Shaun Riley

Shaun was born into a Christian family, in Barking and Dagenham.

“At age 14, it was never easy being a Christian still wanting to be relevant at school and with my friends, but that all changed at 18 when I really sensed God calling me to fully commit myself to him.”

In 2021 he joined London City Mission to train on the Pioneer Programme. “Since then, God has been moulding and shaping me to where I am today and I believe that he has truly given me the desire to proclaim Jesus, wherever I go.”

Shaun now works as a Mission Associate in Barking and Dagenham, specialising in Children, Youth and Schools. He is seeking to equip and inspire everyday Christians in local churches to lovingly bring a message of hope in Christ to those least likely to hear it. This looks like supporting churches to run kids' clubs, and training up new volunteers who have a passion for youth work. He also helps connect churches with local schools to run lessons or activities and share the good news of Jesus.

“Barking and Dagenham has become more diverse and gentrified than ever before in terms of the culture and identity, since growing up here. The physical and spiritual needs in this borough are very apparent, particularly as young people face issues surrounding identity and the stresses that come with school.”

“My vision is to see Jesus proclaimed and lifted high in Barking and Dagenham as the hopeless find hope; the voiceless find a voice; and the helpless find help in the saving message of the gospel”.

Shaun lives with his parents and his brothers, and he enjoys listening to and creating music, as well as singing, songwriting, photography, reading and being around nature.