Who Are We?

Doug McKechnie was brought up in a Christian home and gave his life to the Lord when he was 4 years old.  From that day he knew Jesus was alive and living wthin him. Doug's parents were the founders of the Haven vision and had lived by faith through their thirty year ministry. Doug watched and heard their stories of how God provided for the vision and his parents. This excited him and this became ingrained in him and became second nature to rely on God speaking and providing.

Doug worked in multiple settings as a UEFA B licensed football coach. He also played semi-professional football in the Ryman league and mangaed his clubs youth team. In 2007, God called Doug to lay it all down and go into ministry (2 Timothy 3:14-4:2). He attended Regents Theological College in September 2007 and God provided every penny of the fees before setting foot on campus.

Doug served as a Minister In Training (MIT) in the Elim Life Church Kingstanding, Birmingham. He spent three years at the church and was ordained in April 2013. In June 2013, through Gods instruction, Doug and Pippa left Kingstanding to begin planting the Haven vision.

Doug is passionate about teaching the word of God and discipling people to grow in the Lord in order for them to be 'equipped for all works of service'. He loves to see people develop their relationship with God and for them to be able to disciple others. 

Pippa McKechnie was also brought up in a Christian household and had attended a C of E church throughout childhood.  She gave her heart to the Lord at 10 years old and was confirmed a few years later. 

Pippa went along with her parents to church and attended youth clubs but it is fair to say that she did not have personal relationship with Jesus.  It was not till Pippa was 16 and met Doug and his family that she realised God was so personal and there was more to being a Christian than just attending church.  Hearing the stories of Doug's parents was so exciting and they taught her a lot about God.

Pippa studied and qualified as a physiotherapist at Hertfordshire University and began to look for a job.  She was looking for jobs in London for about a year until she knew Doug was moving up North for Bible College.  God opened the door at Wolverhampton and confirmed this through a prophetic word from a guest speaker at church.  This was the first time Pippa really saw God working in her life. She spent six and a half years at the hospital and loved every minute of her work and never saw herself leaving this profession.

Along side Doug being called to leave the Kingstanding church, Pippa was also called to leave her job and to support Doug in planting the Haven vision. In January 2014, Doug and Pippa left Birmingham and travelled up to East Kilbride.

Pippa loves meeting people and talking about the Lord to them. She has a real heart of compassion for people and desires to see people free from life struggles.

Doug & Pippa have been married since 2009 and have three. They have been called to live by faith (they don't take a salary) and trust God for all their needs. They have being doing this since 2014 and have not missed a bill or payment, due to the Lord's provision.