In mid July, a group from ECBC traveled to Sheffield, England, to partner with Christ Church Central to help engage with and minister to the surrounding community there. The team included Sean Alford, Van Barnhill, Reagan Massengale, Janine Mikell, Anderson Murphy, and Andrew Woods. Their prayer was to be able to engage individuals from Muslim backgrounds by sharing about the church and sharing the gospel with those who would lend an ear. 

Since this was ECBC’s first time partnering in this location, they went in with open minds and unknown expectations. The team spent their time handing out pamphlets, knocking on doors, and spending time in peoples’ homes. Sean Alford shares that he saw the Lord moving when the team “met a woman from Malawi who [they] were able to connect with Christ Central and when [they] met a man from Sheffield who acknowledged his need for Christ and a desire for discipleship.” 

One part of the trip that the team especially enjoyed was spending time in the homes of church members. At one dinner, they were able to visit with individuals from Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. They heard testimonies from Christians from these countries and also had the opportunity to share the gospel with several internationals who did not yet believe. In addition, the team was able to attend a church picnic where they got to interact further with people from a wide variety of cultures and religions. 

Please continue praying for the members at Christ Central. We ask that you pray for unity among such a diverse group and that together they would continue to boldly proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. Pray for their surrounding communities, asking the Lord to soften the hearts of those residing there. Pray especially for those from Muslim backgrounds and secular worldviews to desire to know Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord.