Middle East Reformed Fellowship (England & Wales) 44 Hamilton Road. Hayes, Middlesex. UB3 3AS Registered Charlty No: 1044672 ANNUAL REPORT 2023 Trustees: Dr. lain Wright, Orland Park (Hon. Chairman) Rev. Douglas Mccallum, Cambridge Mr. David Umpleby, Banbury Rev. Stephen Dancer, Solihull Mr. John Mcclean, Antrim Support Committee Members: Rev. Timothy Burden is employed by MERF (En8land/Wales). He is a member of the Committee of Management of MERF and is full-time co-ordinator of the Augustine Biblical Training Programme. Carol Jesudason is the Treasurer. The Deed of Trust is dated 5th February 1995 and registered with the Charity Commission in England and Wales with the aim of promoting the spread of the Christian Faith in Arab lands and beyond through work of the Middle East Reformed Fellowship (MERF). MERF is a gospel-centred, evangelistic Fellowship of indigenous churches, workers, and their 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 the MERF Statement of Faith, by encouraging fellowship and fostering co-operation between Reformed Churches. training and supporting national pastor5 and evangelists, evangelism, church planting, and the distribution of aid through the agency of indigenou5 churches. Our relationship with the Middle East Reformed Fellowship (our partner): Our partnership with MERF 15 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 {IFRSs} as adopted by the European Union. The annual accounts are audited by a firm of Certified Public Accountants and Registered Auditors in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (ISAS). Operating Pollcy: All gifts are used in accordance with the donor's 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 UK/EU or US sanctions.
Monitoring and verifylng end use of charltable funds: Robust mechanisms of management and a close working relationship between MERF (England/Wales) and MERF ordinarily ensure a good degree of monitoring of projects and verification that grant funds are spent on the projects for which they were intended. The global pandemic (2020-2022) curtailed some aspects of monitoring our activity which will be restored as restrictions continue to be lifted. Income: The total income for the work from churches and individuals in 2023 rose compared to income for 2022 by approximately 9%. Reserves Policy: MERF England/Wales is a grant-making charity and the bulk of incorne is submitted to MERF International Headquarters in Cyprus. Grant funds are transmitted to the bank account of MERF International when requested. At each 5ubrnission a minimum of £40,000 is retained in the MERF England/Wales bank account to cover operating costs for a year. Operating costs encompass primarily the salary of one employee with associated employment costs, and costs of travel. Other costs (postage, stationery, etc) are minimal. MERF (England & Wales) Promotional work: The bi-monthly newsletter is produced and distributed to 3,000 recipient5 in England, Wales and Scotland. The work of MERF is also promoted at meetings at supporting churches and conferences, and through the MERF (England/Wales) website (merf.org.ukl. Statement of Publlc Benefit: MERF {England/Wales) works to promote the spread of the Christian Faith in Muslim lands 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 languages, 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 barriers that impede the work of foreign missionaries. However, in Muslim countrie5 Christians are a minority grouping and, in some countries, they face severe repression and persecution. MERF work5 to strengthen their faith, build up their confidence to evangelise, and equip them to disciple new believers. and, a5 the Bible is central to the growth of the Christian, MERF seeks to equip churches through biblical training. MERF also supplies diaconal aid via indigenous churches to meet immediate practical need in a crisis but always with the aim of equipping people to be as self-sufficient as is po55ible. In pursuing these goals, the charity engages in many projects that serve the public benefit including the advancement of religion, the advancement of education, the prevention and relief of poverty, and the promotion of health.
l. The Advancement of Religion.. MERF is a gospel-centred, evangelistic Fellowship of indigenous churches, workers, and their supporters. 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 is directed to evangelism through gospel broadcasting by terrestrial and internet-based radio, literature distribution and the regular preaching, teaching and pastoral ministries of indigenous churches. MERF broadcasts the gospel in fourteen languages. MERF'5 training centres that provide both language and theological training for Christian pastors and evangelists, also operate as locations for international churches and host regular services of public worship and Sunday schools for the spiritual education of children. 2. The Advancement of Educotion.. MERF supports the education of more than 2750 children through the Nasim Memorial Calvin Acadernies in Pakistan, and funds a scholarship programme for Turkana children in Kenya. A number of the Bible-training centres also provide education in additional discipline5, For example, students at Lokichoggio also benefit from intensive instruction in the English language; students at the training centres in Indonesia also receive instruction in animal husbandry and crop cultivation; students in Pakistan also receive instruction in animal husbandry, crop cultivation and sewing. The teaching of these additional skills is intending to facilitate greater self-sufficienry. 3. The Prevention or Rellef of Poverty.. Diaconal aid (i.e. humanitarian aid} is distributed to and through local churches. Indonesia - Diaconal aid is regularly distributed through local churches for the relief of poverty. Diaconal Aid was specifically directed to the relief of suffering in different regions caused by floods and drought. Instruction is given in animal husbandry and crop cultivation, and a co-op start-up scheme supports students in becoming self-sufficient, and creating a more resilient community. Kenyo- MERF grants 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- Aid is regularly distributed to poor pastors and evangelists. Also, tents, maize and fishing nets have been distributed to people displaced by the civil conflict and suffering the effects of flood and famine. 4. The Promotlon of Health.. MERF supported the Baraka Presbyterian Church in Bethlehem in supplying 12 oxygen machines for high priority patients at the local h05Pital; and supports two clinics in Lahore, Pakistan.
CURRENT MERF PROJEcrs: Grant funds are used in support of the full range of charitable activities of MERF: Gospel Broadcasting: The MERF broadcasts are designed to make known the full impact of human sinfulness and the remedy found in the riches of the redemptive grace of Christ. Personalized follow-up of listeners responding to the broadcasts is provided by means of Skype, correspondence, literature and, where possible, pastoral visitation and discipling 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. - Arabic Medic Ministry.. The Arabic Media Ministry brings God's Word to millions of Arabic-speaking people in the Middle East; as it is an internet service this ministry has a global reach. The ministry has been extended with the introduction of new programmes in Specific Arabic dialects. A new YouTube channel has been launched broadcasting live interactive programmes four days each week and which receives fruitful and encouraging responses. In addition to downloadable audio files of past programmes and biblical teaching on many subjects, the websites also host downloadable pdf files of Sunday School materials and numerous Christian e-books. Our partner churches in Egypt provide more than 50% of the Arabic Media costs. - Fatsi Media Ministry.. The Farsi Media Ministry reaches millions of Farsi-5peaking people in Iran, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan: however, as it is an internet seniice this ministry has a global reach. The ministry operates two websites: Radio Shodkami and Rodio Roshdino. In addition to its daily broadcasts, it hosts several hundred videos and numerous Christian e-books and booklets, many of which have been downloaded many times. Personalized follow-up of listeners responding to the broadcasts is provided by means of Skype, correspondence and literature. - Terrestrlal Broudcastlng.. 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 in fifteen languages: Arabic; Dinka and Nuer (South Sudan)," Amharic, Oromo, and Somali (Ethiopia & Somalia}' Farsi (Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Iran); Arnazight (Morocco, Algeria. Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Mali, Niger, Mauritania) Bahasa, Javanese, Sundanese, Toraja, Bugis and Makassarese (Indonesia); and, Urd (Pakistan). Bible Training Ministry: Bible-training is conducted at centres in Ethiopia, Kenya, Sulawesi, Java, Pakistan, Beirut and Egypt. MERF (England/Wales) continues to be directly involved in the bible-training work based at Lokichoggio, Kenya; and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Rev. Tim Burden {employed by MERF England/Wales) has overall responsibility for the Bible-training prograrnme in Kenya and Ethiopia, and is involved in planning 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 videos for use at the training centres and online, and has been providing training to the Nuer radio producers. Additional Field Ministries: Kenya- The international church at the training centre compound continues to grow and now exceeds 300 in regular attendance. In January 2021 twenty-five converts were baptised. 98 children attend Sunday School and shelters are being built in several villages to house meetings. Diaconal aid {maize distribution) has been distributed several times during the year and local Turkana are given free access to fresh water from the MERF compoLtnd bore hole. MERF continues to fund a scholarship programme for local Turkana children.
South Sudan- MERF continues to work in support of the Presbyterian Church of South Sudan which has 15,000 congregations. MERF supports poor pastors and evangelists. Millions of people have been displaced by the civil war Ipolitical/tribal division) that has continued for several years. In these distressing circumstances, MERF contributes to the material support of PCOSS ministers and evangelists, and provides Diaconal aid to the displaced. Diaconal Aid in the form 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 Nuer language to South Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda. Enquirers who respond to the broadcasts receive follow-up by email if personal follow-up is not possible. Phone cards loaded with 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. Ethiopia -The work in Ethiopia has faced several challenges during 2021. conflict between the Federal and regional governments has displaced 2 million and led to large-scale destruction of crops and herds. Insecurities prevent farming, 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. Persecution of churches and individuals has increased; several churches have been burnt, and many families suffer social and economic difficulties. Full-time ministers struggle to survive. Each week the MERF team make three 30-minute radio programmes in the three major languages of Ethiopia (Amharic, Oromo, & Somali). The Biblical Training Programme is taught in two languages (Amharic and Oromo) and is directed at pastors and evangelists of existing churches. Seminars are organised for various church workers, especially 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 theological books to be used as text books on the training course, and inclusion in a new study library for the use of pastors and church workers. Diaconal aid is used to support > 614 poor full-time ministers. and their families {3,070 individuals). - There is an evangelistic work among Somali people in Ethiopia and Somalia. Indonesia-The work in Indonesia raises more than 400A of its own income through a co-op start-up scheme that helps farmers purchase and raise pigs and grow dragon fruit. The small profit-share is repaid and re-invested to support others in becoming self-sufficient. MERF also provides scholarships for less privileged children to attend school. Sulawesi & Malang Work has continued to transfer the terrestrial broadcasting {in Makassarese, Toraja, and Bugis) to web-based radio broadcasting, allowing the service to be expanded. Radio programming in Sundanese has been expanded with additional staff appointed. - The MERF trauma-healing centre set-up at Palau to support survivors the 2019 tsunami continues its work, but ha5 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 schools. Java - Work has continued to transfer the terrestrial broadcasting (in 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 to support pastors in their teaching ministry. The Bible training centre5 continue to serve the churches, providing online instruction for church leaders and evangelists and, training Sunday School teachers and children's workers.
Pak15tsn-Through the MERF partnershlp with the 'Blble-believlng Church of Lahore", MERF support5 tr4lnSn8 at thelr seminary whlch provldes tralnin8 for pastors and church workers. These pastors and workers are Involved In church-plant1 prOttS and runnln8 numerous Ilteracy centres. - There are four Nasim Memorlal Cal¥ln Hl8h Schools teachln8 more rhan 2750 children; two clinics; and several sewlnB ontres where women are tsu8ht skills to enable them to be self.supportiftB. Lebanon- Worklng with the Lebanon Refomied Fellpwshlp, frAERF has been teachln8 ond tralnlng many Kurdlsh and Druze people who have professed falth In Jesus Chrlst and fomied churche$ In Lebanon. Many Musllms have been attendln8 serylces. - thconal ald has been used to relleve the sufferlng of refts8ees; to provlde PTSD counselllng to refugees. and to asslsttheir return to thelr hoDKland fOllNIng the cessotlon of h¢)stilitles. Moro¢co-A new fteld has opened up ITr MrKocco wlth a team of Chrlrtlan$ entlrely composed of former Musllms. Presentty the team is c0n¢entrntl upon the productlon of programmes In Amazi8hL the language of Berber people Ing in Morocco, Aerfa, Tunlsla, Ubya, E8VPL Mall, Nlger. and Maurlt•nla. Thi5 rnlnlstry operates via soclal medla platform (eg. Facebook). Personallzed follow- up of Ilslen¢rs respondlng to the broadcasts ss prMed by means Of Skype, correspondence and literature whlch b produced In Mornccan Arablc and ArnighL -The Heidelberl Catechlsm translation project continues and Is made •vailable online as a 1. Iraq-The Gulf Wars and the subsequent Insurgenw led to the destruction offlve of the slx chur¢hes MERF partnered wlth in Iraq. The reMaIni thurth isonly IIY% Its fonner 5trengttrL The Arabk medka mlntstry ts effect Di encouraginB the Chrlsllans remalnir4 In Ir49. The Trustee5 are pleased wlth what has been achleved thls year. We ackrtowledge with thankfulness the SUC of the stated aimg of the Fellowshlp In Its Nimerous mlftlstrfes, and the vrdy In whkh these have been sustslned. We are zratefvl to be able to fitInUe playing an artlve role in the oryanlzatlon and extenslon of the traInI progrnmmes throu8h the support of kty workers and that promotlonal matsrlals developed for use England Wale5 have proved $0 useful in tbe promotlonal work of other natlonal support ¢ommtttee$. We 8lve thanks to God for the on*olng 8¢neros1ty of Chfistian people in End and Wales who have falthfvlty supported ourwork and for the wllllngness of frlends to Serve In support of gospel mlnlstry in Musllm land5. Dr laln Wtlghf fchqlrnwn of Tru5teésl Mf Davld Um If. Iz. 102¥
CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WAIES Middle East Reformed Fell¢)wship IEngland & Wales) 1044672 Recei ments accounts CC16a For the period from 0110112023 3111212023 To Section A Receipts and payments Unrestricted funds Restrl¢ted funds to tho nearest£ Endowment funds to the nearest £ Total funds Lastyear to the nearest to the neamt£ to the nearest£ A1 Recel ts t)Qnali$. Geneia Funds ta¥ rèjaifftsl Donaiions.. Dlaconal18arthgAes1 cnatIons.. Diaconal Ictherl Oonalions.. Bibh'cal TfainiT¥J tJonalion5.' 8roadr2siing Donations.. National EV9181$ Dorbatiorts.. Ltterature- TarEonla 157,225 159.674 18.836 1.157 5.101 610 18,8 1,157 5,101 610 1,275 4.740 1.170 180 2.01)0 tota ross income or AR) 157.225 26.263 183,488 169,039 an see table . nves en sa A3Pa ments Grarpis. GenErd gfft Grarts- Diaconal Lebarv)n Graftts- Oiaconal Soth StxJa) Grants- Oia(wo1 Pak15t Granls- DlaconBI Earthquakes GrBrrts- Diatx)Tral othar Grarrts- BibliG81 Training Grarrts- Brol¢S¢1g & Evaroelism lrfl BibleTr¥AniTYJ- Siafcosl8 IncdIng travel Cypnts ministry Insur8 50,0( 90,000 22.000 30.640 300 160 15 15,448 691 5.856 870 300 160 15 15.448 691 5,856 870 56.323 1.132 711 2,781 6,116 140,402.41 34.405 2S.420 60,86S 43.498 56.323 1.132 711 2.781 6.116 117,063 604 2,230 8.937 315,793 Pr¢Jmotion Ruming costs Sub total 23.340 A4 Asset and investment Sub total 117,063 23,340 140.402 315.793 Not of receIpt(paYMents) AS Tran8f8rs between funds A6 Cash funds last year 8nd Cash funds this year end 40,162 2.92 43,085 146,7 40,158 80,320 01 47, 90,244 9.925 47,15
Scctioii, B Stateiiieiit of assets and liabilities at tlic eiid of tlie perioil Unr••th¢t•d nd• C60011•5 BI Cmh fund• 17 Tol•l 6Y•h 08ts119 PiiitNwn• ITr
CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examinerfs report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the tru8tsesl members of MIDDLE EAST REFORMED FELLOWSHIP (ENGLAND & WALES) On accounts for the year ended 31 Dember 2023 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 (Ihe Trusf) for the year ended 3111212023. Responsibllities and As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the weparation basis of report of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 nhe Acr). I report in resped of my examinatlon of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in canying out my examination. I have followed the applicable Diredions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. I have completed my examination. I confimi that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination 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 accounts do not accord with the accounting records Independent examiner's statement I have no COnmS 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: Date: 1511212024 Name: A C Wright Relovant professlonal quallficatlon(s) or body (rf any): FMAAT Address: Unit 4 Green Fami, Fritwell, Bicesler OX27 7QU IER October 2018