Dear friends,

It is with mixed emotions that I share with you that our dear friend and founder of the ministry in London, Elgin Taylor, has passed into eternity. On the one hand, I am saddened to know that I will never be able to hear his voice of encouragement or glean from his advice and prayers; however, on the other hand, I am encouraged by the fact that he is now at rest in the presence of the Father. At long last, his labor and struggles are finally over.

An ex-marine, Elgin was one of two original students of Christians in Action and, along with his wife Dorothy, were the first two African/American students of C in A. After serving 4 years in Japan, they headed to Nigeria to serve as missionaries there, but after a short time, they were forced to depart due to civil war in the country. The Lord directed them to London where they began life in a one-room “bed-sitter” in the suburb of Brixton. Together they established an evangelism and missionary training school and spearheaded the purchase of our offices in Thornton Heath in 1970. They also planted the church of which I am now pastor and lead the purchase of our building in Addiscombe in 1979.

This was not the end of their achievements together. They returned to the US in 1980, first to start a recruitment ministry to target African/Americans for missions, and by 1982 became the CEO of Christians in Actions Missions International. This made Elgin the first African/American CEO of a predominantly white mission organization in the USA. Elgin raised the profile of C in A and through his leadership the organization moved to a 60-acre site near Visalia California. Once again, Elgin’s leadership resulted in brand new office facilities for the ministry. He built bonds of friendship and cooperation within the community on every level.

Elgin took on the responsibility of the ministry during a very turbulent time. The transition was necessary. I was able to witness his leadership firsthand as he dealt with issue after issue, with dignity and grace, both at home and abroad. Years after returning to the US, Elgin annually returned to London to deal with problems that arose from various transitions and other leadership challenges. He and Dorothy eventually retired from the office of President but continued in ministry until his health made it impossible to travel. Even in “retirement”, they established a ministry in Ghana helping purchase property and land to support the indigenous leadership. Elgin established a ministry called “Tell International” which continues to share the vision of missions and encourage African/American involvement to this day.

Perhaps you can tell why I began by saying that I have mixed emotions at this time. His wisdom, knowledge, love, and prayers will be greatly missed. But, at last, Elgin rests from his labours and has entered into the joy of the Lord! This great man has passed from this earth and will be greatly missed!

Your brother,

Freddie Roberson

PS: Please remember Dorothy and the entire family in your prayers during this difficult time.