London City Mission writes: The cruelty of the pandemic has been that people already struggling have been hardest hit.
It’s those on the margins of society who were more likely to have died or suffered loss from Covid. It’s those living in crowded homes, less able to socially distance, whose low-paid work, if it hasn’t disappeared, has put them more at risk of contracting the virus. And it’s those for whom Covid, far from being a chance to save money, has added costs in the form of additional heating and food. London has been especially hit; reliance on foodbanks has more than doubled in the capital this year.
More than 11,000 people sleep rough on London’s streets every year. They are: vulnerable and overlooked; frequently in the aftermath of a relationship breakdown or job loss; often struggling with addiction and poor mental health.
In the midst of this suffering, God in His mercy has opened doors for the gospel to be shared over the years through Webber Street, our day centre for people who are homeless.
Brian’s story
One of the men we’ve been working with is Brian. After a day of heavy drinking in Trafalgar Square, Brian was at rock bottom. He woke to find his trainers and trousers had been stolen. With nowhere else to turn, Brian arrived at the doors of our Webber Street day centre for people who are homeless.
Brian received clothes and hot food. He came again. He found kindness and care. He listened to the gospel talk. And things began to change. ‘The way they broke down and opened up the Bible story, it just made sense,’ said Brian. ‘A mountain started shifting. I started dealing with things differently.’
Brian went to rehab and, one day, the gospel seed in his heart bore fruit. ‘I knew I’d messed up, so I said to God: “Let’s do it your way”.’
Cut out from the Metro newspaper
Today, Brian works in a restaurant, he’s part of a church and he’s rebuilt his relationship with his daughter. When asked about his journey, Brian smiles wryly. ‘Was giving my life to Jesus the best thing I’ve done? To have someone by your side all the time…’ he laughs. ‘Yeah, I’ve made worse choices.’
Stories like that spur us on and we are hoping to reach many more like Brian this winter and beyond.
