Who We Are
We’re a community of believers passionate about growing in faith and sharing the love of Jesus.
About Us
The FirstServe programme is supported by Echoes International, in partnership with GLO (Tilsley College) and Counties. It is designed to bring young people closer to God and spark a vision for serving Him across the world. Established in 2010, FirstServe has been created as a stepping stone programme that develops and prepares young people for future service, whether at home or on the mission field.
We ensure that each FirstServer is cared for and supported throughout the FirstServe programme. Programme supervisors will be assigned at each step of the way, and the FirstServe coordination team are on hand if the young person has any questions or needs additional support. We also believe it is vitally important to create a lasting partnership with the FirstServer’s home church and work with them to support the young person.
Meet The Team
Abigail Rankin
Abigail lives in Aberdeen and enjoys fellowship at Inverurie Gospel Hall. She studied Theology at University and has worked in both Christian and secular charities with young people before working as the First Serve Coordinator. She loves being involved in enabling young people to grow and continue in their service for the Lord.
Mark Wood
Mark serves as Operations Director at Echoes International, supporting the practical and organisational aspects of the work. He lives in North Lanarkshire, Scotland, with his wife Gillian, and they have two grown children, Arron and Cameron. Mark is actively involved in his local fellowship, Newcraig Community Church in Motherwell.
Andrew Mugford
Andy Mugford is a Counties Evangelist based in Maldon, Essex. He and his wife Rachel are part of the leadership team at Fullbridge Church. Their ministry also includes schools work, itinerant preaching as well as running a Family Camp in Suffolk each summer. He is also the Counties Evangelists’ Officer, supporting the 35 or so Evangelists around the UK.
Dave Thomas
Dave and his wife Rachel live in Hereford with their 3 children. Dave joined the Counties team in 2018 as Schools Resource coordinator. Dave is responsible for coordinating and training for GSUS Live, a secondary school resource which equips local churches to teach lessons about Fear, Forgiveness and Rejection through the Christian faith. His role has now expanded to pioneering and coordinating Counties young leaders programme one2lead across the Country. They currently have weekends running in South Wales & Borders, Southwest, The East Midlands and Scottish Borders. They are also currently involved in leading in his church youth group and Christian activity holidays across the country.
Allison Hill
Allison is based at the GLO Centre in Motherwell where her ministry includes the management of the admin office, some administration for short-term teams, special events coordination, and student welfare. Allison is a member of Roman Road Community Church and leads the children’s work and music ministry.
José Laussu
José is the Principal at Tilsley College. He worked in the oil and gas industry before sensing God’s calling for ministry. Having studied at multidenominational theological institutions shaped his identity as a minister and provided him with helpful role models of evangelical preaching and pastoral care. He has spent over 22 years in Christian ministry, leaning on the gracious wisdom of Scripture and its power to change lives. His calling is shaped by a genuine heart for mission and pastoral care, expressed in ways that connect naturally with people across generations and from diverse backgrounds. Whether in formal teaching or everyday conversation, he brings Scripture to life and builds relationships marked by compassion and understanding. Besides English, he speaks Portuguese and French.