Q&A: Philip Weatherill

How did you and Laura meet? At the Perth Church of the Nazarene in Scotland.

Most interesting journey you’ve taken? Marriage (that's good interesting!).

What would we be surprised to learn about you? I am not the most patient person in the world.

Share about your “call” to biochemistry. My ambition was to be a medical doctor. As I sought His will, the Lord firmly shut that door. I went to university to study biochemistry and by continuing to follow the Lord's guidance I am now working in the pharmaceutical industry. My training has developed my logical and factual thinking. My time in this industry has given me experience in business and leadership so that the Lord can use me in the church.

Explain your occupation. I am responsible for ensuring that drug products are safe for patients to use.

Best aspect of your career? Being able to make a difference for patients by developing new and better treatments.

What does someone with a PhD in biochemistry do for fun? I enjoy photography, walking in the countryside, and watching sports.

How do you feel about Jennifer’s call to missions? A difficult question. From a spiritual perspective, I am delighted, happy, and thrilled that Jennifer is following the Lord's will for her life. From a human perspective, it was hard to see our daughter leave home not knowing where she will be going, where she will be living, and what she will be facing.

I am convinced that there is a “missions call to the family.” Neither Laura nor I had a direct call to missions, but our call came when we had to decide whether or not to support our only daughter. It was a no-brainer. Thankfully, my career has brought me air miles, and with Skype and email, communication is easier and more frequent than in the early days. Laura offered Jennifer antenatal and postnatal advice from England via Skype when Jennifer was in Peru.

Being the father of a missionary is _______? Interesting. As I stated during the “father of the bride” speech at Jennifer’s wedding to Doug, many exotic holiday destinations are available to us.

Where do Jennifer and Doug serve? Sofia, Bulgaria. Previously in Lima, Peru. Tirana, Albania. Pristina, Kosovo.

How did you become involved in NMI? My interest was stimulated by my parents sharing children’s missionary reading books to me as family devotions when I was young. Add in missionaries staying in our home when on home assignment (Eades, Ainscough, Singletons, Bedwells, and many others) and I was hooked. My first direct involvement was as local NMI president at age 27, and then as district NMI mission education secretary at age 28.

What is NMI’s purpose? To mobilise [sic] the church in mission. To provide the means for people to channel their spiritual passions for others into practical missions experiences.

Three main areas of your NMI president responsibilities?

1. Work with the Global Mission and Global NMI directors to understand the strategy of Global Mission.

2. Lead the Global NMI Council to interpret that strategy into practical ways in which people can participate and to enable the church to meet that strategy for advancing the kingdom of God.

3. Take every opportunity to motivate others to become involved in, or to increase their commitment to, the Great Commission.

NMI’s centennial is in 2015. Is NMI relevant today? NMI has never been more relevant. In today's cultures of self-sufficiency and self-focus (even photography is full of “selfies”), NMI is a vital support to pastors in lifting peoples’ eyes to see the wider world. NMI encourages people to see the world’s spiritual and physical needs, and provides ways in which individuals may use their gifts and talents to make a difference.

What does NMI offer the Church of the Nazarene? NMI enables people in local churches to participate in the work of the international church.

Advice for other laypeople? Get totally involved in NMI—NMI has many facets so there is something for everyone.

Share about being NMI district president (DP) of the British Isles South District (BISD). I will be resigning as DP of BISD in March 2015 following our move to Scotland. Leading the district NMI for a total of 16 years has been a privilege, challenge, and opportunity. I have been able to work alongside many others who share my passion for missions.

What makes you laugh? One-liner humor and scientific humor. My grandkids say that I am funny—I think that is a positive comment!

Favorite scripture passage? Jeremiah chapter 29 verse 11.

Please note: All facts, figures, and titles were accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of original publication but may have since changed.