The Crosslinks' Web Interview, June 2003

Time for your intrepid investigator to go into the dangerous regions of the Mission Department office. Here I found the latest new recruit to the London office - Marlene Forsythe -Gidharry.

Marlene, how did you find 251 Lewisham Way?

Not difficult at all - I was born and brought up in South East London! I've lived most of my adult life in London apart from a few years away studying in Colchester and two years teaching English in Botswana.

Tell us about your family...

I'm married to Darryl and we have three children - Nathaniel (16), Arman (7) and Tsamaija (4). Our family reflect a rich cultural diversity which includes Finnish, Jamaican, St Lucian, and Indian. My brother's wife is Polish so our family 'get-togethers' make for a very interesting time!

Apart from sorting out the family, what ambitions do you have?

I have a number of ambitions... Probably most immediate is to 'master' the saxophone which I am currently teaching myself to play. I'd like to travel the world with my family and perhaps even 'settle' in another part of the world eventually. Most important, however, is a deep desire to develop my Christian ministry.

What were you doing before coming to Crosslinks?

I've joined Crosslinks after 16 years teaching and having recently completed my National Professional Qualification for Headship. I'm very excited by the work Crosslinks is doing and equally excited by the contribution I can make in this area of ministry. Joining the Crosslinks team is very much an opportunity to draw closer to God, identify myself with the Universal Church - which is the Body of Christ- and align myself with His plan. 

Apart from drinking coffee, what do you do at the office?

I organise  the home-leave programme for mission partners. This includes church visits,  flights, medical appointments and queries about cars, freight, housing and retreats. I also set up debriefs for returning mission partners and keep the database up to date with their changes of address, telephone or email. 

I am responsible for developing and co-ordinating a new short-term missions programme called NEXT. It seeks to reach married couples who are 'would be SMILErs' and those over 30 years of age. A particular feature of this programme is its emphasis on recruiting Christians who are 50+.

Thanks, Marlene - maybe we'll manage to get you and the saxophone doing a performance on the web before too long!

Come back soon for another in depth interview!

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