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the original Hetton Hall Lease ( Skinner, John unedited document 1991)

Extract: 2. Northumbria Ministries

“Covenanted together in the love of Jesus, we are a group of Christian friends who share a common vision and concern to see God’s Kingdom extended in the area covered by the ancient Kingdom of Northumbria, from the Forth to the Humber.

We share a common commitment to our local churches and seek to serve other churches through servant ministries that support and encourage the building up of the church and the realization of God`s Kingdom, in ministry among individuals, families, groups and fellowships.”

Holy Island 25th June 1989

Northumbria Ministries began as an informal association of Christians in the North East who shared a common heart for mission in Northumbria. Under the leadership of the Rev. Roy Searle, a Baptist Minister, friends would be called together for times of prayer and retreat on Holy Island and to undertake ‘mission’ in various churches throughout Northumbria.

While remaining faithful to their local churches, the members of Northumbria Ministries developed a wider ministry of mission and evangelism throughout Northumbria.

Towards the end of 1989, Northumbria Ministries met with Nether Springs, with John and Roy having previously known each other from their College days, it soon became clear, that a union of The Nether Springs with Northumbria Ministries was part of the purpose of God, and in 1990 the two merged to become one, under the banner of The Nether Springs Trust. Since 1990, The Nether Springs has been the “Home of Northumbria Ministries” and the acquisition of Hetton Hall will provide a more suitable base for our shared ministry of prayer and mission.