Who We Are...
Brass Tacks is a registered charity whose primary aim is to provide practical help such as manpower and expertise to those involved in Christian mission. We have been in operation since 1986 and have worked on over 150 projects mainly in Europe and Sub-Sahara Africa.
Mission Statement
- Our mission is to relieve missionaries and full-time Christian workers of their maintenance, mechanical and building work.
- We build new or renovate existing buildings.
- We encourage Christians by involving them in mission work.
- We provide local workers with hands-on training during the course of the project.
With the exception of our three full-time workers, all of the work is undertaken by volunteers who have skills appropriate to the particular project. Our biggest needs are generally for those with building, electrical and plumbing skills.
Volunteers
Should you wish to be added to our list of potential volunteers, you will need to complete an application form which can be downloaded from our downloads page.
Project Proposals
If you have a project proposal for us, please make initial contact by email, and we will advise from there. Brass Tacks provide expertise and labour, we do not provide funds for building materials, the purchase of materials is the responsibility of the people who request the project.
Brass Tacks Directors
Sam Philips
Sam is a Chartered Civil Engineer and has spent 40 years in Consultancy. He has a longstanding interest in mission and has visited mission workers in Africa, India, Pakistan and Hong Kong as well as in Europe. He is a Board member and Trustee of the North West Zambia Development Trust which has developed the Zengamina hydro-electric scheme for Kalene Mission Hospital and its surrounding District and visits Zambia annually since 2005. Sam is a member and Home Group Leader of Scrabo Hall Church, Newtownards, N Ireland.
David Thorp
David has been a volunteer working on several projects working in Zambia at Mambilima on the school building for children with special needs and also at Kalene Mission hospital operating theatre. He is a chartered building surveyor.
Paul Trotman
Paul, formerly a draughtsman, is now director of a property maintenance company. He is in fellowship at Litchard Mission Church.
Colin Haxton
Colin is employed in finance for the hiring of equipment for the construction industry. He serves as an elder at Kirkliston Community Church.
Jim Armstrong
Jim is General Director of Echoes International, an organisation which supports the work of the Gospel worldwide.
Alan Park, Executive Director
Alan has been a missionary for 20 years in Central Africa and is now in fellowship at Baillieston Gospel Church. Alan is a member of the Advisory Council of Echoes International. Sheila, Alan’s wife works as administrator for Brass Tacks.