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People's stories

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Sue Withers tells the story of Satoko, a visitor to the London Jesus Centre.
Published: 22nd Feb 2017
THIS Christmas, among the Christmas messages, I had an unusual one from Japan:

“Dear Sue,

I got baptized this morning…on Christmas morning!

It's like…a new life is starting!”

My friend and former student Satoko had started her search for spiritual life while she was studying in the Jesus Centre in 2015. She tells her story:

“I found the ESOL class on the website by chance. I learnt a lot of things, not only English but also many things. For example, I see a lot of people from different countries who have different cultures. It is my pleasure to see many people from different countries.

Sue Withers (fourth from left) with her ESOL...
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ESOL student finds ‘powerful faith’

ESOL student finds ‘powerful faith’
Published: 6th Nov 2015
“MY name is Mojdeh. I come from Iran and I have been living here since 12th February 2011. I am a qualified nurse, and I claimed asylum in November 2011. I have had lots of problems surviving, but charities have helped me a lot.

I came to this church for English classes, and I was happy they could pay for my daily bus travel, because without this money I could never have...
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Giving your life for others

Alison Moore, a volunteer at the London Jesus Centre, writes about some of the work that goes on in the nation’s capital.
Published: 27th Feb 2015
The book group in full swingTHE 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.

Customers enjoying the 'Word' cafeThere’s Curd who runs Word, the tea-room, a place where staff,...
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The Need For Celebration

Published: 14th Jan 2015

“DO you have a party I can come to?” she asked.

She needed a place for celebration, for enjoyment, for fun.

There had been little place for that in the dictatorship she had come from.

So I invited her to a party at the Centre. Two parties in fact.

One party I made especially for her, because I knew that she needed it: needed to be loved.

He wanted good news to be given to the poor. But can we cope with a Saviour who is so good that He lavishes His grace and His gifts on those He welcomes into His kingdom?

I made her a little party with presents, food, joy, and it was worth it to see the beginnings of an understanding of the extravagant grace of God in her smiling face.
...
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Meeting needs

Sue Withers describes how the London Jesus Centre has benefitted a visitor.
Published: 3rd Oct 2013
SINCE Oscar* from the Congo arrived in the country in January 2011 he has had his asylum claim turned down, and is waiting for a response to his appeal application.

He came to the Jesus Centre wanting to learn English but, as with so many in his situation, his educational needs cannot be effectively met without other basic needs being addressed. He has sometimes arrived hungry or cold and we have been able to give food, clothing and blankets from our drop-in supplies.

Despite these difficulties he is committed to attending his English class and hardly misses a week. There he has begun to grasp basic verbs and greetings and to be more confident in speaking. IT help has enabled him to use emails and to communicate with his...
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