Written by: Sophia Roman
Article source: JOY! Magazine

We have seen an increase in South Africans leaving their homeland to serve as missionaries abroad. Where South Africa and Africa were once considered mission fields, today, South Africans are becoming a mission frontier and force.

I recently attended the memorial service of Alan Burricks. Alan, together with his beautiful wife, Loretta (now widowed), embarked on a life of faith, daring to be obedient even in the face of danger. It is people like Alan and Loretta – and others who stepped out in faith, trusting God for the unknown – who inspire us. As I sat in the audience listening to all the tributes, the sorrow was deep. How could I have allowed myself to miss the opportunity of knowing Alan better? I missed so many chances to be impacted and enriched by their obedience to the call of God.

His missionary calling
Alan was born in Belgravia to Angela and Harold Burricks and grew up in Kensington. He received the Lord into his life at age 14, and immediately began leading a life of consecration and service to God. Despite the odds against him to further his education, his family – though they didn’t have much and faced many hardships – was sustained by his mother’s hard work, which created an atmosphere of warmth, love, and joy.

After graduating from Bible school, Alan, with only R20, drove to Rundu on the banks of the Okavango River in Namibia to begin his missionary journey. He faithfully served the Hambukushu people in the Caprivi Strip. It was there that he and his family lived a life of faith under dangerous circumstances, where encounters with snakes, crocodiles, and hippos became common.

Marlene Ganga, who served alongside the Burricks family, shared a memory: “One of the stories Alan told us, besides the snake that curled up under the sink that they had to remove from their house, was about how God protected him. A big kudu bull crossed the road in front of him while he was driving his bakkie, pulling a trailer. He tried to avoid the kudu, but his car spun out of control. Alan was convinced that an angel took hold of the steering wheel, pulling the car and trailer back onto the road, saving his life that day. God’s hand was upon Alan, Loretta, and their family.” Their children, Ashley, Celeste, and Lisa were all born during this time.

Life is too short not to have fun
One of the most significant impacts Alan made was his contribution to the translation of the Thimbukushu Bible in Mbukudhu, on the northern border of Namibia. He was instrumental in establishing a seminary, which continues to train ministers to this day, serving communities across Madagascar, particularly in rural areas.

One of his life mottos was, “Life is too short not to have fun.” This is exactly what he did, creating spontaneous adventures and making memories with his family and friends. Alan and Loretta served the Lord for 30 years (1986-2016) in Namibia, Madagascar, and North Africa. They returned to Cape Town for two years before moving to the USA, where Alan started his own business while continuing to live for God and his family as a loving father, grand-father, and husband.

Alan was called home to be with the Lord on August 25, 2024, after a bee sting. He was faithful to the call and followed the Lord wholeheartedly. God be praised for a life that impacted the Church globally. He finished well, in great victory. To God be the glory!

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Date published: 29/10/2024
SOPHIA ROMAN – pioneer, visionary, and life transformation coach. Sophia and her husband, Theo, pastor the West Reach AOG Church in Mitchells Plain.
Feature image: Alan David Burricks with his wife, Loretta.

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