Wanting to have a space right on Eden Hexham’s patch where local people could gather to share a meal and hear testimonies of God’s goodness, the team leaders Joe and Anna started ‘Encounter’.
Happening monthly on a Thursday night, Encounter sessions are all about creating a safe and welcoming environment where people can come and hear more about how Jesus has been transforming lives, whilst enjoying a hot meal and building relationships with others.
Joe said, ‘God has answered so many of our prayers! He provided the perfect place on the estate for us to hold Encounter as well as our kids’ work – the community hub, which has space for everyone and is right on our Eden estate. And God’s provision didn’t stop there! A local chef has kindly offered to cook for every single Encounter evening, providing amazing food each month, completely for free. What a blessing! And there’s still more… Carbon Homes are paying the rent for Eden Hexham to have the community hub space for a whole year! We’re blown away by God’s kindness and provision, and we love seeing people coming along and being blessed.
‘At a recent Encounter evening, one lad Freddie* was sharing his story. He’d struggled in the past with addiction and spent time in Betel to get support for this. Whilst there, he reached out to the Eden Hexham team and we, along with the church and Betel, have been able to give him the encouragement and support he needed. At Encounter, Freddie shared how he’s reconnected with Jesus and been growing in his faith!
‘TJ* had been listening to Freddie’s story and found it so encouraging that he was telling the staff in his hostel about it and encouraging them to spread the world about future Encounter sessions so more people can come along too!’
Do be praying for Joe, Anna and the rest of the Eden Hexham team as they continue reaching their community with the love of Jesus, and follow what they’re up to on their social media.
*names changed
