International Needs UK at 50

Celebrating a Journey of Faith, Partnership and Shared Mission

Our founding trustees at International Needs UK established the charity in 1976, marking 50 years of ministry, partnership, and service. This is a moment of gratitude, reflecting on God’s provision and looking ahead with renewed vision.

Ray Harrison pictured with his wife

What started as a calling through Ray Harrison at Lausanne in 1974 has grown into a global movement rooted in relationship, humility, and holistic mission.

From the very beginning, International Needs has been guided by a unique philosophy: ministry is most effective when it is locally led, where locals understand the culture, language, and context, yet it is supported globally.

Sponsorship coordinators from across the IN Network came together in early 2026 to share ideas, connect with one another, and strengthen the team

Instead of imposing solutions, we seek to stand alongside local leaders who know their communities, cultures, and challenges. This “shoulder-to-shoulder” approach has enabled the work to be both authentic and sustainable.

It acknowledges that God is already active in every context, and our role is not to lead from a distance but to walk together in mutual trust and respect.

Executive Directors from around the International Needs Network, pictured together in Kenya, 2025

As we celebrate IN UK’s anniversary, we reflect on one of the important lessons we have learned along the way. In many Western contexts, there has often been a tendency to separate the gospel into two distinct spheres: proclamation and social action. Evangelism is sometimes seen as spiritual work, while addressing poverty, injustice, and community needs is viewed as secondary or optional.

Yet our global partners have consistently reminded us that this is a false divide. In many of the cultures where International Needs serves, the gospel is understood as inherently holistic. Word and deed are not in competition; they are inseparable expressions of God’s love.

Luke 4:18-19

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor… freedom for the prisoners… recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free…”

To proclaim good news without demonstrating it in tangible ways is incomplete. Likewise, to serve communities without pointing to the hope found in Christ would miss the fullness of the message.

Children attending our Bible Club in Korogocho, Kenya

Through decades of partnership, we have been challenged and enriched by this integrated vision of mission that calls us to embody the gospel as well as speak it.

This is captured beautifully in an African proverb that has become deeply meaningful to our journey: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

ED’s from across the IN Network hold hands and pray together

Over the past 50 years, International Needs has chosen the path of going together. It is not always the quickest or easiest route, but it is the one that leads to deeper impact, stronger relationships, and lasting transformation.

IN Uganda’s Dr Gerald (far left), and IN UK’s Danny laughs with Revd. Justus Miwanda (centre)

As we celebrate this golden anniversary, we honour the countless individuals, churches, and communities who have walked this journey with us.

We give thanks for the leaders who have faithfully served in their local contexts, often with courage and sacrifice.

A student from Makonge Primary School smiles

And we look ahead with hope, believing that the same principles that have guided us thus far, local leadership, global partnership, and a holistic gospel, will continue to shape our future.

The story of International Needs is not just about what has been achieved, but about how we have learned to walk together.

And as we step into the next chapter, we do so with a shared commitment to go further, together.

Written by Danny Morris, Executive Director