There are now real people, living in real homes, in the real town of Ebbsfleet! A handful of homes are occupied, with more families moving in every month. This process should accelerate over the next ten years, by which time there may be as many as 15,000 homes.
The new town of Ebbsfleet is close to the M25, next door to Bluewater Shopping Centre. It is less than 20 minutes to London on the new high-speed train service. It will serve as a dynamo for economic regeneration for the area and will attract many working people and families. The plans look exciting, with new schools and extensive retail and leisure facilities. Yet the developers have no plans to include any faith buildings.
The Gateway Project
The Association of Grace Baptist Churches South East (AGBCSE) has been working in the neighbouring town of Gravesend through the Gateway Project. The team on the ground hopes to establish a house-based church, through building relationships, personal evangelism and gospel-focused hospitality. The work has begun slowly, but new shoots of growth are appearing. They write: ‘We are thrilled to see God working through everyday outreach, by everyday Christians, to everyday people. The Lord has helped us to establish links with our local community and to enjoy meaningful relationships with unsaved neighbours. We rejoice that several people have attended evangelistic courses at our home. One friend gives every indication of being converted. We have also been able to begin worship meetings in our home on Sunday afternoons’.
Evangelism focused on neighbours faces big challenges. These include apathy (people are not always interested in others), complacency (people have few material needs) and privacy (people like to shut themselves inside their homes). However, the team are encouraged: ‘We should never underestimate how much God can do through genuine Christian love. We have seen God open doors simply through showing interest in and giving time to people. Many gospel opportunities began by us opening our homes and hearts to people who at first seemed distant’.
Into Ebbsfleet
The next exciting step for the Gateway Project is to expand into Ebbsfleet. The association is exploring the possibility of purchasing a new house which they could then rent to a Christian couple or family. This would potentially make it easier for Christians to move in to become part of the Gateway Team. This couple may have ‘everyday’ jobs, while at the same time being part of a house-based gospel outreach to their neighbours in Ebbsfleet. They would be fully supported pastorally by the Gateway Team.
Please pray for this new work, that the Lord will raise up the right people to join us. To find out more, please contact Nigel Hoad nigel.hoad@sky.com or phone 020 7278 1225.
