WESTMINSTER IS a place of diversity and sharp contrast. From the Houses of Parliament to Soho, from West End shopping and theatres to rough sleepers in doorways: wealth and ostentatious consumption are side by side with real poverty and despair. The third Jesus Centre is right in the middle of the West End: well situated to be a place of healing and help to the many hurting people in the area.

On an average night there are as many rough sleepers in Westminster as in the rest of the UK put together. Many others, including families with children, are in temporary or insecure accommodation with poor facilities and overcrowding. The sky-high property prices mean that many have no hope of a home.

Central London has long drawn those who are seeking to improve their lives or who are escaping real danger. From all over the UK, Europe and the rest of the world people come to London with hope only to find loneliness, exploitation and depression. Many have no entitlement to any state help and can find themselves forced into crime. For those who find work, long hours and low pay are common: many hold advertising poles for fourteen hours a day at £3 an hour.

Scaffolding shrouded the building during the renovations

In the face of all this need (and we must understand that many people who are materially rich are also in great spiritual need and facing problems of a different kind) we can only hope to help a small proportion; but as we bring real love and compassion to individuals through spiritual ministry and practical help we believe the power of God will be released into people's lives and the light of the gospel will shine in London's darkness.

Services

The London Jesus Centre offers a wide programme that will provide practical, social and spiritual support. The specially adapted building will include a "drop-in" area with services such as: showers laundry food clothing I.T. access luggage lockers phone access mail The Centre's programme includes: support groups befriending/mentoring "New to UK" group (with ESOL) conversation classes "Preparing for Citizenship" group arts and crafts facilities ICT suite life skills other training opportunities There is also be a tea room providing: good-value food and drink a place for people to meet And a varied programme of spiritual activities including: prayer for healing groups for new believers and those seeking faith quiet prayer in the listed chapel (which is the venue for the Jesus Fellowship's Sunday worship meetings)

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