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Mark and Judith Woolley and their two sons, spent 10 years overseas with WEC International until they returned to the UK with an idea to somehow provide space and grace for other partners in mission.

Not quite sure how it would happen, they just kept on praying and waiting and resisting the urge to get busy with something else until, finally, the wonderful provision arrived. The Woolley family have now spent over a decade hosting hundreds of people from many nations and agencies.

Judith and Mark never wanted to open a costly retreat house or a specialised counselling centre. Ergata is just a place to pause; to breathe; to chat or to pray; everyone could with that from time to time. Some get to feeling overwhelmed by circumstances and need to hide or heal over a longer period though. While family, mission HQ or sending church can all be supportive, the Woolleys wondered if a suitable somewhere a little more removed might also be useful? Somewhere like Ergata?

With backgrounds in caring professions, Mark and Judith like people, but they’re happy to let their guests have the space they need! Judith is an accomplished artist, cooks amazing Chinese food and can’t say no to a local jumble sale. Mark is an experienced spiritual director, collects gemstones and loves messing about on his motorbike. Over the years they have sat with, prayed with, debriefed, coached and even mediated between many partners in mission but both still remember that helpful, healing hospitality really just starts with friendly, genuine relationships. Having a happy little dog around also helps!