 25,420 9,000
Grants - Broadcasting & Evangelism 55,000 5,865 - 60,865 5,000
Int'l Bible Training - Staff costs including travel 43,498 - - 43,498 37,907
Cyprus ministry - - - - 105
Insurance 604 - - 604 593
Promotion 2,230 - - 2,230 1,735
Running costs 5,937 - - 5,937 4,538
Sub total [ 303,269 ] 12,524 - 315,793 143,338
A4 Asset and investment
purchases, (see table)
- - - -
- - - -
Sub total [ - ] - - - -
Total payments 303,269 12,524 - 315,793 143,338
Net of receipts/(payments) - 143,595 - 3,159 - - 146,754 62,168
A5 Transfers between funds 735 - 735 - - -
A6 Cash funds last year end 183,018 10,895 - 193,914 131,746
Cash funds this year end 40,158 7,001 - 47,159 193,914
**----- End of picture text -----**
CCXX R1 accounts (SS)
1
Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period
Un$t¢ted
Restrtcted
funds
funds
Endowmeni
funds
to M8Mt£
C8tegori*$
Details
to n•arogt £
B1 Cash fund•
PEttyraf
17
Cuent xwjnts
320
r*w511 accovrts
36,932
7,0fy1
Total cash funds
40,158
unl(sll
Unr•strict•d
fund$
to n•&rest E
Restrl¢ted
funds
to neareJt£
Endowment
fund$
to n8orest¢
Detalls
Fuftd to whrch
Detai18
ClI00n81j
¥aluo
Fund to whlch
CurreDtvalue
Detalls
¢o•tloOlonall
B4 A880ts rètsin•d lor th•
charfty'8 own use
Fut)d to whi£h
Amount due
Vlhen duo
Details
BS Llabllltie¥
Za••
Svjned by orty bwlees on
hawof all the trustees
Dale of
Signatuie
Print Name
Dr lain Wroht
Mr Dav*1 Urnpl8by
CCXX R2 8tt0unts Issi
24107r2023
CHARITY COMMISSION
FOR ENGLAND AND WALES
Independent examiner's
report on the accounts
Section A
Independenl Examiner's Report
Report to the trusteesl
member3 of
MIDDLE EAST REFORMED FELLOWSHIP (ENGLAND & WALES)
On accounts for the year
endod
31 December 2022
Charity no
{if any)
1044672
Set out on pages
Annual Report, Receipts and Payments Account pages 1 to 8
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above
charity ('the Trust") for the year ended 3111212022.
Responslbilitias and As the charity trustee3 of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation
basis of report of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act
2011 {"the Act").
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out
under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying Out my examination, I
have followed the applicable Uirections given by Ihe Chariiy Commission
under section 145(5}Ibl of the Act.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have
come to my attention in connection with the ex2rnination which gives me
Cause to believe that in, any material respect.
accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of
the Act or
the accoun15 do not accord with the accounting records
Independent
examiner's ststement
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection
with the examination to which attention should be drawn In order lo enable a
proper. understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Signed:
Dale:
2011212023
Name:
A C Wright
Relevant professlonal
qualification{s) or body
lif any):
FMAAT
Address:
Unit 4 Green Farm, Fritwell, Bicester OX27 7QU
IER
October 2018