It is absolutely essential to build a relationship before anything else. Generally speaking, those who accept our invitations to hear more about Jesus, do so because they have built a close bond with a Christian. This investment builds credibility and allows us to share compelling stories about Jesus and the Gospel.

Alongside his full-time job, Enoch spearheads One Vision, a charity working on community cohesion, bringing young people together through a Youth Council, supporting Mental Health and wellbeing, and providing support to the vulnerable in the community.

Building strong friendships and a sense of belonging to a community has led many to feel part of our church, even to take baby steps towards a strong and active faith. We believe that God never intended us to become church congregations “doing spiritual” things in splendid isolation.

The church has a role to play as it contemplates the level of degradation that exists in Her Majesty’s prisons. When a person is imprisoned, their family is also serving a sentence outside – the sentence of shame, isolation, deprivation, loneliness, ostracization, family breakdown.

Our theme for the quadrennium “Making Disciples: Building Communities” goes beyond acts of kindness.  We are seeking to develop communities of faith in areas where there is no Adventist presence.  

What happens when you walk into a room? When people mention your name, who do they say that you are? Do they consider you a wonderful aroma or a horrid stench?

We need to get serious about seeing and reaching people. We have to see through the pews, walls, programmes and budgets of the church and focus on the people we are called to reach.