Giving your life for others

THE London Jesus Centre has been open for six years now and during that time, it has seen thousands of people through its doors who have received food, showers, a listening ear, help with housing, English language skills, or advice about where to find work.

Jesus told us that, “whoever wants to save their life must lose it” (Matthew 16:25) and it’s been a bit like that for those of us who work or volunteer here. The object is to give to others and in doing so we lose a little bit of ourselves, but gain so much more.

There’s Curd who runs Word, the tea-room, a place where staff, volunteers and customers can find refreshment for body and soul. Word provides good food for a reasonable price, but over and above that it aims for people to find rest from the stress of life, work and shopping on Oxford Street!

Another refreshing well is the Book Reading Group run by Ray and Ruth which consists of a diverse group of different ages and nationalities. They read stories and poems aloud together and make time for discussion of issues that come out of the reading. The lively discussions help the group to get to know and understand each other as well as helping to improve their confidence in reading out loud.

Then there’s my friend, Sue, who has for years now pioneered the provision of ESOL classes, putting together informative sessions from grammar to citizenship. She’s building a path to understanding for those who follow in her wake and there have been many: refugees and non-English speakers who have found in her a willing guide and friend who can be trusted to show them the keys to making themselves understood and finding out about God.