That’s why London City Mission (LCM) ran a one-day training conference on Saturday, 27 January, entitled ‘Finding Purpose on the Margins’, addressing the need to empower and give hope to those on the streets and resourcing local churches to love and support those on the margins of society.
Close to 100 people gathered for the training at LCM’s headquarters in London Bridge.
Conference organiser, Louise Brady commented: “We wanted to engage people interested in homeless and marginalised ministries to ask the honest question of whether we unintentionally hold people back when we try to support people practically.”
It is often difficult to know where to begin effectively ministering to people experiencing homelessness or who have been released from prison. But conference organisers wanted delegates to be reminded of the reason why it’s so important.
“Whatever the outcome, our purpose is to journey with people who are homeless and marginalised through authentic relationships. It is essential to meet practical needs, but it is just as important to share our hope in the gospel. We want people to be inspired to share Jesus as well as their lives!
“We hope delegates felt they were not alone in their journeys too, as partnership was a strong message throughout the day,” said Louise.
For conference delegate Agnes Wilson, the day was deeply encouraging.
“It was inspiring to see faith in action in this way,” she commented. “Jesus calls on us to love our neighbours radically, selflessly. It was moving to see brothers and sisters in Christ cherishing friendships and growing through the experience of caring for others on the margins. It’s a good reminder that we are all changed by the experience!”
Speaking at the conference were Nicky Tallintire from Growth, Ruth McBryan from the Message Trust, Rob Payne from Hope Worldwide UK, as well as LCM staff and volunteers from LCM Homeless ministry Webber Street, its overnight homeless shelter Corner House, and Hope Community Homes, LCM’s Prisons Ministry.
Find out more about how LCM can support your local church to reach those on the margins at lcm.org.uk/yourchurch
