Sam and Jen have been living and serving in Newham for seven years working with Crossway Stratford, in the heart of London’s ‘second city’.

As of 2020, Newham’s population stood at 355,266 – a number that continues to rise. There are more that 4,700 homes planned, and 4,000 students on their way to the area, as East Bank, a new cultural hub in the Olympic Park, launches soon. The Borough is classified as ‘super diverse’ due to a unique mix of religious and ethnic groups, with over a third of the population being Muslim.

After several years of voluntary involvement, In 2020 Sam joined the staff team full time as an Assistant Minister, and they are heavily involved in church life, and Jen works part time in the NHS.

Sam’s focus is on working alongside families, overseeing the children’s ministry which includes leading holiday clubs, Sunday club, giving all-age talks, preparing resources, training leaders, and getting alongside dads in particular creating fun spaces to learn about Jesus and easy invites for mums, dads and children to bring families from the community along. Plans are on the horizon for a youth work and the possibility of delivering RE lessons and assemblies in local primary schools.

Sam also preaches and leads in the morning and evening meetings, and helps to run small group Bible studies.

Sam and Jen met 10 years ago in a central London church and they got engaged soon after. As a young couple they jumped into a church plant whilst enjoying the trendy vibes of East London. They have two young, energetic daughters.

Sam and Jen are committed to serving God in Newham and need to find a permanent home for their family. They love living among the people they serve and want a home that can be a base for ministry and hospitality. A home suitable for their requirements will cost in the region of £525,000 – which is more than they can afford. That’s why they are working in partnership with Mission Housing – a Christian charity that enables key Christian workers to afford accommodation.