Liam, Maya and Brayden* live in one of the toughest parts of the UK in Luton. Like most young people, they love having fun, being with friends and learning how to make the best of life. You can see it in their eyes, the sparkle, the zest for being together, the smiles that say how much they treasure being at Urban Saints.
After Maya’s first session, we asked what she thought, “11 out of 10 – I’ll never miss a session. This is the best day ever!” Before Christmas, Liam asked “Can we meet on Christmas Day?!” His mum has tried to get him to church for ages, “he hates it, but he loves Urban Saints!” And Brayden brings his three friends now unless they are grounded! “It’s the highlight of the week! If it’s ever cancelled I’m gutted!”
But a session did have to be cancelled. Not because of anything the young people had done but because of the COVID-19 virus. As the Government lockdown was announced, they pleaded “Can we still come next week?”
Now the Bible says in Romans 8 v35-37, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
So Urban Saints Groups are going online. By logging onto a safe space online, every Liam, Maya and Brayden* will still be able to see each other, have fun and learn how to make the best of life.
It’s different, it’s online, but it’s a lifeline.
You have helped us in the past. Thank you!
By staying together today, we will see treasure again tomorrow.
By donating today, you really will make Liam, Maya and Brayden’s day. Bring a smile to every young person who joins us and help them meet Jesus:
By staying together today, we will see treasure again tomorrow
Friends, we have also had to postpone or cancel this spring’s ministry at Camps, Sprees, Westbrook and all of this year’s Overseas Adventures. With the summer also in doubt, the sheer scale of ministry nationwide means the likely cost of the shut-down will run to several hundred thousand pounds.
We so want to continue the work. Could you help us bridge this shortfall? Donate in just a few clicks on our new website:
Be encouraged – God’s Kingdom is growing - and no trouble or hardship or famine or danger can ever separate us from His love. In all these things, we are more than conquerors.
Yours together,
Richard Langmead
CEO Urban Saints
* we change names to protect the privacy and identity of young people.
