The Naish family’s association with Scripture Union goes back almost to the time of Josiah Spiers! Thanks to Chris Naish, we’re able to share more about their amazing history of involvement.
Chris’s grandfather Sam attended a Scripture Union mission in Birmingham in the 1800s as a boy. Sam’s son Peter discovered Scripture Union in his teens, through a magazine advert. He wrote, ‘I followed this up and it led to a life-long association.’ At university, Peter joined the Christian Union ‘and learned much from Bible studies’.
He also participated in missions in the industrial north. Peter and his sister Ruth went to CSSM missions (CSSM later became SU). Then, in 1942, Peter founded a CSSM mission at Borth-y-gest, helped by Donald Jack; later they were joined by Ruth, and Donald’s sisters Margaret and Priscilla. Priscilla and Peter married, continuing their involvement at Borth-y-gest until 1956 when they had their daughter, followed by son Chris.
Ruth became a teacher, sharing her faith with her pupils using SU resources. Margaret, also a teacher, worked for ISCF for many years and became an SU Council Member. Peter and Priscilla regularly took their children to SU’s Bude mission. Chris recalls, ‘It was a really formative experience. I became a Christian there, aged about six. In my teens, one of the team was a great support – I’m still in contact with him. Later, I too joined the team, even bringing along my wife to help, right after our honeymoon!’
Chris admires SU’s ability to adapt. ‘Young people now have so few opportunities to get to know Jesus personally. SU is always looking for new opportunities and ways of connecting with them and sharing faith – some of their ideas are so creative.’ We thank God for the enduring commitment of the Naish family which has enabled multiple generations of children to encounter his love.
In the photo at top: Peter Naish (back row, second from right), his parents Sam and Ada (back row centre); Ruth Naish (front row, second from right), Margaret Jack (front row second from left); Donald Jack (front row left).
Revealing Jesus to tomorrow’s children
Ruth Naish has recently gone to be with Jesus. Her life and faith continue to speak to the next generation through the legacy she has entrusted to SU, for which we are deeply thankful. You can learn more about leaving a gift in your Will here.