In the past few months, TEN has undergone some changes to staff. With heavy hearts, we say goodbye to two excellent team members, but with joy, we welcome two new people.
James Chilcott (Chilli)
Finance & Data Manager
By Naomi Greenwood, Communications & Operations Officer at TEN
It’s been such a pleasure to work with Chilli. He is funny, creative, incredibly patient, kind and excellent at what he turns his hands to. We have all felt great assurance that donations and grants have been stewarded well and faithfully to further God’s work, and we’ve been equipped to work efficiently and confidently. All of us will miss our dear colleague, friend and brother in Christ very much.
Chilli adds, “I remember the amazing sense of family at the supporter and partner conferences. Hearing partners’ stories first hand and worshipping together was a wonderful reminder of God’s call to every tribe, tongue and nation and how we are one family in Jesus. TEN’s faithful supporters have generously supported the work of partners over many years. In coming together at those conferences, it underlined the amazing way God works so faithfully through his people, bringing heaven to earth—His kingdom come, His will be done.”
Melanie Griffiths
Supporter & Churches Officer
By James Vaughton, Chief Executive Officer at TEN
Melanie has faithfully served TEN for over nine years. Her energy, fun and commitment to God’s work has always been so clear. Melanie’s love of building relationships and interaction with supporters, church leaders and volunteers has borne much fruit. It has been particularly encouraging to witness several new partnerships established between churches in the UK and the Balkans. We will miss Melanie and also the occasional cameo appearances of her cat Claude, on video calls! Melanie leaves a great legacy for us to build on.
Melanie adds, “There have been so many highlights! New church partnerships. Walking the virtual Via Egnatia—300 miles for TEN—during lockdown. Standing on the real Via Egnatia after lockdown. Meeting long-term supporters and hearing their stories. Walking the Lindisfarne Causeway with Gillian and Roger Daniel. Partners’ conferences in Bulgaria—their passion for the gospel. Team trips to Bulgaria, Albania and fulfilling the ‘Macedonian Call’ in North Macedonia. Carol Partridge’s incredible garage sales! A massive thank you to our wonderful supporters, Ambassadors, Country Champions, volunteers, partners and above all my very special TEN colleagues, past and present. I will miss you, but it’s au revoir, not adieu!”
Robbie Palmer
Mission Support Worker
Hello, I am Robbie. I first heard of TEN when my church mentioned a mission trip to Croatia.
I didn’t end up going, but I still had a meeting with TEN, as they said they would like to get to know me.
Less than a year later, I went to Bulgaria to help at Refresh—TEN’s International Partner Conference—through another charity I’m connected to. I found the whole trip very interesting, but I was particularly interested by the partners themselves and what God was doing through them in their respective locations.
I have recently moved back to Bristol and will be working at TEN for six months before attending Bible college in September. During my time here, I will be processing partner newsletters and co-leading a TENteams mission trip to Croatia in early July.
Clare Jefferis
Trusts Fundraiser
Hello! I’m Clare and I’m helping TEN with trusts fundraising, working part-time.
I am a fundraising consultant and have borrowed a desk at TEN since autumn 2020, doing my own work, but in a friendly office environment. As I work mostly from home, leaving my house to work in the TEN office is a really important part of my week; and is such a social and spiritual encouragement. The team are very welcoming; I’ve joined their prayers at 10am and feel very included.
I have undertaken a few small trust fundraising projects for TEN and have volunteered for various TEN events. I’m hoping to raise lots of funds for TEN and their partners!
Outside work, I am a bellringer and keen quizzer. I am trustee of John Muir Trust and Bristol Diocese. I live locally to the TEN office with Tim and two children who are mostly at university.
