In an unusual move, Wendy and Graham Toulmin were jointly appointed Members of the Order of Australia, recognising over 20 years of dental health services and pastoral care provided to the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
"We are not special amongst missionaries," says Graham of the Australia Day honour.
Yet, in an indication of the range of projects they have on the boil, the Toulmins were actually in Egypt with Langham Partners when the Australian Government was trying to contact them to confirm their willingness to accept the award.
The Toulmins were CMS missionaries in the DRC from 1986 to 1991, where Graham established a dental clinic in Butembo.
He was the only qualified dentist in a region of five million people.
After being evacuated when civil war broke out, they formed Brass for Africa in Sydney using profits from CDs and concerts to fund a dental clinic, a maternity ward, clergy support, assistance for AIDS orphans, school building projects and food for refugees from Congo's civil war.
Brass for Africa is now an arm of Springwood-Winmalee Anglican Churches.
Around every two years Brass for Africa has released a new fundraising CD.
Graham, an accomplished trumpeter, has just recorded "You got it. They need it" ' which will be sent to every dental clinic in Australia this March.
"We are hoping to raise $100,000," he says.
