Purchases from MACS

Proceeds from the books and cards go entirely to MACS. You may also like to purchase from our Gift List.

From Plantation to Pulpit, by Andrew Bell

£15 + £5 p&p

262 pages, paperback, published 2025 by Ashley House Printing Co Ltd

This book tells the remarkable story of Ken Bell, the last in six generations of colonialists who served across Asia and Africa.

Andrew Bell, son of author Ken Bell, writes: As a young tea planter in Malawi, he witnessed first-hand the final years of British rule and the birth of new, independent Africa. Aside from tea, Ken’s other great passion was Mulanje Mountain and he completed many, often hair-raising, expeditions up various peaks.

Ken became a committed Christian when he was a young man. During his time in the tea industry, from the 1950s to mid-1970s, he felt increasingly called to the church. This led to training and eventually ordination in Malawi, by Bishop Donald Arden – former patron of MACS. Ken left Malawi in 1974 and began ministry in the Church of England, as a curate and then vicar.

Now in his 90s, Ken reflects on a life shaped by the British Empire, war, illness, political upheaval and a deep faith. His story is one of survival,
resilience and transformation – a journey through the twilight of Empire and into the light of spiritual service. There was also a very special visit, with an important mission, to Sri Lanka, just before his 90th birthday…….

Ken has long been very committed to MACS and would like all proceeds from the sale of his fascinating life story to go towards MACS, and the work they are supporting in a country he knows to be the warm heart of Africa.

Malawi Notelets, by Adrian Brown

8 for £12 (includes p&p)

Trustee and talented artist Adrian Brown has produced notelets from his watercolour of the view from Kaphiridzinja Cottage, Namaso Bay.

Donald Arden Autobiography

Reflections on serving in Malawi, Southern and Central Africa and England, 1943 – 2014

248p, photographs and index.

£12.42 + postage from TLS Publications

Donald was patron of MACS from 1994-2014. He arrived in Nyasaland in 1961 as the new Anglican Bishop and left in 1981.

The autobiography includes ways in which Donald worked to develop Malawian leadership in the Diocese, a chapter on Political turmoil around Independence, and a chapter on the leading role he played in Malawi becoming the first country in the world where all Churches involved in medical work agreed to work together, and how it became the first to be free of polio.

It covers his early years in Australia, training as an ordinand in England, 38 years serving in Africa and 30 years in England.