We celebrated the housing of more key Christian workers in London by holding a wonderful event on 10th October 2017, hosted by the CCLA in central London. Over 80 people attended and heard from a variety of well-known speakers about the critical need for the Church to house more Key Christian Mission Workers in the capital. Here are the videos of the short presentations given, plus a selection of photographs from the event.

We held our AGM and celebration event at our offices at 8 Belmont Hill, when members and supporters heard about the continued success and growth of Mission Housing in 2016. Attendees were also given some information about the development of our new Strategic Business Plan, and an invitation to our Autumn Event on 10th October.

It is with regret that we record the passing of John Woodman follow a long battle with cancer. John had a unique place in the history of the Mission Housing Association Ltd.

John, as a committed Christian, was one of the founders in 1988 of Affordable Christian Housing Association Ltd (ACHAL). He was an advisor in its merger in 2014 with Victoria Park Homes 1965 Ltd (VPH) to set up Mission Housing Association Ltd to further develop work in housing key Christian workers of London churches.

As a professional accountant John specialised in the work of charities. When difficulties arose on the ACHAL Committee, he confidently turned to the Rules of the Association and applied them with grace and humility. His expertise led to the Association being financially stable from its outset and his guidance on new opportunities and offering advice to Committee members and staff were always valued. His committed Christian faith was reflected in his prudence and wisdom at all times.

He had a special role on the Management Board, simplifying accounts to the less initiated, listening, explaining and even practically supporting some timid first time home buyers - kindness they never forgot. Many appreciated his wisdom and friendship over many years. At the Annual General Meeting, not only did he present the accounts to members, but he was also known to bring his guitar to lead worship on more than one occasion.

He, and his wife Jean, patiently coped with 13 years of his illness, which finally led to his premature death at 68. About 200 friends and family met in Ely for a service of Praise and Thanksgiving in August 2016.

We had a great turnout for our AGM and Summer BBQ at our offices. Attendees were able to enjoy the beautiful garden, food and refreshments, and meet staff, Board members, association members, tenants, beneficiaries and supporters. During the AGM, people heard about our continued growth and development since our merger in 2014, as well as accounts of ministry and mission that our housing activity has supported.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the association, previously known as Victoria Park Homes (1965), and to cement the merger with Affordable Christian Housing in 2014, we held an event at the CCLA on Queen Victoria Street, EC4. A wide variety of guests came to hear how wealth in the Christian community has helped us provide affordable housing solutions for key Christian workers in London. We heard from a range of speakers and the event was a huge success.

On 7 October 2014, The Bishop of London, Richard Chartres, officially launched the second London Missional Housing Bond at St Peter's, Bethnal Green, paving the way for further support for the church's mission in deprived communities in London. The second Bond is seeking £2m in crowdfunded social investment for the provision of affordable rented housing for key church missional workers. The launch event also celebrated the success of the first London Missional Housing Bond, which raised nearly £400,000 from individuals, churches and trusts in 2013, and the purchase of the first Missional House in Bethnal Green, which is now home to two missional workers. The Missional House was later blessed by the Bishop of London.

Affordable Christian Housing (ACH) celebrated 25 years of mission at their annual event on Saturday 10 June 2013 at LICC, St Peter's, Vere Street. The event was attended by 70 supporters and associates and was a chance to look back at the work done in communities across London over the past two and half decades. The time was also an opportunity to give thanks for the current ministry and to look to the future. Dorothy Davies and John Woodman, founding members of ACH, were also present. They were acknowledged for their immense passion, contribution and commitment to seeing ACH's vision to provide affordable housing for Christian workers extended in London.

The Right Reverend Adrian Newman, Bishop of Stepney, was the keynote speaker. In his address he spoke about the housing crisis in London and offered three challenges to ACH based on the name: to be theological in thinking, promote justice in housing, and to be ethical. He spoke about political and economic ethics and challenged ACH to use the next 25 years to deepen, broaden and increase its contribution to housing people in London.