Phil and Caroline
ASSOCIATE STORIES
Mission Housing has made it possible for us serve Jesus in north London.
When God called us to work full time to help bring in his Kingdom in our capital, we approached Mission Housing, and they provided a house in the area we needed. We have lived in this house for over 15 years, and it has served us well as we continue to try and seek his Kingdom first in everything we do.
Palmers Green is a lively multi-cultural area of north London. It's not quite the suburbs, and not quite inner city. Most people don't know where it is, and just drive through it! Living here has enabled us to be a normal part of the Palmers Green community. From the word go, we were able to put our kids into the local primary school, and start building local relationships on the school gate. Our children formed lots of friendships, and as a family we could try and be a light in Palmers Green naturally, simply by living here.
It wasn't long before we started discussion evenings in the local Starbucks. Then an Alpha Course began in the house. This gave us the confidence to start praying about starting a church for Palmers Green. So, in 2012 we began Sunday morning meetings in the Mission Housing house, which was wonderfully chaotic! Sunday lunch was always included, and there were children and older people all mixing together. The group grew fast, and we were soon searching for a local hall. Then, a few years later, we grew out of that hall, and went into negotiation with the local Baptist Church. Today, Newlife Church Palmers Green is 10 years old, and is a thriving multi-cultural church ministering out of the old baptist church building. Rest assured - it's still chaotic! The house continues to be a hub, because it's large enough to have meetings, BBQs and guests, and has also been a sanctuary for us and our children.
When I'm at home, I look around, and every wall I see reminds me of God's faithfulness. The house has always been a tangible demonstration of God's provision, and his assurance that we should carry on, even when things get tough.
“When God called us to work full time to help bring in his Kingdom in our capital, we approached Mission Housing, and they provided a house in the area we needed. We have lived in this house for over 15 years, and it has served us well as we continue to try and seek his Kingdom first in everything we do.”
