Simon Knightly

Simon came to faith 18 years ago, and ever since he’s had a passion and drive to tell others about Jesus. After attending the LCM Summer School in 2014, he felt drawn to the work of LCM and prayed that, if it was God’s will, He would open the door. Three years later the door opened, and he started working for in Croydon, the London borough he has lived in most of his life.

“I became a missionary because I love Jesus, I love people and I love London. And I love telling people about Jesus!... I also feel a sense of urgency to do this, because life is so short. And people everywhere in London desperately need Jesus. How can they follow Jesus if they've never heard of him?”

Simon is a Team Leader in Croydon, reaching out with the love of Christ to people on council estates, and seniors in particular. His role involves building relationships with churches, envisioning, training, and equipping them to reach out to the least-reached people in their communities.

Croydon is the largest borough in London by population, with over 390,000 people. It’s a melting pot of many different nationalities, ethnicities, and religions, with numerous lower-income areas. This means there are a diverse set of needs. Many people on Forestdale Estate are struggling with loneliness and have yet to hear the Good News of Jesus.

"My vision is to see many people come to know Jesus, as churches in Croydon intentionally reach out to the least-reached in their communities with the love of God and the good news of Jesus Christ - welcoming and integrating them into their loving church families."

Simon is married to Annie, and has two young daughters, Evangeline and Noelle.  He’s a rapper, song writer and spoken word artist. And he loves anything with chicken, especially Nando's!