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True community is a rare and precious thing, and far too many people have no one to turn to. We are made for connection and, as the Church, we’re uniquely placed to offer people a safe and supportive community to be their full selves – with the hope of Jesus at the centre.
In the early Church, faith-filled community was the foundation of being a follower of Jesus. Everyone was looked after, fed and strengthened in their collective faith. And isn’t this what we still see today?
People of all ages and backgrounds united in faith, supporting one another through good times and bad? From meal rotas for new parents, to prayer, to running food banks and ministries, the Church recognises the vital need for healthy, faith-filled community.
Yet across the UK right now, poverty continues to hold people captive in a prison of isolation. Behind closed doors, people are barely eating just to pay the bills, can’t afford school shoes for their children, and are at risk of losing their home. Fear and shame keeps them struggling in silence.
What’s God’s answer to the unseen suffering? The local Church in action. We must bring God’s love and hope to people in their toughest storms, reaching out with a lifeline of connection. You can be part of that lifeline today. Your support can help a local church visit someone like Wendy face-to-face with practical help and the hope of Jesus.
‘Where despair and darkness overwhelm, passionate Christians like you come alongside with fierce and powerful hope.’
Wendy and her husband Marc’s local church became a lifeline of connection after the couple’s debts spiralled out of control. They were finding it difficult to keep on top of their finances due to autism and ADHD.
It took Wendy several months to pluck up the courage to ask for help, and when she did, she found it really overwhelming trying to sort everything online or over the phone.
What Wendy really needed was someone to sit down with her and talk things through, offering practical and emotional support. She needed a community that would surround her with love and care, reminding her of her God-given value. Doesn’t that sound a lot like the Church to you?
As soon as Lizzie, a local church-based debt coach, came to visit Wendy, Wendy’s embarrassment and fear melted away instantly. Lizzie reassured Wendy that they’d sort everything out, and made sure she was okay.
Right now, many people are waiting for that first reassuring visit. Your gift could help send a trained debt coach to a neighbour in crisis.
‘I panic when I’m dealing with financial stuff. Having someone there in person who is calm reduces the anxiety.’ – Wendy
To help build community, Lizzie suggested Wendy go along to the church’s Freedom in Christ course. The group offered Wendy a safe haven in a stressful time, and as she navigated different struggles, Wendy experienced God’s comfort and care through those around her.
Now Wendy and Marc are on their way to becoming debt free. When things are overwhelming, Wendy can speak to a debt advisor or local CAP worker for support, from helping with paperwork to offering prayer. The chains of isolation that once held Wendy back have been broken, replaced by a welcoming community that accepts her for who she is: God’s beloved daughter.
‘I realised I’m a child of God and he made me perfectly, and I’m not the failure I thought I was.’ – Wendy
Wendy now has a healthy, faith-filled community she can turn to through good times and bad. Through the community her local church has offered, Wendy experienced the whole-person, church-based, face-to-face support God made us for. And she’s thriving.
Will you help another family like Wendy’s. Give today at capuk.org/premier to equip local churches to offer the same face-to-face, Christ-centred support.
