New ADRA Regional Manager
Dr Francis Ejones
The Western Australian Conference has appointed a new ADRA Regional Manager (RM), formerly known as the Conference ADRA Director.
Francis comes to us from Uganda via Hamilton, NSW (near Newcastle) where he and his family have been located for the last few years. Francis has been stationed at ADRA Head Office for the last two weeks whilst being inducted and preparing to leave for Fortress WA. In that time, he has already been sent to NNSW to obtain experience in Disaster Management.
We all know that WA has its fair share of its own disasters to contend with. We have a few questions for Francis.
Tell us all a little about yourself Francis, where are you from?
I am from the gifted hand of God and happen to be born in Uganda – the Pearl of Africa. The country where the Nile sources its waters to supply the Mediterranean.
Ok then, all very exotic. Sounds just like where I came from, Mt Colah, Sydney - the Hill of Rubber Duckies truck stop. What did you do before joining ADRA?
I was just doing my thing. Taking care of my family and the Hamilton SDA Church as the First Elder. I had recently completed my studies at the University of Newcastle. I was also an academic and HDR research supervisor at Excelsia College, Australia. Prior to this, I have over eighteen years’ experience in public administration, academics, and private sector consultancy, nine of which were in programme management.
Map of Australia according to National Retail Manager, Gordon Coutts
Hmm, I have a Cert 4 in Accounting and Bookkeeping, we have much in common by the looks of things. Do you have a family?
I am married to one catchy girl – Irene Ejones. She is a trauma and therapeutic specialist with a background in psychology and rehabilitation counselling. She will be joining me in WA soon. She will be working as behavioural support practitioner in Perth.
It is pretty hard to find that right person, even harder to find the right person with the same surname as yourself. Well done, or as the French say ‘trés bien’. Pretty exotic myself.
We have been blessed with two girls. The strength of our matrimony is Genesis (12 years) and the acting last born is Heaven (4 years).
The acting last born you say? Is there something that you’re not telling us? What inspired you to join ADRA?
I heard Gordon Coutts was working there and wanted to join his team... would’ve been the correct answer but this is what he actually said;
I have always wanted to serve the church. I even contemplated doing theology after my PhD in Economics. ADRA presented an opportunity to serve the church more as a professional, while still maintaining my deep sense of ministry.
Good answer, but the other one was better. What does the family think of moving to the opposite side of the country?
As much as my wife is excited for us to move to a different place, the girls still had a great sense of their environment and friends in the Eastern suburbs. Through prayer and cajoling, we are all excited to move West. If we cannot see the sun rise, we will see it set. Of course, we will be deeply missing our friends, community, and environment. But it does not matter if we are to create new opportunities in WA. Especially that it seems to be God leading us all the way.
Yes, it is a different place. And far far away. So far in fact that when a weather report is issued in Sydney, by the time you get it in Perth, the weather has already changed.
Here’s one for you. Do you know what a sandgroper is?
No, I did not know what a sandgroper is or was. I guess my obligations are going to allow me to move throughout WA, and such an intimate knowledge should earn me that title soon.
I see what you did there, ha ha, good answer. When visiting an op shop and inspecting the fridge to ensure that it complies with a Safety Navigator compliance check, what food could you not resist if it were inside?
I think that would have to be fruit. Especially, mangoes, watermelons, and snake fruit. Not the snake please.
Wait, what???
What team will you be supporting in a game between the West Coast Eagles v Fremantle Dockers, The West Coast Eagles v Collingwood, the Fremantle Dockers v Collingwood, Collingwood v Collingwood, or is AFL just rubbish, you prefer Rugby League and you’ve become a Sydney Rooster supporter because you need to remain on the good side of the National Retail Manager, but having said that the Chooks are pretty awesome anyway?
I used to be a sports fanatic. I would pray and fast for my team to win. Now days, I support the winning team. The team that plays well – an entertaining play. However, if I see a team being thumped, I will support them to make someone feel better.
By that you mean Collingwood? I’m sure the Sandgropers will be pleased with your choice.
Welcome to the ADRA Team Francis. It’s great to have you on board and we look forward to seeing your endeavours in the great state of Western Australia. And hope you know where it is. The last two RMs we sent over to WA we never heard from again, that’s how you came to get the job. Rumour has it that a certain ADRA volunteer (not originally from Australia), who when first arriving in Adelaide thought that the South Australian/NSW border started at Gawler. The Adelaidians will understand this reference. And for those of you who aren’t, it was pretty funny.
This article was originally published in the Autumn 2022 edition of the ADRA Australia National Program Newsletter.
