On Tuesdays at 11am, Hope Church Newham open their doors to anyone who wants to come in.

One of the first to walk in is Tom*. As he approaches the coffee bar, LCM missionary Scott asks, “How are you?”

“You don’t want to know”, responds Tom.

“I do want to know, that’s why I asked,” responds Scott.

Tom tells Scott that he’s not had a good morning. He says he’s been rejected from two local foodbanks, after a disagreement with some of the staff. The conversation continues as they start a game of scrabble at a nearby table. “I don’t believe in God. But I believe in people who believe in God,” says Tom as the conversation naturally turns to the topic of religion.

“Tom and other guests know that we’re Christians, and a lot of the time they just ask questions,” explains Scott.

Sometimes these questions can be quite personal. Tom candidly asks Scott and others around the table about relationships they had before they got married. A question which may cause some to withdraw through embarrassment, provides an opportunity for Scott to talk about what Christians believe about sex and marriage.

Tom stays for the duration of Hope at the Hub, enjoying lunch with volunteers from the church and other guests. “I like coming here because people take the time to listen to me,” says Tom.

“We started Hope at the Hub, because we’ve seen the need in the local area,” says pastor Mark Waterfield. “LCM are helping us to grow this ministry to reach people. Stories like Tom’s are sadly very common. We meet so many people struggling to get by… feeling hopeless and often lonely.”

But the good news is that there is hope, and thanks to Hope at the Hub, more people like Tom are beginning to find it again.

As they have patiently and lovingly come alongside Tom, Scott and others have been encouraged by what they have seen God doing in Tom’s life.

“The walls are slowly coming down and he’s asking more and more questions,” explains Scott. “He’s started to come to church on Sundays. He’s only stayed for coffee, but that’s a big step.”

At another table, church volunteer Jenny is sitting alongside guests Gita and Suman, painting crafts and talking.

INTENTIONAL CONVERSATIONS

“We’d initially thought this would be a social space, where we might invite people to church,” explains Jenny. “But Scott and other missionaries have encouraged us to look for opportunities to share our faith.”

These conversations are modelled by Scott and fellow missionaries Isabella and Anne. They also share their insights and encouragements to Jenny and others as the team meets to pray before the doors open. Speaking more about her faith led Jenny to approach Scott with an idea – a Bible study she could invite guests to. So, with Scott and Isabella’s support, a weekly group was established.

Gita and Suman have been two of the regulars – working their way through a study in Luke. A friendship with Jenny has blossomed.

Suman, a retired pediatrician, originally came to Hope at the Hub along with her auntie Gita, because of the arts and crafts. She was keen to come to the Bible study – partly down to curiosity.

“I am from the Hindu religion, but it doesn’t matter. I am always curious to know about other religions,” explains Suman. But it’s clear that through the time spent in the Bible with Jenny and others that the uniqueness of Jesus is becoming clear. “Every religion says don’t do bad things. If you do bad things, bad things will happen to you,” continues Suman. “But Jesus Christ said, ‘whatever bad things you do, I take responsibility. My blessings are there for you to have.’”

“Everyone we meet is on a unique journey,” says Scott. “We have seen God use this ministry to draw people to new life in Jesus. In Suman’s case, we pray that her newfound knowledge will take root in her heart. We pray that the same will happen for Tom and the other guests we’re getting to know.”

Suman is originally from India – one of the many nationalities represented in Newham. It’s the most diverse borough in the UK.

“Our vision is to make Jesus known, in Newham, east London and beyond,” explains pastor Mark. “Our heart is that we can reach the world on our doorstep. And through LCM’s support, Hope at the Hub is providing a beautiful bridge between Newham, the church and to Jesus.”

“We’re seeing God building something really special,” says Scott. “The next step is to provide some formal evangelism training to the team here at Hope Church. But already we can see that there has been a shift in culture here – Jesus is being shared freely!”