The Igbo in Nigeria say that every piece of iron is destined for the smithy. I will continue to remember Rev Dr Tim Yates, my benefactor, a vessel of honour beyond just a piece of earthly iron destined for the earthly smithy. Tim, destined for the Ultimate Smithy, God Almighty, through his works continue to evangelise and impact the world for God’s mission.  Tim, a member of staff of the Anglican theological college that forms part of St John’s College, Durham, from 1963 to 1979 and Warden of Cranmer Hall from 1971 until 1979 died on Saturday 16th  January 2016. I salute Tim, one of the leading thinkers in English/Anglican missiology and church ecumenism. Tim, a mission genius with a pastoral heart exhibited his keen interest in multi-cultural mission, evangelism with deep commitment and love to develop and encourage especially African scholars. I remain grateful to Rev Dr Stephen Skuce who formally introduced me to this great scholar and mentor.

I first met Rev Tim towards the end of my Masters degree at Cliff College in 2008. It was in the dinning hall while enjoying my lunch – mashed potatoes and carrots, a man with a fatherly figure came to my table and asked, “Can l join you?” Without hesitation we started the conversation like father and son. Tim had a good and open knowledge about many African scholars and their contributions to academic. He reminded me about the exploits of many African scholars in missiology and ecumenism. He spoke very well about the brilliance of the former Patriarch of Methodist Church Nigeria, Professor Bolaji Idowu when he came to study in UK. When Tim later asked about my plan following the completion of my MA in Leadership, Mission and Renewal at Cliff College, I was short of word as a self (faith) sponsored student. While I was still thinking of an answer, Tim said to me, “Deji, you can do your PhD here, you have what it takes to do it.” Today, to the glory of God and my indebtedness to Tim, Cliff College and others, the conversation in 2008 is a testimony of the great faithfulness of God to me. Tim sowed the seed of the PhD programme that I never thought of. I will for ever be grateful to this great father, scholar, and enabler. Tim did not only sowed the seed, he nurtured it to its fruition. He read all my thesis drafts critically with helpful suggestions. He recommended me as a member of the International Association of Mission Studies, British and Irish Association of Mission Studies, and Society of Ecumenical Studies.

Tim, a theological educator, missiologist and historian during his active days in the ministry and under his headship and with his wife, Mally, who was the first female tutor at ST John’s College ‘first admitted women in 1973 … From 2008 until his death, he was a member of the college’s Development Board, fundraising and consulting on a proposed Learning Resource Centre.’ Tim was a leading member of the Ecclesiastical History Society and coupled with his leadership role as one of Anglican missiologists of his generation, he helped to ‘shaped an area of thinking long neglected in the UK.’ Among his publications is ‘The Conversion of the Maori’, an outstanding book combining Tim’s skills as historian and theologian.  Other publications include Venn and Victorian Bishops Abroad (1978), ‘Christian Mission in the Twentieth Century’ (1994), ‘Twentieth Century Missiology: Issues and Thinkers’ and ‘The Expansion of Christianity’ (2004) leave a legacy of essential reading for anyone interested in mission either home or abroad.’ Tim was one of the founding fathers of the International Association of Mission Studies (IAMS). In the report of the 6th lAMS conference held in Harare, Zimbabwe, January 8-14, 1985, Tim expressed the need for Christians to raise more awareness on human transformation beyond racial barriers.

Tim was Rector of Darley Dale, Matlock, Derbyshire and Diocesan Director of Ordinands. He served as Curate of Tonbridge (Diocese of Rochestery), 1960-63, Priest-in-Charge of Darley with South Darley (Diocese fo Derby), 1979-82, Rector of Darley, 1982-90, and Honorary Canon of Derby Cathedral, 1989-2000, Curate of Ashford-in-the-Water with Sheldon and Great Longstone, 1990-2000. Tim worked with others like George Lovell, Kenneth Cracknell and Martyn Atkins to develop the MA Evangelism course at Cliff College. Tim was an outstanding example of Christian intellectual and spirituality, a missiologist intelligence with an untiring love and ability to anticipate the future and give help regardless of colour or denomination. The joy is that, Tim still speaks through his writing and students like me. Please remember his family in prayer.