In London today, we estimate just one in twenty children go to church, and around half don’t even have a Christian friend to invite them to church activities.
And yet our experience shows that children are incredibly open to talking about Jesus Christ and exploring who he is.
“I didn’t really pay much attention to God when I was younger”, says Michael. “The weekly trips to the Catholic church were more of a formality.”
Michael started spending time at a community café run by LCM alongside local churches, where he would read the Bible with missionary Marlene.
“That’s where I was exposed to what love is. I’m still in touch with Marlene now. When I look back, I can see God planted a seed that eventually led me to giving my life to Jesus.”
Teaching on Christianity is compulsory in all England’s schools, but not all schools have Christian teachers. And so, we’re working alongside churches and schools, to share a personal experience of being a Christian, going into classrooms, opening the Bible together with children and talking about Jesus.
Together with churches we’re boldly engaging older children on the reality of knife crime, by going into schools and inviting them to explore forgiveness, bringing in the message of God’s offer of ultimate forgiveness at the cross.
We help churches to go out and meet young people where they are, and to engage with their needs and interests. This could involve setting up activities where relationships can be built, and the gospel shared. In Vauxhall, church members have set up a weekly football club, involving a Bible discussion at half time.
“Our dream is, alongside other churches, for every schoolchild in Croydon to hear the gospel.”
Joseph Bediako, Pastor, Forestdale Church
LCM shares the gospel alongside the local church of London, equipping everyday Christians to lovingly bring a message of hope in Christ to those least likely to hear it.
Registered Charity No. 247186
