Luke Jones - The Good Shepherd Mission in London
The Task: To experience living and working in the inner city context of East London; to learn about the work of the Mission in Bethnal Green through sharing in the preparations for and helping run a Summer Holiday children’s and youth project for the mainly Bangladeshi community on a nearby estate.
Luke’s Report: From when I first walked through the door my premonitions of the Mission had been wiped clean. The building was in great shape, and there was even work being done. There was a feeling of happiness and acceptance. I was greeted with smiles and swiftly made to feel at home. Even at my two homes my host families cared for me so well that I cannot express my thanks to them enough, especially as they had their own families to care for too!
The first week gave me a great idea of the time and huge amount of effort which has to go in to make such an occupation a success. It is tough going. The Fun in the Sun week was life changing for me. I feel I can now approach new people with a greater confidence and be far more apt to cope with problems they may have. Young people don’t have it easy there, which often left me searching for the right words to say.
I had never met so many people in the space of the two weeks! In the Mission I was expecting busy people to whom I’d feel a burden. I was worried about language barriers with people. Outside I was looking for ominous gangs loitering on street corners. Stereotypes – but I was wrong again. These people are just like me and my friends – human. inquisitive, vibrant and sensitive. My eyes were opened. Just because the majority (Bangladeshi) are different, they are still very much the same as us, with the same fears and joys.
I will never forget my time at the Good Shepherd. A real and totally different angle of Christianity was revealed to me. It’s workers and congregation are really doing God’s work on earth.