Inspired
“Standing outside an ancient church on Mokattam Mountain in Egypt, my eyes were transfixed by an old lady rummaging through manure. She wanted something to eat or sell...anything to help her survive. I sensed God calling me to dedicate my life to people like her – trapped by the curse of terrible material poverty. Looking back, this was the catalyst that led to the start of Mission Direct…” Nigel Hyde, Founder, 1997
Challenged
Nigel spent several years with an existing mission organisation, but continued to feel the need for a different kind of ‘mission opportunity’. If you couldn’t put your life on hold for years - you had nothing to offer. However, Nigel sensed that lots of people wanted to help the vulnerable in a practical way that didn’t spell giving up their homes and jobs. A profound win-win developed that is now Mission Direct.
Mission Direct is born
Nigel founded Mission Direct with three friends - Lawrence Jones, Tim Martindale and Ronnie Fleming - in late 2004. Each founder had previous experiences of overseas mission work and strong relationships with deserving partners. Initially, it was mostly friends and colleagues that tried out these two week trips, but word spread about the impact being made and the incredible, life-changing experience on offer.
Mission Direct today
Mission Direct now works in 8 locations - a few less than before the pandemic - supported by an amazing team. CEO, Nigel left Mission Direct in 2014 when he moved to start a charity in Sierra Leone, appointing Alan McCormick as his successor. Alan spent 5 years with Mission Direct, retiring in 2019 and handed the reins over to Wil Horwood who joined after having spent 12 years as CEO for Hope Worldwide.