ENGAGESPRING 2012 / ISSUE 17

First the good news! Since Urban Saints Hitchin launched in October 2008, 476 young people aged 11 to 17 have attended at one time or another, with an average of 80 young people attending each week at the moment. The evangelist in me absolutely loves this. The more the merrier! The wider the better! Even if a young person comes once we get a chance to share something of the love of Jesus through our words and actions.

But now the bad news! Since Urban Saints Hitchin launched in October 2008, 476 young people aged 11 to 17 have attended at one time or another, with an average of 80 young people attending each week at the moment. Loads have stopped coming, disciple-making is extremely difficult, and small group attendance is erratic. The discipler in me really finds this a challenge. Less is more! Deeper is better than wider! We don’t just want to entertain; we want to see young people experience God.

It strikes me that Jesus did spend time reaching out to thousands but he spent more time hanging out with just a few. That seems like a good model to me – but I’m increasingly aware of just how difficult that still is.

Maybe that’s why Jesus spent so much time in prayer - taking time out to regularly get wisdom from the Father for the next step in the journey? I’m so aware that I need more wisdom from the Father, don’t you? The stakes are so high. My prayer for each of us this year - as we all live with the various tensions, challenges and disappointments of running a group – is that we would take more time to pray and receive God’s wisdom for the next stage in the journey of our group.

God be our vision and wisdom. Fill us with your power and authority. Give us your boldness and a persevering heart. For the sake of this generation we pray – Amen?

Matt SummerfieldChief Executive

INCLUDED WITHIN…DEEP OR WIDE?

www.URBANSAINTS.org/engage

“Are you All Inclusive?” - Page 03

“MIMIC changed my life” - Page 04

“I wasn’t a believer… until Shine!” - Page 07

“ STOP PRESS: WE’RE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCED THAT WE ARE NOW CONNECTING WITH OVER 1000 CHURCHES AND GROUPS THROUGHOUT THE UK AND BEYOND! PRAISE THE LORD! ”

WHAT IS AN URBAN SAINTS GROUP ANYWAY?

There was a bumper crop of Urban Saints family members included in the 2012 New Year’s Honours list by Her Majesty The Queen. This included MBEs for John Coatman (for his work with young people in Croydon, including the Wallington Urban Saints group), Dr Avice Hall & Stephen Hammersley (for their work in education, the community and their own local groups, in St Albans and Harpenden respectively). Former Crusaders Director, Dr Alan Kerbey, received an OBE for his work with young people in education and another former staff team member, Colin Henry, was recognised for with a MBE, for services to education in his role as Chair of Governors at Christ’s College in Guildford.

Meanwhile, we continue to honour the unsung heroes in the Urban Saints movement with our very own Urban Saints honours, as Mark Instone our North West Regional Director explains:

Andrew Craven - A look of confusion fell across Andrew Craven’s face as around 15 adults from the community invaded his Friday night group meeting in the church hall at Hest Bank, near Lancaster. The young people gathered and Esther O’Sullivan (from the Urban Saints Support Centre) made the presentation to a now surprised Andrew. Following a short acceptance speech and photograph the evening fun continued on plan with the party food served !!

Andrew Grahame (AG) - It’s not easy to surprise AG, but thanks to a good deal of comprehensive planning from Daphne Hall we managed it. AG has served on over 50 holidays and continues to serve locally in and around Warrington. It was very clear from the gathered friends that AG’s ongoing input is really appreciated and a real blessing. Once he had overcome his shock AG relaxed and enjoyed a great time with friends.

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It’s a commonly asked question. However, it is not one that is easily answered. In the past, it was hard enough to describe a typical Crusader group but even more so now. I guess if you had to press me, I’d say that we serve individuals and groups of Christians who love Christ and love children and young people. People who share our values of riotous fun, adventurous faith, genuine friendship and life in all its fullness…

But what those groups do and what they look like – as you will glimpse from some of the stories in this edition of Engage – is as varied as the young lives we help them serve. Some are traditional Sunday Schools while others operate in school lunch clubs, drop-ins and out in the community. Some are small close-knit groups while others use Energize across their entire youth and children’s programmes. Whatever they look like, we serve them in their vision to make a difference in their communities.

And you serve them too. Whether you give your time to help run one of these vital ministries or give financially or commit to pray, you all play your part and we are eternally grateful for your support!

Paul WindoENGAGE Editor

Our Dream: “To release a movement of radical young people, committed to taking the good news of Jesus Christ to every generation.”

Our Passion: “To help young people live lives of faith, hope and love through Jesus Christ.”

URBAN SAINTS Support CentreKestin House45 Crescent RoadLutonBedsLU2 0AH

Tel: 01582 589850Fax: 01582 721702Email: email@urbansaints.org

For the latest news and resources visit: www.URBANSAINTS.org

To connect with old friends go to: www.crusadersreunited.org.uk

Find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/urbansaints

Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/urbansaints

URBAN SAINTS is the operating name of The Crusaders’ Union, a company limited by guarantee and registered in England & Wales, company number 07771037, charity number 1144923. Registration with OSCR is pending.

Read the extended versions of these stories online at the Engage website. Scan this barcode with your smartphone to jump straight to it…

“EXCUSE ME… YOUR HONOUR!”

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Our vision for Capernaum Club, started just over two years ago, is to enable the church to reach the disabled community and share the gospel with them and their families. We help local churches set up weekly clubs filled with food, fun, and friendship, and we help recruit more typical teens from the local schools to act as ‘buddies’ to their disabled peers.

We start with pizza and squash and a chance to chat. Then we throw in some exuberant fun, tailored to our members, including games, activities and dancing before ending with a short Bible-based talk. Once a month we go out for an activity such as bowling or a meal together. Last summer we took a crowd of 35 to camp at Lee Abbey and we regularly have 40+ each week.

Some members attend with their carers and family and together, we explore moral and spiritual issues while hanging out, finding friendship and developing leadership skills. Some ‘buddies’ use this volunteering experience as part of their Duke of Edinburgh or school service award, and several of our older ‘buddies’ have gone on into the care industry – most have never been to church in their lives.

Andrew JackmanCapernaum Club, Trowbridge

A VISION OF THE GOSPEL FOR ALL

ALL INCLUSIVE? WORKING WITH CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDSMost children’s and youth workers want to include kids of all abilities and needs in what they do, but many struggle to make this a reality.

In this 90-minute session we will:

• Explore some of the statistics and explode some of the myths surrounding working with kids with special needs.• Look at some of the key strategies that you can use to make what you offer more inclusive.• Identify some of the amazing benefits that inclusion can bring to your whole group.• We’ll also highlight some further resources that you can use as you work though this with your teams.

Presented by Mark Arnold, Chief Operating Officer at Urban Saints, who has over 20 years of youth work experience and is the father of a boy with Autism (James, pictured right).

All Inclusive? is looking for host churches – Thursday evenings during term-times – so if you would like this course to come to your church in 2012, please contact Mark on 01582 589850 or marnold@urbansaints.org

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“MIMIC IS GOOD. I JUST ENJOY DOING THE CHALLENGES BECAUSE THEY HELP IN EVERYDAY LIFE.” OLIVER

MIMIC launched during 2011 and we’re starting to see groups connecting with this key tool for encouraging mentoring relationships with their children and young people. To get an insight into why this resource can make a difference in your group, we asked three youth workers and MIMIC contributors (as well as a couple of young people too!!) why they are excited about being involved with MIMIC…

“We have been involved with MIMIC right from the early stages. Our 7-10s and 11-14s were both pilot groups. I am really excited about it because having mentored some of my group it has been such a privilege to see them develop, grow and understand what it means to live lives based on Jesus. One story which still touches my heart was where one lad (aged 10) shared the story of how he had completed the challenge of what it meant to show compassion; His mum had a really difficult day at work and so he decided to sit with her and comfort her. He then also went on to share how he had stood up for his faith during a conversation at school (not an easy thing to do), after being challenged about trying to put into practice the trademark of commitment...”

Deb GoodheadGroby

“MIMIC is a great online resource for young people. It helps to enhance communication and your group’s discipleship programme. Round-the-clock accessibility to MIMIC website helps young people to learn biblical principles and grow in their relationship with God. It helps to focus discussions between young people and their discipler. It also enables young people to spend their time and energy on learning more about God and doing life transforming activities.”

Yemi DaramolaCroydon Grace

“We jumped at the chance to get involved in MIMIC - it’s such a radical new tool for discipleship. Its amazing to be able to think on issues that are going on around you, dig into what the Bible says and then to be able to watch a video message to hear the presenters’ understanding of that same issue. In Golddigger Trust we are all about supporting and investing into girls. We love chatting about issues that effect us girls and sharing our stories and experiences - so presenting the girls video stream on MIMIC (in the ‘My Rucksack’ section of the site) has been the perfect opportunity to do more of that.”

Mandy ToombsGoldDigger Trust

“For more information on MIMIC, visit www.urbansaints.org/mimic!”

“MIMIC HAS CHANGED MY LIFE. I FIND I’M MORE SOCIABLE WITH OTHER PEOPLE AND NOT ONLY IS IT FUN AND CHALLENGING BUT IT ENCOURAGES ME TO BE MORE LIKE JESUS.” RUTH

www.URBANSAINTS.org/engage

ENGAGESPRING 2012 / ISSUE 17

“Eastwood Baptist Crusaders”

In 1973 the youth group at Eastwood Baptist Church had fallen on hard times – 5 people and things were not looking good. God knew otherwise – he sent two people to Eastwood – Mike Graves and Eve Schooling who were local Crusader leaders.

After not too much persuasion Rob Land, Steve Pearman and I set off to Saffory Close to become leaders at the Eastwood Boys class. It was a two-way street – we were leading in Crusaders and many of the older youngsters were coming to Eastwood. Under the strong teaching of Eve and Mike many came to know Jesus as their Saviour. Many of the churches in the Southend-on-Sea area now have deacons, elders and leaders who were grounded first in Crusaders.

Ask me for my memories of Crusaders and my mind races over the 12 years I was actively involved and still now as an Associate Member… My abiding memory of Crusaders is the simplicity of its mission – Church for the unchurched – how many people have grown to know that Christians can enjoy themselves and yet by their example lead others to know Jesus…?

Mike Jeffrey

If this has inspired you or brought back happy memories and you’d like to read more, you need to get our new book ‘Celebrating the 100’. This is a 192 page book, covering the history of our first 100 years through inspiring testimonies from Crusaders from all walks of life including Sir Cliff Richard and Stephen Timms MP. Copies are available from the Support Centre at £7 plus £1.00 p&p per book.

CELEBRATING THE 100

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UPCOMING EVENTS…

PORN SCARSOne-day conference, in partnership with Romance Academy and Freedom Church, addressing the effect of pornography on young people and how the Church can tackle this problem and respond positively.

Date: 23rd March 2012Venue: Freedom Centre, HerefordCost: £35 per person, including lunch & resourcesFor more information: www.urbansaints.org/pornscars

REDEFINE NATIONAL CONFERENCEA gathering for anyone involved in networking youth and children’s work across a town or region or who would love to see churches working together to celebrate, train and impact your community…

Date: 23rd – 24th MarchVenue: All Nations Centre, LeicesterCost: £15 per personFor more information: www.urbansaints.org/redefine

YOUTHWORK SUMMITA new kind of youthwork event – over 20 speakers throughout the day; with the opportunity to discuss and interact with other delegates… This is an event where ideas and stories change your world!

Date: 19th MayVenue: Jesus House, North LondonCost: £30 per personFor more information: www.youthworksummit.com

EQUIPPING GLOBAL TRAINERS CONFERENCE

Do you feel God calling you to work overseas, particularly in youth and children’s work? Would you like to help the overseas church in reaching out to young people with the Good News of Jesus? Would you like to become available for Urban Saints to send you into places requesting delivery of our training? If so, please join us…

Date: 7th – 11th May Venue: Westbrook Centre, Ryde, Isle of WightCost: £155 per personFor more information: www.urbansaints.org/global

PLUS… Could you be a trainer of youth and children’s workers overseas?! If so, we really need you!!

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Urban Saints is the operating name of The Crusaders’ Union, a company limited by guarantee and registered in England & Wales, company number 07771037, charity number 1144923. Registration with OSCR is pending.Urban Saints comply with the Data Protection Act 1998. All of the data given on this form will be held and used in accordance with this Act.ENGAGE SPRING 2012.

This declaration confirms my wish for Urban Saints to treat all donations I have made in the past 4 years and all future donations I make from the date of this declaration until I notify you otherwise, as Gift Aid donations. I understand that I must pay an amount of Income Tax or Capital Gains Tax in the relevant tax year at least equal to any tax reclaimed by Urban Saints in that year.

Notes:You can cancel this declaration at any time by notifying Urban Saints. If in the future your circumstances change and you no longer pay tax on your income and capital gains equal to the tax that the charity reclaims, you can cancel your declaration. Please notify Urban Saints if you change your name or address.

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REACHING EVERY AGE GROUP

GROUPS JOIN FORCES TO LAUNCH CAFÉ CHURCH

THE END OF AN ERA

We’ve really benefited from the supportive ministry of Urban Saints since we signed up to Energize back in May. Primarily we now have a cohesive, accessible online resource to use every week, keeping our 14-strong volunteer team equipped and prepared even when they are really busy.

We’ve also benefitted from networking with other groups and the support the Urban Saints team provide.

We can now run a weekly group for every age group, from 0 to 18 years old thanks to the resources available. We started a baby and toddler group in the church 9 months ago from scratch and the leader, Jill, has encouraged new families to come along with their children.

One of the mums has joined the team and several volunteers from Church help out. Weekly 8-12 families come along, they feel accepted and welcome, looked after and supported in their role as parents/carers and grandparents.

Cathy BeynonBeverley Kings

Youth workers from Yarm and Eaglescliffe formed an ecumenical partnership and with much prayer and several format changes, we’ve developed an exciting Café Church expression in a local coffee outlet. This month we welcomed over 30 young people – both church and unchurched - for music, chat and an opportunity to hear some compelling guest speakers.

It’s a great monthly event for our young people to bring their friends along to, especially as there is already a massive café culture in Yarm so this is a hugely

popular response to the world our young people live in.

It’s also great for us to work together as youth workers, using our individual gifts to support one another and run quality activities that meet the needs of the local young people.

Stef HoyleYarm Methodist Church

Billingham ‘Club’ started 20 years ago and after 2 years of ‘going it alone’ we realised that we needed to plug in to a bigger thing, so we signed up for a ‘Crusader Group’! However, now we are struggling to attract young people and feel God is calling us into new things. These 20 years have been an exhilarating experience and one we will always remember fondly.

The highlights? God has blessed us with great friends and support from local churches. We’ve enjoyed numerous camps and Spree weekends with our young people, seeing them grow in their individual relationships with God, as well as taking part in ‘Crusoe’ and the ‘Fastnet Challenge’.

We’ve been privileged to attend the baptisms of young people we have nurtured, many of whom have stayed with us and become leaders themselves. I’ll miss the friendships between the groups’ leaders in the area. I’ll also miss the young people and their challenging discussions. And of course, I’ll miss the camps…!

Robert OatesBillingham Crusaders

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21 years have passed since Rev’d Stephen Northfield, Kate, Claire, Therese and myself formed Ramsey Crusaders in 1990. In Ramsey Memorial Hall there were 25 children and ourselves. Now, 21 years after, with 89 youth and 7 Leaders/helpers, plus adults, in Central Church Hall, the scene is some-what larger. Birthday cakes, food, colour, noise, excitement, action, thoughtfulness and silence all featured in our 21st birthday party. The mayor and mayoress handed out prizes and gifts to all present; prayers were said and the names of Ramsey

Crusaders who had passed away were remembered too. We had great fun with inflatables and a full-on balloon fight and Peter Andrews (East Regional Director) spoke on the importance of each of us.

At an emotional event like this, it is easy to ask questions about what the future of the group will be but we keep going in His strength. Here’s to topping 100 kids in 2012!

Nigel SpencerRamsey Crusaders

Our group had been in existence for 46 years and for the majority of that time had been one of the only groups providing Bible teaching for teenagers in the town. However over the years numbers of teenagers and leaders had gradually declined and last May we decided to close the group.

While initially disheartening, we began to view the situation as an opportunity to reassess what we offered and our relevance, given the various youth programmes being offered in Dungannon. Subsequently we met and prayed as a leadership team and with various local ministers, identified that some of the rural churches were

smaller and not able to develop their own youth programmes.

We held a half-night of prayer in June and almost 40 leaders, church ministers and group members turned up. Greatly encouraged, we felt more than anything that God was telling us to go where there was a need. So we helped one church that had been trying to launch a 14-18s group locally.

It was clear from the outset that this was not a coincidence but clear direction from God. 6 months on we now have a group of twenty five 14-18 year olds from several of the local rural churches and a strong leadership team of 7.

God’s presence, timing and guiding hand throughout this journey has been incredible and coming from the position we found ourselves in last summer. I came across an old banner in the attic early in this process and it read,

“Commit to the Lord what ever you do and your plans will succeed” (Prov. 16 v 3).

Amen to that!

Andrew JacksonDungannon

We’ve been connected to Energize for a few years now but at the beginning of 2011 we identified a need. A need to address the lack of facilities and support for a large group of young people congregating at the ‘Back Braes’ of Leslie during weekend evenings.

We formed a working group consisting of representatives from local and national Government and folks from the community. We requested the use of The Pavilion premises, at the foot of the Braes - which we were granted free for 6 months, to provide hot drinks and to conduct a time bound consultation with young people on the feasibility of establishing a safe alcohol-free youth space within the town of Leslie.

Our church members give up their Friday evenings to serve and chat to the young people and build relationships.

James Faddes & Trish O’BrienLeslie Baptist Church

RAMSEY CRUSADERS TURNING 21

GO WHERE THERE’S A NEED

TAKING CHRIST OUT TO THEM“THIS HOLIDAY HELPED ME FEEL MORE COMFORTABLE TALKING TO FRIENDS ABOUT GOD.”

“…HELPED ME TO REMEMBER GOD IN THE GOOD AND THE BAD.”

“…GAVE ME TIPS ON HOW TO CONTINUE TO BE CLOSE TO GOD.”

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A fantastic five days spent with fantastic leaders and young people over the New Year – what an amazing start to a new year.

With bowling, headhunters, ice skating, wide games and a lot of hilarious laughter the days just disappeared and it was time to return home.

The morning and evening meetings challenged all of us about our walk with the Lord. ‘Lord Sugar’ hired and fired apprentices who were learning how not to be disciples and James took us through our morning small group times.

We found our way around the huge site of 28 acres both in the day time and night time. The latter a little scary

particularly when water pistols were involved – I’m sure that the squeals could have been heard over in Portsmouth!

It was a life-changing few days for all at every level!

Ali TompkinsTrustee

Check out the Urban Saints Westbrook Facebook page for pictures and stories.

My name is Selina and I’m a seventeen year old. I’d consider myself a generally happy, fun teenager. I would admit I haven’t had the best start in life, but who has?

My Dad committed suicide when I was very young and ended up going in and out of care when I was growing up. I live with my Nan now but I did still have times when I got really down and depressed, feeling as though I had no where to turn… Until I went to Shine!

Sara Taylor (Midlands Director) had told me about the Shine weekend away for girls a few months previous so I signed up for it because I like to explore and try new things. I was nervous though as I was going on my own. I didn’t know what to expect, whether there would be arguments and fights between the girls, or if people would call me names. I was in a really bad place and became exceedingly withdrawn. When I arrived at Shine, at the beautiful Ilam Hall, I was really anxious because I didn’t know anybody. But the weekend away was an eye opening experience for me, it gave me confidence and self esteem as well as being great fun too!

Before Shine I wasn’t a believer in God, I didn’t pray or attempt to read the Bible. During the weekend I realised there was more to life than everything just being there, it had to be there for a reason and someone must have created it.

I started to read verses from the Bible, which I enjoyed doing, so I read more and more. I prayed more and more. I worshipped more and more. This weekend has been the most crucial inspiration of my life and will always continue to be so. The ‘Shine Angels’, especially Sara, Claire, Meg and Laura are inspirational people; they helped me commit myself to God by praying with me the first time to overcome the fear of my first step to a relationship with Jesus. I came back from the weekend feeling so refreshed and happy. For the first time in my life, my future seemed clear, no bad thoughts running through my head and all the hurt just disappeared.

Selina (aged 17)Staffordshire

SHINING IN THE DARKNESS

FIRED OVER NEW YEAR“THIS HOLIDAY HELPED ME FEEL MORE COMFORTABLE TALKING TO FRIENDS ABOUT GOD.”

“…HELPED ME TO REMEMBER GOD IN THE GOOD AND THE BAD.”

“…GAVE ME TIPS ON HOW TO CONTINUE TO BE CLOSE TO GOD.”

We believe God may be doing something within Urban Saints at this time to raise up a generation of young people who will be a catalyst for uniting the church, mobilising the church for mission and seeing the power of God break out in the community. Here’s some of the story as told by Jo Slater, Supporters Manager.

Phil Hulks: Photo: ©A.Blondell_Blonductions Photography

On the 17th September last year I had the privilege of being part of a small group of representatives from Urban Saints who were invited to Wembley Stadium to the Global Day of Prayer to pick up a baton we felt God had asked the organisation to carry. We invited Alan Kerbey (General Director of Crusaders from 1992 to 1998) to come and speak publicly about the vision God had given him all those years ago. Then, in front of one thousand church leaders, Phil Hulks (Cluster Development Director) and four young people from Urban Saints re-enacted what had happen in the stadium fourteen years earlier.

There was an event in Wembley Stadium called ‘Champion of the World’ attended by 50,000 people. Alan Kerbey had arranged for a baton to be passed on to four young people from Crusaders. The young people representing England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland were symbolic of the youth of the nation being asked to carry a baton for revival. At that time Crusaders were not able to run with the baton but God, in his mercy, did not forget us, and He has been working with us over the past fourteen years to bring the organisation to the place where He wants us to be.

We feel God is calling us to re-engage in the battle. We sense the next step of the journey is to call young people from across our nation to gather at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 29th September 2012 to be part of The National Day of Prayer and Worship. Urban Saints have joined with other organisations, such as Soul Survivor, to mobilise young people to be a key part of this incredible opportunity for Church unity across our nation. This long-standing event is not something we have initiated but we do believe that God wants Urban Saints to play our part in this hugely significant opportunity.

First and foremost, we would like people to pray about this. Although we are taking the next step of obedience, we cannot see the road that lies ahead. Exodus 17:8-13 tells the story of how the Israelites won the battle against the Amalekites by Aaron and Hur holding up Moses’ arms while Joshua fought the army. We need people to stand with us as prayer warriors. Please pray for our Trustees and staff as we seek to follow the correct path; for leaders to have wisdom in how to become involved in God’s call, and, above all, for young people to catch God’s heart for them. It is our longing that a generation of young people rise up who take the gospel to their peers and, in so doing, lead the way for us older ones.

We would like to invite leaders to bring young people to London on 29th September to be part of The National Day of Prayer and Worship. Realistically though, we realise that not all groups will be able to do this, nor would it be suitable for many, so we are working through what this might mean for other groups.

Let me share a vision which Jonathan Oloyede, from Global Day of Prayer, shared with the staff team recently. He felt the Lord had shown him of groups of 5s, 50s and 500s praying together around the country. He saw lightbulbs over their heads but said that the amount of light from each group was the same, whatever the number of people praying. He understood that people in small rural areas a long way away may find it hard to feel part of the big picture, but he felt God understood that too, and was not expecting them to be what they are not.

YOUNG PEOPLE: A CATALYST FOR UNITY

WHAT HAPPENED IN SEPTEMBER 2011?

WHAT HAD HAPPENED FOURTEEN YEARS EARLIER?

WHAT DO URBAN SAINTS FEEL SHOULD HAPPEN NEXT?

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE SUPPORTERS TO DO?

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE LEADERS TO DO?

ARE YOU EXPECTING PEOPLE WHO LIVE A LONG WAY FROM LONDON TO GET INVOLVED?

ARE YOU UP FOR IT?!Will you pray for this vision and consider joining with us on September 29th This is the time for adventurous faith; to see what God can do in our nation and what he can do through the young people in this land!

For more information on The National Day of Prayer and Worship, visit: www.gdoplondon.com

www.URBANSAINTS.org/engage