We had an incredible weekend as urban missionaries from across the nation gathered for the annual Proximity Conference. With over 350 people coming along for prayer, teaching, worship and connecting with each other, it was a couple of days all about encouraging and equipping those on the frontline of urban mission.
As part of the conference, we heard from amazing speakers including Racheal Mutesi, Krish Kandiah, Dai Hankey, Natalie Williams and more, and launched the new Proximity online resource hub which we pray will be a blessing for those living and serving in under-resourced communities.
We also got the chance to hear incredible stories of what God is doing across the nation as women and men move into some of the UK’s toughest estates to come alongside those in their proximity and show them the love of Jesus in word and action.
One of these was Keith* who was praying for opportunities to share his faith with more people and suddenly had the idea to build connections with his deliver drivers. So every time someone knocks on his door with a parcel, Keith grabs the chance to share the hope of Jesus, give out Bible-packed resources and has started talking to one regularly about faith and answering his questions. It’s amazing to see how people are grabbing gospel, community-building moments in their normal routines and seeing Jesus move.
After the conference, we heard about Paula* and her friend Diane* who have been getting to know a lady in their Eden community and sharing about Jesus with her. As she heard more about God’s love, she wanted to find out more but, due to a medical condition, had to have plasters on her face which made her feel too self-conscious to come along to the Proximity conference. Paula and Diane were determined to make their friend feel comfortable, welcome and able to come with them so they also put plasters on their face so she wouldn’t be on her own. When the lady saw how much her friends wanted her to come to the conference with them, she was really moved, came along, heard more about Jesus and how he’s moving through Eden teams and urban missionaries and is excited to find out more!
Do check out the new Proximity urban mission resource hub at proximityhub.org and share it with anyone you know who’d be encouraged by it.
