CHANGING LONDONAUTUMN 2017 THE MAGAZINE OF LONDON
AND ITS CITY MISSION
GREYING GRACEFULLY
PLUS LONELINESS IN FIGURES LIFE IN A CARE ROOM A YEAR OF GROWTH
NOT FORGOTTEN
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ABOUTFor over 180 years we have been sharing the love of God with London’s neediest. We exist to serve the church of London in sharing the love of God and the good news of Jesus Christ with the least reached of London.
In pursuit of that purpose, London City Mission staff go to those living in poverty, on the margins of society or from other cultures. We show God’s love in practical ways, continuously seeking opportunities to share the life–changing gospel message. We work in partnership with churches, to ensure that individuals who make a commitment to follow Christ are embraced by a loving church family. The gospel is at the heart of all we do, because London needs Jesus.
The London City Mission depends almost entirely on voluntary contributions from individuals and churches to finance these ministries. Please see our website for more details.
CONTACTLondon City MissionNasmith House175 Tower Bridge RoadLondon SE1 2AH
T 020 7407 7585E [email protected] www.lcm.org.uk
londoncm londoncm
CHIEF EXECUTIVEGraham Miller
EDITORTessa ReedE [email protected]
The London City Mission is a company limited by guarantee. Registered in England and Wales, No 4284615. Registered Charity No 247186.
Unsigned articles written by the editorial team. Because of the sensitive nature of some of our work, and in order to retain confidentiality, pseudonyms are often given to people mentioned, and photographs do not necessarily depict people in the articles which they accompany. LCM publishes Changing London in accordance with its statement of faith, but views may be explored in which there is divergence of opinion or understanding. Vol 181 No 1672
OUR MISSION
04 HAVE YOU EVER FELT LONELY? Letter from the editor
06 GREYING GRACEFULLY Helen Thorne on God’s purpose in later years
10 LONELINESS IN FIGURES Statistics showing the epidemic of loneliness among over 65s
WHAT WE DO
14 LESSONS OF A LIFETIME Terry Puttick shares a few stories
18 LIFE IN A CARE HOME Being Jesus to those whose minds are confused
20 LONELY IN A ROOM FULL OF PEOPLE Visiting those who’ve lost so much
22 GOLDA’S STORY An 88-yr-old finds faith in Jesus
24 SALVATORE’S SALVATION ‘When I woke up, I felt like a new person!’
26 STILL BEARING FRIUT God doesn’t put us on the scrapheap 28 A YEAR OF GROWTH Our financial report
GET INVOLVED
12 HOW TO REACH OUT TO THE ELDERLY Practical tips to do outreach
30 LEAVING A LEGACY One supporter’s story of blessing
CONTENTS
CHANGING LONDONAUTUMN 2017 THE MAGAZINE OF LONDON
AND ITS CITY MISSION
OR DO YOU FEEL LONELY NOW? IF SO, YOU CAN PROBABLY UNDERSTAND THE CRUSHING WEIGHT OF IT, SAPPING MOTIVATION AND HOPE, ISOLATING AND DEBILITATING EVEN THE MOST YOUNG AND HEALTHY OF US.
God created us to have meaningful relationships, most of all with him, but in this broken world many are without friends, especially the housebound elderly or those in care homes who can no longer live independently.
According to Age UK, over 1 million older people say they always or often feel lonely. Others struggle with grief, depression, ill health, poverty, lack of purpose or independence, and the resulting frustration.
Elderly people often become invisible in a society where the latest trend and youthfulness are front and centre in people’s minds. 41 per cent of over-65s in the UK feel out of touch with the pace of modern life and 12 per cent say they feel cut off from society. But God hasn’t forgotten them. So on p6, we’ll look at why Christians should imitate God and be counter cultural in honouring our elders, taking the time to patiently and sensitively befriend and love them.
On p14, Terry Puttick, one of our field directors, encourages us to share the gospel with those in later life.
You’ll read about two people who’ve turned to Jesus before it was too late on p22-25 and on p12, you’ll get a few tips on How to Reach out to the Elderly yourself.
You’ll also see a breakdown of what
happens to the donations you make to London City Mission and read the wonderful testimony of legacy giving. We’re so encouraged when those of older age dedicate their estates to ensure this gospel work continues among their generation and beyond! I pray that they might one day meet the beneficiaries of that generosity in the new creation.
I hope you enjoy this edition. I’d love to hear from you, so don’t be shy! Email me at [email protected] with any comments or questions.
In Christ, TessaEditor
41% OF OVER 65S IN THE UK FEEL OUT OF TOUCH WITH THE PACE OF MODERN LIFE AND 12% SAY THEY FEEL CUT OFF FROM SOCIETY. (AGE UK)
OUR MISSION
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For some, later years mean opportunities to travel, relax and spend time with the grandchildren. For others, though, increasing age brings losses all round. Loss of role, of friends, of independence and health. Two million people over the age of 75 live alone, many going for days or even weeks without seeing a friend.
It wasn’t meant to be this way. In Genesis 1-2, we see God’s design was for us to live without decay – to have relationships that never fade. It won’t always be like this – there will be a time when there is no more pain,
no more death (Revelation 21). In this fallen world, joy and heartbreak live side by side. It’s the reality that we, at London City Mission, see day by day as we knock on doors and welcome the elderly into our drop-ins, lunch clubs, tea afternoons and more.
Western society appears to hold a low view of later life. Adverts pretend that what’s best is youth, beauty, fitness and wealth.
The Bible, however, shows us there is more to increasing age than retirement and replacement knees.
For Christians, later life is meant to be:
WE’RE AN AGING POPULATION – WITH 11.8 MILLION OF US OVER THE AGE OF 65, 1.8 MILLION OF US OVER 85 AND THOSE NUMBERS SET TO INCREASE DRAMATICALLY IN THE NEXT 20 YEARS, THE “GREYING” OF BRITAIN IS A TREND THAT’S HERE TO STAY.
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A TIME OF THANKFULNESS (ISAIAH 46:4) A long life is a gift from God. Each day has only been possible because of the Lord’s sustaining power. Many will contain precious memories of God’s generous kindness. Each will provide fuel for a thankful heart.
A TIME OF HONOUR (LEVITICUS 19:32) Within the community of believers, we’re called to treat the older generation with great respect. Whether that’s giving our older brothers and sisters in Christ special dignity or honouring our parents in practical ways (Ephesians 6:2-3), we’re to look up to the generation above.
A TIME OF WISDOM (JOB 12:12)Many who live to see the later years will have gained much knowledge and insight along the way, much needed by the local church and by the next generation who are called to be humble enough to learn (Titus 2).
A TIME OF SERVICE (LUKE 2:25-38) There’s no time-limit on serving God. Of course, the way we serve him may change over the years but the call to keep on using our gifts to bless others remains the same. Anna and Simeon, well-advanced in years, were some of the first people to meet Jesus – showing us what a blessing ongoing service can be.
A TIME OF GROWTH (1 TIMOTHY 5:1) It doesn’t matter how old we get, we can always learn more about Jesus and how to be more like Christ. The one who began working many years ago is continuing his process of change (Philippians 1:6).
A TIME OF NEED(ECCLESIASTES 12:3-13)The Bible is realistic. As age proceeds, our bodies begin to fail, bringing physical discomfort and practical challenges – all of which should be met, at least in part, by the body of Christ. That’s why God repeatedly calls us to take care of widows and other vulnerable groups (James 1:27).
A TIME OF MISSION (PSALM 71:18)In Psalm 71, the Psalmist asks the Lord, among other things, for the capacity to keep on going until he has told the next generation the wonderful truths about the Lord. As other parts of God’s word remind us, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23) – all need to hear the message of the cross.
HELEN THORNEDirector of Training & Mentoring
For all, later life is a time of preparation (Matthew 25:31-46) for the life to come. Passing away at the age of 97 is not the end – it’s barely the beginning of the life that God has promised. Every octogenarian can confidently know that they have thousands of years ahead of them (and more!) The question is – where will they be spent? In a place of perfection, in relationship with Christ – or far away from his love and care?
It’s this biblical framework that spurs us on to love and good works among the elderly we meet. We long to help them make the most of the rest of their lives by enjoying life in all its fullness (John 10:10) – both now and in all eternity. For some of our missionaries, that will mean making contact on the doors – finding out where the housebound of the area live and visiting them regularly to listen to their stories and point them to the better story of Christ.
For others, it will mean organising events where meals are provided and
IT DOESN’T MATTER HOW OLD WE GET, WE CAN ALWAYS LEARN MORE ABOUT JESUS AND HOW TO BE MORE LIKE CHRIST.
spiritual food is offered alongside. For others still, the regular routine of visiting care homes to speak words of comfort and joy. For all, it means being passionate about sharing the gospel with those in later life – and encouraging older believers to work alongside them in ministry, using their gifts to reach out to their peers.
It’s this biblical framework too that keeps us passionate about working in partnership with other organisations who share the same heart for those of later years – it’s why we feel so privileged to be part of Faith in Later Life, an initiative which aims to inform, equip, inspire and encourage Christians to keep leading the change needed so that older people in the UK will receive Christian encouragement, care and support (see faithinlaterlife.org).
And it’s this biblical framework that’s the reason we at LCM are excited to put on training events like the Practical Evangelism Training Day on Reaching out to the Elderly on 7 October (see
back page for details.)We hope it excites you
too. Please join with us in praying that the words of Psalm 92:14-15 will be true of the older contacts we meet: ‘They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, “The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.”’
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THERE’S A REASON WHY SOLITARY CONFINEMENT IS USED AS A PUNISHMENT IN PRISON. GOD CREATED US FOR RELATIONSHIP AND COMMUNITY...IT IS NOT GOOD FOR MAN TO BE ALONE.
older people have not had a conversation with friends or family for a month.
older people say they always or often feel lonely.
Loneliness can be as harmful for our health as smoking
said they spent time together with their family on most or every day, compared to 65-76% for other ages.
GET INVOLVED PRAY For elderly people to seek God in their loneliness, for more Christians to reach out to them in gospel friendships VOLUNTEER With LCM, with Age UK or Age Concern, in a care home or a befriending service.
Here are some of the shocking statistics that Age UK have discovered in their work among the older generation.
Age UK Loneliness Evidence Review Susan Davidson and Phil Rossall Revised July 2014a day.
said they never spent time with friends or family.
GIVE Financial gifts to LCM will help us to put more feet on the ground, knock on more doors, and visit more lonely people to introduce them to the only friend they really need – Jesus.
older people agree the television is their main form of company.
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CAN YOU THINK OF ANYONE IN YOUR COMMUNITY WHO MIGHT NOT HAVE ANYONE TO TALK TO? IS THERE A CARE HOME NEAR YOUR HOUSE OR CHURCH YOU
COULD APPROACH TO SEE HOW YOU COULD HELP?We’ve produced a guide on How to Reach out to the
Elderly. Below is an excerpt with some practical ways to begin to reach out to those in older age.
HOW TO REACH OUT TO THE ELDERLY
HOW TO REACH OUT TO THE ELDERLY
FRIENDSHIPStart with chat over the the garden fence or at the shops, follow with a coffee, an offer of help, an invite to lunch, an offer of prayer, an invite to church
GOSPEL CARE Offering lifts, food, conversation, help around the house or garden, prayer or spiritual encouragement, information of local services and support
ACTIVITIES IN CARE HOMESAn individual or group from a local church may be very welcome if they can provide stimulating board games, craft, musical activities or easy and safe fitness routines.
We’ve recently had trouble sharing the gospel with an elderly
contact as she tended to dominate the conversation. Someone advised me to watch a DVD with her that would lead to a gospel conversation. So we watched the Channel 5 Bible Series, which fuelled some good talks about the Bible – it’s been great!
Shane Goodyear, 105 Vauxhall
REACHING OUT TO THE ELDERLY
VISIT LCM.ORG.UK/HOWTOREACH TO DOWNLOAD THE FULL GUIDE OR ORDER YOUR FREE COPY
GET INVOLVED
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ISOLATION‘What does Christmas mean to you?’ I asked Gladys, who I’d met on the doors. Her sad reply was, ‘It’s three days when nobody calls, not even the milkman or the postman.’ Because of her lack of interaction with people Gladys had lost the art of holding a conversation beyond repeating
a few limited sentences. Every time we met, I would try to find out more about her life story. It was hard work but I discovered that her husband had been a cabinet maker to the Queen. Gladys visited garden parties at Buckingham Palace and had met the Queen and many of the royals.
Gladys lived frugally (though her husband’s pension was more
than adequate) and had a black and white television which she hardly
watched because it didn’t relate to the world she knew. Her self-worth had diminished, defined by
what she had been and not by who she was now. She was lost in a world she didn’t know. I had to enter her world. So I used the King James version of the Bible, the Prayer Book and old hymns – all familiar and safe ground, stirring memories of her Sunday School days. She always looked forward to praying and reading the Bible together.
Many of the older generation are dealt the crushing blow of loneliness and isolation from the world. I heard one senior citizen say, ‘Stop the world. I want to get off.’
BITTERNESSOne lady who was illiterate asked me to help her write her will. I agreed but refused to include the piece of her mind she wanted me to write up as a final act of vengeance against her daughter.
I strongly advised her to be reconciled instead and get right with God. As I shared the gospel, I highlighted that God was willing, not to deal with us as our sins deserve, but in tender mercy and loving kindness to draw us to himself. God took her heart of stone and made it a heart of flesh. She relented of the vindictiveness towards her daughter. Over the years, many of those I’ve visited were bitter towards God and family members. Bible stories such as Jacob and Esau and Joseph and his brothers were useful to help them see how God’s forgiveness can help them forgive.
GO THE DISTANCE One man I met had been visited by successive missionaries for decades. We had a love of woodwork in common – he was an excellent carver and I enjoyed wood-turning. Over the years, I endeavoured to share the gospel with him.
I visited him in hospital one day and we spoke about the different characteristics of wood and how we loved to use the grain and burrs to bring out the best in our work. I asked him what the Lord might do with all of his twists and turns, shakes and knots. We mused for a while and I took him to the passage in Ezekiel where God speaks about shaping and remoulding his people. I asked him if he was willing to place his life in God’s hands. I believe God spoke to him in that moment.
GOD TOOK HER HEART OF STONE AND MADE IT A HEART OF FLESH
TERRY PUTTICK, FIELD DIRECTOR FOR THE NORTH, HAS WORKED WITH THOSE IN LATER LIFE FOR MANY YEARS. READ ABOUT SOME OF NEEDS AND ATTITUDES HE’S ENCOUNTERED AND THE LESSONS GOD’S TAUGHT HIM ALONG THE WAY.
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TERRY PUTTICKField Director for the North
BE SENSITIVE AND PRAYERFUL Some people say they can’t become Christians
because their spouse wasn’t a Christian – as they were united in life, they also want to be united in death.
These conversations have to be handled prayerfully and sensitively with the direction of the Holy Spirit. The thief on the cross and rich man and Lazarus are helpful passage to refer to. My approach is to say that we can’t know if a person encountered God in the final stages of life, I’ve seen several folk come to faith despite not knowing if their spouse was saved.
My agenda has always been to share the gospel, which I do eventually. But I have to give
people the time and the respect they deserve. I’ve learnt to listen, to go the distance and build on the foundation others have laid. I try to carefully pick the right opportunity and illustration to drive home the gospel. I also need to be bold and obedient to God when his call is clear. It’s an urgent work, but one that still requires us to to be patient and prayerful as we seek opportunities to share the good news of Jesus with people. Jesus called to be his witnesses and trust him to do the rest.
Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days. Ecclesiastes 11:1
NOMINAL FAITH Like many of his generation, Fred remembered some of the Bible stories and hymns from Sunday School. During his years as a Paratrooper, he’d often prayed in dangerous situations. I challenged him, saying, ‘As you reach the final furlong of life, where is your faith in God? Do you have the assurance that you are going to heaven?’ His reply was, ‘I will cross that bridge when I come to it.’ I asked indignantly if that was how he went on ops as a paratrooper! He said no. I then asked him how he could be so blasé about life’s most important question and shared the gospel with him.
Drawing out people’s life stories is really important to make connections that will give the next building block in sharing the gospel.
BE OPEN AND OBEDIENT TO GOD One afternoon, on my way home for dinner, I had a strong conviction to visit a couple I knew lived on the road I was standing on. I was hungry but I felt a strongly divine and physical compulsion to visit this dear couple. So I obeyed.
When I arrived at the door the wife said her husband was waiting for me! I shared the gospel with him and he responded with a simple prayer of faith. When I called in to see them the next day, the wife said her husband had passed away but whatever I had shared with him had brought overwhelming peace. There is an urgency and responsibility to make the gospel known to whosoever will hear, especially those near the terminus of life.
THERE IS AN URGENCY AND RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE THE GOSPEL KNOWN TO WHOSOEVER WILL HEAR
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Imagine losing most, if not all of your independence, being thrust into a whole new environment and having to live
with a group of people you haven’t chosen, knowing that the only way out is probably via a coffin. It’s no wonder this sudden uprooting has a huge effect on residents’ emotional state.
LIFE LIFE
PAUL CHERICOMissionary based at Rye Lane Chapel, Peckham
PAUL CHIERICO, OUR MISSIONARY BASED AT RYE LANE CHAPEL, HAS BEEN WORKING WITH THE ELDERLY AT THE ELMS CARE HOME (SET UP BY THE CHURCH IN 1953) SINCE 1989.HE SHARES WITH US A BIT ABOUT WHAT IT’S LIKE TO MINISTER TO THOSE IN CARE.
IMAGINE LOSING MOST, IF NOT ALL OF YOUR INDEPENDENCE... KNOWING THAT THE ONLY WAY OUT IS PROBABLY VIA A COFFIN
So, when I visit The Elms, I am totally focused on giving them a sense of Jesus’ presence. I try to be prayerful, present, peaceful, and poised – someone from the outside they can share their troubles or concerns with. I go slow and let them warm up to me. My memorable American accent is a blessing! I memorise names, greet everyone with a warm handshake. If they’re unwell or feeling low, I offer to read some Scripture and pray.
Although it’s a Christian care home, as far as I can tell, only eight or nine of the 26 residents are Christians, but praise God that nearly half of the residents regularly attend the weekly services. The others are usually familiar with the Bible from school or previous church attendance, but many have had a lifetime of disappointments or fallen into a godless frame of mind. But even in the latest stages of life, I’ve seen hearts soften. God is always ready to respond to a cry for salvation.
For a couple of hours a week, I run a Bible Reading Aloud Fellowship Group,
where only two of the eight or nine who attend are Christians. After open
prayer, I read a chapter from a Gospel, commenting as I go and encouraging discussion. We close with a few simple songs. Tea, coffee and biscuits follow and we reminisce about days past. I was encouraged when, two weeks before she died, one of the residents with severe dementia strung a coherent sentence
together, saying, ‘I really understood that!’ after hearing a passage in Luke. Praise God that he is able to speak to people even in the fog of confusion of Alzheimer’s and dementia.
HOW I MINISTER TO THOSE IN OLDER AGEI pray like crazy... silently. The Holy Spirit can save anyone at any age, state of mind or physical condition.
I listen and respond with total concentration with facial gestures to match – even if it doesn’t make sense, even if it’s the 20th time I’ve heard the question.
I answer as clearly and loudly as possible, giving repeatable, short answers, like “It’s all about Jesus”, “Jesus Loves You”, “God is Good”, “Call to Jesus”.
I read to them – reading aloud touches on their long-term memories of being read to or
reading aloud to their own children. It’s also an easy way to volunteer in care homes.
I produce memory books and display boards – highlighting the rich life experience of each person gives them dignity and a chance to talk about their lives so others can know them better.
IN A CARE HOME
PRAY Please pray for Paul as he shares Jesus with those at The Elms.
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STEVE TAYLOR REGULARLY VISITS TOWER BRIDGE CARE HOME’S 128 RESIDENTS, ALL OF WHOM HAVE VARIOUS AGE-RELATED ILLNESSES.
As well as the residents, there’s an ethnically and spiritually diverse staff
team that I seek to befriend and share the gospel with. As well as spending time in the lounges, I systematically visit the 30 or so rooms on each of the four floors to chat, pray and read the Bible with bedridden residents. I sometimes get to walk and chat with them up and down the halls as though we are walking down Oxford Street or the promenade at the seaside!
Ministry to the elderly is about being present, listening and then responding with Christ’s love to them in their particular situation. As one of their few remaining links with the real world, they naturally warm to visitors from the ‘outside’, especially those taking an interest in them and their concerns. This often leads to discussing spiritual things while navigating the feelings that are common to those in old age: frustrations of the aging process, anger at pain, suffering and loss of home, loved ones, friends and independence. Though surrounded by people, I see loneliness and isolation is still a great problem – most of the residents aren’t close friends with their fellow residents and some complain to me
LONELY IN A ROOM FULL OF PEOPLE
STEVE TAYLORMissionary based at St Johns, Penge & Tower Bridge Care Home
about the character and behaviour of those they have no choice but to live with. So my strategy is first to help residents discover or develop their identity as a beloved child of God, which I then hope will overflow in compassion and love for those around them.
This is no easy task when confronted with the natural loss of energy and decline in physical and mental faculties that happens in older age. I need patient perseverance to listen, pray and point people to Christ. Those who are Christians value the fellowship and prayer. Others are indifferent or even hostile to nominal or hypocritical forms of Christianity. I aim to help them see beyond that to the true gospel. As society in general becomes more hostile to Christian values, the church needs to bear in mind that the coming generation of care home residents are likely to feel the same. We’ll need patient adaption of the way we approach the residents and seek to communicate the gospel in a loving way.
I SOMETIMES GET TO WALK AND CHAT WITH THEM UP AND DOWN THE HALLS AS THOUGH WE ARE WALKING DOWN OXFORD STREET OR THE PROMENADE AT THE SEASIDE
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GOLDA’S STORY
IF HE WANTS ME WITH HIM, I’M READY. I’VE BEEN SO HAPPY THIS LAST COUPLE OF YEARS
SOME OF YOU MAY REMEMBER WHEN WE SHARED GOLDA’S STORY A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO. LIFE FOR THE 88-YEAR-OLD, ON ONE OF LONDON’S BIGGEST HOUSING ESTATES, HAD BEEN TOUGH.
She’d spent decades caring for her sick husband and family members and the last few years in a wheelchair, relying on her niece to come and do the weekly shop. She slept and spent her days in a single room and had few visitors. But then, missionary Carol McFarlane knocked on the door. ‘I could see the holiness in
her,’ said Golda. ‘I asked
her how she got through the doors of the block to reach me, and Carol told me God opens doors to reach people in need.’
The pair started meeting each week to talk about life, faith and Jesus. Golda had extensive Bible knowledge from her upbringing in a strict Jewish orphanage, but she couldn’t accept that Jesus was who he claimed to be. ‘I’m Jewish and I will not change’, she used to say.
The months turned into years and Carol remained committed; gently, patiently and sensitively sharing the gospel with Golda, taking her
on trips out, and constantly praying for her.
Then one day, Golda gave her life to Christ. ‘I really
have become a born-again Christian. I feel happy. I get a tingling feeling whenever I speak about Jesus.’ she told us. Others said Golda completely transformed, and her hairdresser began asking questions about Christianity as a result. She kept sharing Jesus with her family and was baptised on 29 November, 2015 – ‘It was like preparing someone to be married!’ said Carol.
Sadly at the end of last year, she was diagnosed with an aggressive terminal cancer and died on 30 December. But she was so positive – she didn’t want to see any tears from Carol or her family. ‘If He wants me with Him, I’m ready. I’ve been so happy this last couple of years’. We praise God that Golda has gone to be with her Saviour.
Please pray for Carol as she continues to work among the elderly and housebound on the Isle of Dogs, sharing the good news of Jesus in word and action.
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“It was heartbreaking to meet someone in such great need but who was unwilling to let the Lord help him in any way.” Salvatore agreed to see Martin again but continued to be resistant to the gospel. Martin did not give up. During regular visits he gently continued to speak about Jesus – “I began to think, there’s something here I have to listen to,” said Salvatore.
Suddenly, at the age of 64, Salvatore’s pre-existing heart condition drastically worsened and he was rushed to hospital.
‘I thought I was at the end of my life. I prayed and prayed. Then, I fell into a deep sleep and dreamt that there were figures floating around my bed like angels. They told me I was going to be okay. When I woke up, I felt like a new person. I had inside me a feeling of joy, so much that it made me cry. It felt like the spirit of
the Lord had visited me. There and then, I accepted the Lord.’ He spent all his phone credit on telling friends and family what had happened. He was reconciled with his younger brother and once recovered,
began attending church with Martin at The Bridge Church in Battersea. He stopped smoking and started cooking again. Though his health continued to go up and down, along with his emotional state, the Lord encouraged him with the knowledge of His sovereign presence and control. He was reading his Bible and praying like never before, especially for the conversion of those he knew.
SALVATORE’S SALVATION
MARTIN STREET KNOCKED ON SALVATORE’S DOOR AS PART OF HIS REGULAR VISITS AROUND THE ESTATE IN BATTERSEA. MARTIN FOUND AN UNHEALTHY-LOOKING MAN WITH NO ENERGY FOR CONVERSATION, WHO SAID LIFE WAS HOPELESS.
I HAD INSIDE ME A FEELING OF JOY, SO MUCH THAT IT MADE ME CRY. IT FELT LIKE THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD HAD VISITED ME.
But, sadly, in March 2016, Salvatore was taken into hospital and died. Martin recounts two encouraging things, ‘The last time I took him to church, he could barely get in my car but he said, “Martin, I must get to church! God told me to be there...”, and when we arrived we discovered four non-Christians had responded to his invitation to come! (Two are still coming, and two – a homeless couple – received lots more help and gospel input before going
back to Eastern Europe). The night before he died, Salvatore said to
me, “Satan is afflicting me like this because he wants me to
give up my faith in Jesus... But I’m not going to budge!” That was the last time I saw him. The next, I trust Jesus, will be in glory.’
We thank God for the assurance of Salvatore’s eternal life and pray those he witnessed to will also receive it through faith in Jesus.
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RECENTLY, WE’VE BEEN TRAINING NEW TESTAMENT ASSEMBLY CHURCH IN TOOTING ON DOOR KNOCKING. To my delight and God’s glory, an 85-year-old lady grabbed my hand after a recent prayer meeting and said ‘Gifty, since the fire happened in Grenfell Tower, I’ve cried so much. The Holy Spirit has stirred my heart... I had to get up and do something for him. So for the first time, I knocked on seven of my neighbours’ doors – three of them turned out to be gay couples. I asked if I could pray with them about what’s happening in London. They all accepted. After praying for London, I prayed for their needs while holding their lovely hands.’
Praise God that he chooses to use us to bear gospel fruit no matter what age we are!
STILL BEARING FRUITGifty Dhanapal, Missionary in Tooting
ASPIRE TO INSPIRE
A MISSIONARY WITH LCM FOR MANY YEARS BEFORE SHE RETIRED, SYLVENA FARRANT STILL VISITS CARE HOMES AND ELDERLY FRIENDS’ HOMES, RUNS CHURCH ACTIVITIES, AND IS PART OF THE SOUTHWARK DIOCESE SAGE COMMITTEE. SHE’S PRODUCED A BOOK, FUN WITH A PURPOSE, FULL OF ACTIVITIES TO HELP ENGAGE AND SHARE THE GOSPEL WITH THOSE IN THEIR TWILIGHT YEARS.
‘Sixty years old – that’s ancient!’ – at least that is what I thought as a child. But God has totally changed my perspective over the years. Older people are often perceived as ready for the scrap heap, especially if bedridden or suffering from dementia. Deeply traumatised by loss of independence, of spouse, friends and neighbours, many are plunged into an abyss of loneliness and boredom, which a social worker I know said should often be the actual cause of death on a death certificate.
Security and significance are vital for human well being, something which doesn’t change with age! Those in older age need to exercise body, mind and spirit. They also need a purpose for living. So I’ve learnt it’s not
just ministry to the elderly but encouraging ministry of the elderly. I’ve used games, crafts and fun to engage play but also to involve those I meet in serving others. It’s been a joy to see God giving elderly people the ingenuity to use their gifts and skills to help.
• A bedridden lady prayed specifically for my team’s ministry and cut things out to use in games.
• At my church’s Holiday at Home programme, one gentleman taught us to make model churches and another brought his potter’s wheel.
• At least 9 of our helpers were over 80. One couple couldn’t join us because they were recovering from ill health but still managed to revamp and print a gospel booklet and make a versatile stand for our “Splat the Rat” game.
• A lady with severe ME, hardly ever been out of her flat for over 30yrs, contributed in many different ways even while in great pain – a testimony to God’s grace and enabling.
• One godly man in a care home provided two cryptograms and grew a 7ft tomato plant from seeds from his tomato sandwich! He then blessed others with seedlings and tomatoes.
• My 105-yr-old neighbour, with failing sight and arthritic fingers had previously designed and produced knitted stars for me – which she’d never done before – recently, she knitted me another set of multi-coloured beauties!
‘Active’ or not, in pain, bedridden or recovering from a stroke – there’s something for everyone to do. Though we might resign ourselves to it, God never puts us on the scrapheap.
BEFORE YOU EXPIRE
BEFORE YOU EXPIRE– Eugene Bell Jr.
56 page A4 book packed full of practical ideasand activities for engaging with those in older age.
£10 EACH Order a copy by contacting us on 020 7407 7585
FUN WITH A PURPOSE
WHAT W
E DO
26 27
A GREAT BIG THANKS TO ALL OF YOU – THE INDIVIDUALS, CHURCHES, TRUSTS AND BUSINESSES - WHO’VE GENEROUSLY AND SACRIFICIALLY GIVEN £2.2M IN DONATIONS AND £1.7M OF LEGACY GIFTS TO REACH THE LEAST REACHED WITH THE GOSPEL ACROSS LONDON.
God has given us a vision to get even more feet on the ground, envision more people, help further train the church of London and mobilise more volunteers to share the good news of Jesus Christ. In 2016, we invested £6.7m to make that happen… £0.6m more than in 2015.
All our regular income (£5.7m) didn’t cover the cost of doing gospel work in London and so we sold properties to help fund the ministry. In addition, these sales provided money to house and relocate our missionaries. This has left us with fewer properties to rely on in the future, which we believe is unsustainable in the medium term.
To solve this, we’re stewarding our property and investments carefully (which provided £1.4m of rental income in 2016). In future, we’re looking to grow income by developing
A YEAR OF
NICK ALLENSONFinance Director
other sites, such as our head office. Please pray for wisdom as we work with our trustees and advisers to continue this process during this next phase of growth.
We continue to envision new partners in the Gospel and we rejoice in welcoming many people into the LCM family who are praying for and giving to our work. Would you please pray that more Christians would take to heart the importance of gospel sharing in London and join with us?
We remain deeply grateful for your faithful support and continue to rely on your generosity to help us share the gospel with the least reached. With your continued faithful generosity, growth in the LCM family and the wise investments we can make; we believe LCM can share the gospel with millions of Londoners into the future.
Thank you again for partnering with us during this exciting time.
GROWTH
This is an extract from the full set of financial statements of the London City Mission comprising the Directors’ Report and Accounts which were approved on 22 May 2017. The summarised financial statements may not contain sufficient information to allow a full understanding of the financial affairs of London City Mission. For further information the Annual Report and Accounts should be consulted. A copy of this document is available at www.lcm.org.uk/annualreports or on request from London City Mission, 175 Tower Bridge Road, London SE1 2AH.
23%DONATIONS
(£2.2M)
18%LEGACIES
(£1.7M)
41%GAIN ON SALE
OF ASSETS(£3.9M)
4%TRADING
(£0.3M) 5%RENTAL INCOME
(£0.5M)
9%INVESTMENT
INCOME(£0.9M)
INCOMEEX
PEND
ITURE
75%MINISTRYACTIVITIES(£6.1M)
7%COMMUNICATION WITH SUPPORTERS(£0.6M)
1%TRADING COSTS(£0.1M)
7%TRAINING(£0.6M)
£8.1M
£9.6M
5%MANAGEMENT OFRENTEND PROPERTY(£0.4M)
4%RETIREMENT HOMES(£0.3M)
WHAT W
E DO
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A few years later, in 1987, he became a full-time schools worker. He often described schools work with this verse from Isaiah 40: ‘Prepare the way for the Lord… the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain.’ And for 31 years, that’s what he did.
He prepared the ground for the gospel to take root, breaking down misconceptions of Christianity and sowing rich Biblical truths in the hearts of pupil and teacher alike. As well as running regular assemblies, RE lessons and lunchtime clubs, he also set up the Schools Christian Resource Centre in Morden (where teachers can borrow a variety of resources to help them teach Christianity), served on Christian Unions, worked as a school Governor and, with his
wife, set up the Deen City Farm Nativities to remind generations of children what Christmas is all about. He also served as chair of Merton SACRE (Standard Advisory Council for Religious Education) where he’s ensured teaching on Christianity is correctly based on the Bible.
In July, after four decades of service and thousands of children hearing about Jesus through his lessons and assemblies, Peter retired from his work with London City Mission. Many of us in the Mission have benefited from Peter’s words of encouragement and wisdom. We look forward to seeing what the Lord has in store for the next season of his life and to reaping some of the fruit of Peter’s enthusiastic and faithful sowing. May God bless you richly, Peter.
SOWING ANDREAPING
PETER KENDRICK JOINED THE MISSION IN 1976 AND WORKED AS AN EVANGELIST IN EAST LONDON AND SUTTON BUT IT WASN’T UNTIL HE WAS ASKED TO TAKE AN ASSEMBLY AT HIS SON’S SCHOOL THAT HE DISCOVERED HIS PASSION TO TEACH CHILDREN ABOUT JESUS.
Peter outside the Schools Christian Resource Centre in the 1980s
Peter acting as a train conductor in war-time England
LEAVING A LEGACYLEAVING A LEGACYONE OF OUR SUPPORTERS ON WHY SHE’S LEAVING A LEGACY TO LCM.
I’ve known about London City Mission more or less from birth as the Mission’s General Secretary at the time, Canon Arnold, and
his wife were close friends of my parents
and sponsors at my baptism.
When I later trained at All
Nations
accident – that’s where the need was so that’s where they went! And now, the work they do with homeless people and vulnerable women is particularly close to my heart, as well as how they’re reaching young people struggling to find purpose in life.
God gave me my house on the lovely South Coast
in such a wonderful way, I want it to bless others, hopefully for many years ahead! He’s
now led me to leave it to the Mission.
If anyone reading this is thinking of leaving a legacy, I encourage you to leave some of what God has given you to an organisation that you totally agree with, so they can keep going long into the future. For me, this organisation is London City Mission.
PLEASE CONTACT ROY JARVIS IF YOU WOULD LIKE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT LEAVING A LEGACY TO FURTHER GOSPEL WORK IN LONDON.
[email protected] 7234 3585
Christian College, I spent two or so months on placement with LCM, working with missionaries Andrew Gordon and Roger Bagge. Though I had a great desire to work with LCM, the Lord wanted me to do mission work in Kenya.
I’ve always been impressed with and grateful for LCM’s work. They are where the people are and give them what they need: primarily the gospel of Christ but also practical and material help. When
the terrible Clapham rail crash happened
in 1988, LCM missionaries were
some of the first to arrive
at the
I’VE ALWAYS BEEN IMPRESSED WITH AND GRATEFUL FOR LCM’S WORK.
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GET INVOLVED
30
NEWS
GET INVOLVED
SLEEPOUTOver 8,000 people slept rough in London between 2016 and 2017. Our staff provide practical and spiritual support to rough sleepers every week. Could you sleep outside for a night to help raise funds for this vital work? Get in touch to find out more.E [email protected] 020 7234 3585
MISSION SUNDAYInspire your church to share the gospel by using our special Mission Sunday resource, designed especially for churches. It includes a short film and tips on sharing the good news of Jesus.E [email protected] T 020 7234 3590
COFFEE MORNINGCould you host a coffee morning and raise funds to help share the gospel across London? Choose a date and time, invite your friends and get baking (or buying!). You’ll have fun and enable the least reached to hear about Jesus. Order your free pack.E [email protected] 020 7234 3585
TRAINING DAYWant to better reach out to the children and young people around you? Come and be trained practically on sharing the gospel with under 18s! Saturday 11 November, 9.30am-4.00pm, £10/£5 conc. Group rate available. 175 Tower Bridge Road SE1 2AH. Contact Laura on E [email protected] 020 7407 7585
COME AND BE TRAINED PRACTICALLY ON REACHING OUT TO THE ELDERLY WITH THE GOSPEL!
To register, sign up for our newsletter or any other information, visit www.lcm.org.uk/training or contact Laura on [email protected]
£10/£5 CONC. (GROUP RATE AVAILABLE)175 TOWER BRIDGE ROAD SE1 2AH
SATURDAY 7 OCTOBER 20179.30AM–4.00PM
REACHING THE ELDERLY
