A look at what’s been going on at Church on the Street as we head into Autumn…
Lives Transformed by The Exodus Project
In this new video, Pastor Emma Daggers talks about The Exodus Project, the ground-breaking recovery programme for Church on the Street that she created with Bishop Mick Fleming.
“The Exodus Project has been born out of many years experience of addiction and recovery. What we wanted to create, which was missing, was a structured, theraputic space, whilst still living in the community.”
Graduates from The Exodus Project talk in the video about the transformative effect it has had their lives.
“People have a chance at believing thay can do it, especially if they see people who have gone before, and they’re happy, joyous and free. So what have they done?”
New Ministry Begins in Blackburn
Meet Anne and Jacques Gimeno, ministers for our new church starting in Blackburn. Their ministry is working closely with the homeless and addicted community in the city. Our thanks to the Salvation Army for allowing us to use their space, and opening the door us to set up a new The Genesis Group (see separate item below). Anne said:
“We are very grateful for the warm welcome we have received on every level, and look forward to more people joining us.”
Please pray for Anne and Jacques and the work they do.
Great Progress in the Dominican Republic
We’re receiving great news of progress for Church on the Street in the Dominican Republic. Pastors Graham Dunwell and wife Kathryn are continuing their work with impoverished and vulnerable children, providing prayer and practical support as part of a growing faith community. Payers were recently answered when they received a large gazebo they needed to protect their outdoor services from both sun and rain.
Kathryn is seen here putting the finishes touches to a new chapel they have opened in a local school to serve the needs of 400 children and staff.
Burnley Clinic Celebrates First Anniversary
In 2023 we partnered with the NHS to start a drop-in clinic for foot and wound care. A year on we are are pleased to say that well over 100 people, who had previously been unable to access services, have been helped to receive the regular care they need.
Podiatry team lead, Dawn Stalker, said:
“There has been no judgement and no questions around why people haven’t accessed care in the main clinics and I know some patients have now been healed or have been able to have more regular treatment.”
NHS Wound Care and Foot Clinic
Every Tuesday, 9.00am – 3.00pm
Bethesda Church, Bethesda St, Burnley BB11 1PR
New Genesis Group Starts in Blackburn
The Genesis Group provides support for people in addiction who are contemplating stepping into recovery. A group has been running at our church in Burnley for some time, and we have now started a new group in Blackburn. Bishop Mick Fleming said: “We are overwhelmed with the interested in, and people engaging with the new group.”
Chris Brooks, who helps facilitate the group, was just over a year ago living in a hostel across the road from where the group now meets. Chris said:
“I was was in the same shoes as these people, and now I’m an example that change is possible, and their is hope is for everyone.”
The Genesis Group, Blackburn
Every Thursday, 3.30pm – 4.30pm
The Phoenix Hub, Clayton Street, Blackburn BB2 2ED
Report Looks at Rise in UK Child Poverty
A new report produced by Church on the Street has reveals the top 50 UK areas with the biggest increases in absolute child poverty.
Pastor Mick Fleming said:
“The levels of poverty we have seen children enduring over the past 8-10 years has been absolutely shocking. Absolute poverty is a state of deprivation that children and young people – especially in the 21st Century, in what is supposedly one of the richest countries in the world – should never even think of having to endure. The new government must move to change the unacceptable living conditions for children and their families, or we risk losing an entire generation.”
Food is Served with Gratitude to God
We served a free roast dinner (with Yorkshires and treacle sponge for afters!) to around 50 people at our church on Sunday. Among those who attended where children, who we were very happy to be able to provide a decent hot meal to. Having seen the need for this, providing food on a Sunday is something we will continue to do through the winter.
“The LORD will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest. Righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his steps.”
Psalm 85, 12-13.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the underserved gift of your grace, and the forgiveness of our sins. Thank you for changing our hearts, which we were powerless to change ourselves, and that lead us into darkness. Thank for the light, the joy and the peace that we receive, when we stop hiding ourselves from you, and come to you just as we are. Thank you that you loved us so much, that you sacrificed your one and only Son, so that we might have life eternal.
In the name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ,
Amen.
Thank you for your support.
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