Frequently asked questions

Who are Brass Tacks?

The work was set up in 1986 to offer practical and technical help for assembly missionaries and others serving Christ at home and abroad. Brass Tacks have built and extended existing mission properties, churches, Bible camps, hospitals, orphanages and children's homes. Since the work began the full-time workers and volunteers have worked on 5 different Bible Schools, 7 hospitals, 15 church buildings and, 3 radio-recording studios, plus many other types of project. Many volunteers have returned for 3 or 4 trips putting in over 10,000 working days.

Why is it called Brass Tacks?

British Assemblies Tactical Support. "Brass tacks" is a Yorkshire expression used by drapers. When a decision to purchase material was made it was then measured along a line of brass tacks on the back of the counter, which were hammered at 3-inch intervals. It means 'to get on with things, down to basics 'down to Brass Tacks!

What are the objectives?

To save missionaries and nationals from spending time planning and carrying out construction projects and building maintenance thereby enabling them to concentrate on the work to which they have been called.

How does Brass Tacks function?

The work is overseen by Trustees who are very experienced people with a wide knowledge of missionary matters and needs. They receive a monthly report, which includes the whereabouts of all volunteers and full time workers on the various projects. Details of current projects on hand, new applications received and deputation meetings taken are also included.

How does Brass Tacks know which projects to undertake?

Brass Tacks has established criteria, which a Project Selection Group applies to each application. If there are doubts about the project someone may actually go to survey the work. It has proved on some occasions that this has saved a lot of expense and waste of manpower. Sometimes the job is too big for Brass Tacks or maybe planning permission has not been received.

How is Brass Tacks financed?

Brass Tacks is financed by the giving of Churches, individuals and some Charitable Trusts. These funds cover office administration and help towards other travel expenses and equipment.

Who are the volunteers?

Men and women from evangelical churches in the U.K. The minimum age is 16 if accompanied by an older member of their family or 18 unaccompanied. There is no upper age limit but volunteers will need to be in good health and be able to qualify for our insurance.

How do volunteers apply to join a team?

Application forms are available from the office. The information that will be requested covers the applicant's experience in building, D.I.Y. or design skills and involvement in the local church.

How much does it cost to go on a project?

Volunteers will only be required to cover their own travel costs. The cost of the trip is dependent on the location and the number of people travelling together. Once a volunteer is interested in helping on a project the office will then advise him on the costs involved.

Where do volunteers live whilst on the job?

Usually volunteers are guests of the missionaries - all we ask is that they live just as the missionary does.

Who pays for the building work?

The missionary or mission group is responsible for the payment of all materials and equipment.

What qualities do the volunteers need?

They must have practical skills, an ability to work in teams be subject to the overall guidance of the local Christians or missionary and above all must be dedicated to the Lord Jesus Christ. Volunteers must also be committed members of their local fellowship. A statement will be required from the church leadership commending him/her to the work. Once the application is accepted their name will be included in our list. The office will then advise all volunteers on details of projects.

A volunteer must be prepared to adapt as sometimes life is not as comfortable as it is at home. He will need to rely on the Lord to provide for his needs while abroad. The benefits are numerous, as well as having the joy of serving the Lord, he will make new friends and experience another culture.

What sorts of skills are needed?

Builders, plumbers, carpenters, electricians, bricklayers, drivers, roofers, D.I.Y's, mechanics, handymen, plasterers, electrical designers, surveyors, engineers, etc.

Is a medical examination necessary?

When the project is in a third world country Brass Tacks have arrangement with lnterhealth in London, who will give advice about injections and inoculations, etc. A medical examination can be arranged if necessary.

What is the responsibility of the local church?

Local church leaders will he asked to endorse the application. The commendation as used in Acts 14 v 26 is a wholehearted commitment to pray, communicate with, encourage and support the volunteer and his family whilst he is away from home.

What are the benefits to the local church?

The church gets a real uplift in hearing about life in another country when often people and Christian workers may have very little of the comforts that we take for granted.

Who are the trustees?

Denis Cooper (Warrington) Chairman
Dennis, who is a Solicitor, is an elder at Hebron Church, Warrington, UK

Dr Ian Burness (Bristol)
Served as a missionary doctor in Zambia for 11 years and has first hand experience of missionary service. Editor at Echoes of Service. Director of Stewards Co. Ltd. Council member for Tilsley College.

Dr Peter Coates M.B.E. (Kasaji, Congo)
A founder member of Brass Tacks who is a missionary doctor at Kasaji in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He knows from personal experience the value of professional help on the mission field.

Dennis Bowman (Bristol)
Dennis previously was a full time worker with Brass Tacks, and is a carpenter / plasterer by trade.

Paul Trotman (Bridgend)
Paul is a Director of a Property Maintenance company. He is also an elder of his local church.

Jim MacLellan (Peebles)
Has spent his life in the building trade and is actively involved in Missionary support agencies including visiting missionaries. His contacts enable him to learn of projects and give practical advice when required.

Wesley Emerson (Craigavon, N.Ireland.)
He is an elder of the assembly at Ardmore. He is involved in running a family business of building suppliers and is also a Committee member of Harvest Fields.

Bryan Bland (Chelmsford)
Bryan is an elder of the assembly meeting at Tile Kiln Chapel, Chelmsford. He has had long experience of building matters. He is now the Director of Medical Missionary News.

Roger Sheldon
Roger is a church elder in Chelmsford and works part time as our Treasurer.

Brian Davies (Culford) Nr Bury St Edmunds
Brian is Head of language department at a local school. He and his wife Deirdre served the Lord for many years in Kasaji, in the Dem. Rep of Congo.

Who are the full time commended workers?

We currently have two full time workers who leave their families in the UK and travel abroad each year for a minimum of 26 weeks. The office is run from Wallasey by our third full time worker, Executive Director, Colin Breeze.

Colin & Liz Breeze A carpenter by trade who then studied to become a Building Surveyor with the Local Authority. An elder at Hebron Evangelical Church, Wallasey. Joined Brass Tacks in 1990 as Executive Director.

Jim & Anne Smith Carpenter by trade who has run his own small building company. He is a member of Bethany Christian Centre, Houghton-le-Spring. Joined Brass Tacks in 1995.

Jean Price Jean is the News Sheet Editor and Office Manager.

Phil & Deborah Cole Phil is an associate member of Brass Tacks. He is living and working in Zambia and is providing practical and technical electric design and support in association with Brass Tacks.