16 Air Assault Brigade is the rapid response unit of the British army, based at Colchester in Essex. Formed in 1999 as a combination of 24 Air Mobile and 5th Airborne, it operates closely with the Apache ground attack force at RAF Wattisham up the road in Suffolk.
One of its key commanders is Major Phil Bray, himself a vibrant Christian, so we can imagine his delight at the news of the appointment of a new full-time evangelist for the Colchester garrison, William Wade, who will transfer from Germany in July.
SASRA presentation
William, from Northern Ireland and a former serving soldier, has been a full time SASRA (Soldiers and Airmen Scripture Readers Association) worker for several years, but is excited about his new posting amongst these specialist front line troops. I first met him at the Leicester minister’s conference in April, and then my wife and I were invited to the Red Lion Hotel in Colchester for his presentation to supporters and local church leaders, hosted by the SASRA executive and former head of the Army, General Lord Dannatt, who is its president. He spoke passionately about his own experiences as a junior officer in the 1960s and 70s and his wholehearted commitment to the gospel amongst the forces today.
SASRA, based in Aldershot, at present has 13 full time missionaries, but is actively seeking to recruit others. William himself will be tasked with reaching the young men and women who would be the first to face the dangers of the battlefield in any operations in which Britain might engage in the years ahead.
Tough and charming
He is a tough but charming character with a heart for the squaddies in the unit. His Ulster twang is quite disarming and his former successes representing the army in the boxing ring brings an interesting twist to his testimony. However he fully understands that charm alone will not win souls for Christ. For that he depends on the sword of the spirit and prayer. SASRA has been on ‘active service’ for 177 years and now includes a number of ministries amongst the RAF.
It is entirely supported by local churches and voluntary donors and aims to increase awareness of its unique opportunities. Its representatives are happy to visit churches and raise the profile of the work. There are a number of publications and Bibles which the organisation uses in its spiritual armoury, specially designed for the forces. More information can be obtained from their up-to date-website.
