Walking in step with London City Mission

It was not a normal Saturday morning for 14-year-old Lewis. According to his grandmother, Pam, Saturday mornings are usually reserved for a sleep-in after a long week at school. But not that day.

“He was up and ready to go,” says Pam.

The two were headed to London for a long walk through the city to raise awareness of the need that exists in London as well as funds for London City Mission.

“I think information about the Big London Walk was in one of the magazines or came up in an email,” Pam recalls.

Pam asked Lewis if he wanted to join her, and to her delight, he said yes.

Lewis is a typical teenager in many ways. He is studying for his GCSEs. He enjoys sports and football. But with his grandparents' encouragement, Lewis also likes to worship God and pray with people.

“Ever since I was a baby, my grandparents raised me to become a strong Christian and do the best I can to follow God,” explains Lewis.

“I think my faith plays a big role in my life because there are decisions where I have to think about what God would want me to do or what he would have done in some situations.”

For Lewis, it was that faith in Christ and love for God that prompted him to participate in the Big London Walk to support London City Mission.

“My nan and I were talking about the Walk. I wanted to support a good cause as well as do something good for my fitness,” says Lewis.

“I also wanted to raise money for the London City mission and to spread the word about God.”

Lewis often goes to church with his grandparents. When he signed up for the Big London Walk, he encouraged the church congregation to support his fundraiser.

“Lewis spoke to our pastor about the Walk. Our pastor then got him a clipboard with names on it and told him to go for it,” says Pam.

“He announced in the church that Lewis was going to walk for the London City Mission and to support his fundraiser. I think he raised more than £600.”

It was partly sunny and partly cloudy on the day of the Big London Walk. Lewis was the youngest participant and fundraiser there.

“I found the talks throughout the walk good. It was an opportunity to hear about the work of London City Mission throughout the day,” says Lewis.

“I thought it's great to see what people can do, working with others. Many don't have much. I think it's great what people can do to help.”

Lewis had never really thought about serving people who were marginalised and vulnerable in London. But he is now more interested in the world around him since the walk.

“I didn't really think about it, but ever since the London City Mission walk, I've been thinking a lot more about it and what's going on and around us,” says Lewis.

“It was for a good cause that involved helping people. As long as I can show support for God and for people, that's what I'm happy about. I got to meet new people and have good conversations about God and pray about daily life.”

Pam also used the opportunity to tell strangers about Jesus as well as London City Mission.

“I enjoyed meeting other people and having to talk with some people, like some of the shopkeepers we met along the way,” says Pam.

“We stopped for coffee and one of the staff asked us what we were doing. I was able to say to her what we were doing and what it was for.”

For Pam, it was incredibly encouraging to walk with her grandson that Saturday.

“He was with quite a few other people a lot of the time, but when we stopped at different places to have refreshments, we had the chance to chat. He was very happy, and I was encouraged,” she says.

The Big London Walk will be back next year. More details to follow in the Spring!