I long to see people come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ all over London – particularly people from other cultures or faith backgrounds, or those who are marginalised by society or living in some of London’s most deprived communities.
Well before the horror of the 2017 fire at Grenfell Tower brought the area to national attention, my colleagues at London City Mission were talking with churches, praying and planning how to bring the good news of Jesus Christ to more people in the area. Having marked the two-year anniversary since that terrible night on 14 June 2017, I want to share with you some of the stories I’ve heard from people who are now ministering in the area alongside local churches.
Latymer Community Church
Andrew Barnett is based at Latymer Community Church and is initiating lasting friendships that are centred on the gospel and, praise God, is seeing people come to know Christ for themselves.
Andrew comes from a background of drugs, crime and witchcraft, for which he spent time in prison. He’d heard the gospel from people the Lord had put in his path on many occasions, but it wasn’t until the Lord opened his eyes one night in his prison cell that Andrew confessed Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour. Having been brought into the Kingdom of God and freed from the cycle of addiction, crime and the bonds of darkness, Andrew is now spending his time walking alongside people with similar backgrounds, supporting those who have suffered loss and tragedy, and proclaiming the good news. He longs to see those held captive freed and brought from darkness into light.
Andrew and the team spend many hours meeting people in the community, visiting people where they live, and sharing in the lives of people who are in distress. As they initiate friendships, sit with people and read the word of God with them, it gives room for the Lord to do what only He can do – open their eyes to the truth, and set them free.
One person Andrew met is a hoarder. They confided in Andrew and allowed him to come to their home and not feel ashamed. It’s led to Andrew being asked to support them in court and speak on their behalf because they said they trust him. Andrew has had opportunities to share the gospel, open the Bible and pray with them.
Walking, listening, sharing
While the practical help and support is vital and welcome, Andrew and the team constantly seek opportunities to share the gospel message.
Andrew also told me about a lady called Caroline who he met while prayer walking in the area. Caroline’s son was murdered, and she lost close family members in the fire. Andrew was able to spend time listening to her and sharing Scripture with her. They’ve talked through the story of Joseph, how, out of even the worst circumstances, God can bring good. Praise God that after nine months of meeting together and studying the Bible, Caroline started coming to church.
I am encouraged that a number of people from the community have started attending Latymer Community Church. People like Anita, who Andrew met last December and carried in his heart in prayer until they met again four months later. Anita shared a similar background to Andrew’s, and he and the team were able to share the good news and minister with her. Earlier this summer Anita responded to the call of salvation, believing and trusting in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Saviour. Praise God!
I am thankful to our Lord that even through the most tragic of circumstances He has been at work through His church, bringing hope and good news to people who so desperately need to hear the message of the gospel. Wherever we live, there are people facing similar challenges and difficulties. My prayer is that all of us would be willing to get out of our comfort zones to meet people held captive by sin and introduce them to Jesus.
