Could you befriend and witness to people from unreached people groups living in South London?

Background

A significant number of the migrants and asylum seekers who arrive in the UK have their initial applications to remain in the UK processed in a south London borough. During this process, a large number of them are accommodated in temporary accommodation in the local area. At any one time around 400 refugees and asylum seekers are housed in temporary accommodation locally, many of them come from countries where there is little or no Gospel witness.   

An opportunity has arisen for someone to join an AIM member who is currently working among this diverse community. To date the main platform for this ministry has been English language teaching. However, once more personnel become available it is hoped to initiate other forms of ministry.

The local churches are aware of the needs within the refugee/asylum seeker community both spiritually and practically and would welcome the assistance that someone performing this role could provide. A key part of the role would be to encourage local Christians to reach out to the mission field arriving on their doorstep.

Vision & Strategy

The goals of this team are:

• To befriend and witness to people from unreached people groups who are living in the area.
• To encourage and work with local churches as they reach out to people from un-reach people groups.
• To help refugees in local temporary accommodation find churches and like-minded organizations in the areas of the UK that they move to once they are relocated.

Ministry and type of work

This role would bring you into almost daily contact with people from unreached people groups, some who are African and some who are from other parts of the world. There will be opportunities to witness to people through relationships and by developing ministries related to the needs of the refugee community.

AIM would like to locate people in walking distance of the area where most of the temporary hostels are located. You would work with and alongside both secular and church-based initiatives to befriend members of the refugee community and build relationships that enable the Gospel to be shared. The types of ministry that you may be involved with could include befriending, advising, sports ministry, English language teaching and volunteering with local refugee initiatives. As there are a variety of possible ministries it should be possible for the applicant to work with ones which suit their personal skill set.

As the work will be undertaken in partnership with an experienced AIM member it would be suitable for a wide range of people including those who may be new to this type of ministry.

Qualifications & Experience

• Have a passion for sharing the Gospel.
• Good relationship skills.
• Willingness to work in a team.
• Able to be at ease in cross-cultural settings.
• A heart for wanting to see the lost saved.
• An acceptance of AIM’s Statement of Faith.

Practical information

• This is not a salaried position, it would require the raising of personal support.
• 2 openings
• Full or part time
• More details and job description available on request