In 1971 three missionary training colleges combined to form All N
ations at its present site at Easneye near Ware in Hertfordshire. Since then it has become one of the largest centres in Western Europe for the training of missionaries, offering Open University-validated undergraduate and postgraduate programmes as well as a range of non-validated options from short courses up to diploma level.
It’s beautiful, rural setting belies the fact that it is only just over 20 miles from the City of London and about the same distance from the busy airports of Stansted and Luton - a great advantage to its students as half of them come from outside of the UK. The staff is also international and this enhances the movement to a non-western attitude to mission.
When students arrive at 'Easneye Mansion' they find a wonderful old house that was the home of the godly Buxton family. The Buxtons played a key role in the Abolition of Slavery Bill and then various family members went out to be missionaries in Africa and Japan. Daily family prayers were held in the Main Hall so the College enjoys a rich heritage of prayer and involvement in mission.
Just as the Buxton family moved into their new home in 1868 they were encouraged to receive a letter from "Granny" Hannah Buxton expressing the prayerful longing that the building
"might ever be inhabited by faithful servants of God ... that Christ might be honoured and served there... and that this place be a fountain of blessing to the church and to the world".
Today we celebrate this wonderfully prophetic prayer!
Download more information on the Buxton family written by R.E Davies
Download 'All Nations at Easneye 1964-1999' by R. E. Davies
