The Doorstep Ministry

I have been working with the church since October 2000, but am employed by the London City Mission (www.lcm.org.uk). I am married to Rosie, who also works for the London City Mission. My primary work is to visit some 2,200 homes, within about a half-mile radius of the church, where the Summerstown Contact leaflet is delivered. Amongst other work I do with the church, I lead a small team of people giving out the Good News Paper at Wimbledon Stadium market once a month on Sunday mornings.


It's good to talk

My aim is to call at every home in the area and meet as many people as possible. Given that by far the majority of people don't attend church, and some are of a different faith, why do I do this work? There are a number of reasons. The church generally, not just Summerstown Mission Evangelical, has a responsibility to the wider community, as well as its own members. I visit to provide a personal link between the church and the community at large - to put a human face on the church, and to find out what is going on in the community. I come to listen - perhaps someone is lonely and would be glad to have someone to chat to: I am available for them. A person may have something which worries them: it can be a help to talk things through with someone else - it's good to talk. There may be questions about God, Jesus or the Christian faith generally. I will be happy to try to answer them. I am also ready to receive requests for prayer to be responded to by the church, or by myself alone, as appropriate.

Alone with God

I have been doing this sort of work for a number of years now, with several churches in London, including St Nicholas', Tooting, and very much believe that it is what God wants me to do. It is not easy, but I do enjoy it. I enjoy meeting people and God enables me to keep going. I have a busy time, but it is essential that I make time to be alone with God each day, to speak to Him in prayer and to let Him speak to me. Psalm 46 verse 10 days, "Be still and know that I am God". I try to put that into practise and develop a relationship with Him. Away from my work I have a number of interests including supporting Watford FC, where I come from originally. So if you see someone walking round the area wearing a Watford scarf, it could be me! For those in the area, if you have anything you would like to talk over with me, particularly questions relating to God, Jesus and the Christian faith, or if there is anything you would like us to pray for, then please do get in touch.

Yours in God's service,
Graham Jones