In Manchester, England, this beautiful city is known for its historic, red brick cotton mills. Also referred to as “Cottonpolis,” once being the center of the cotton industry in the 19th century, Manchester is home to more than 500,000 people. This timeless city is where I will be living for the next two years.
I have the privilege of serving at Emmanuel Community Church through AT3 [Alliance for Transatlantic Theological Training], located in a borough of Manchester, where they hold their services in an old cotton mill. Only 3% of people in the UK are Christians involved in their local church. While I am serving there for the next two years, I will have the opportunity to get to know the people within the community, help with outreach events and disciple others within the church. I will also be able to be apart of a program for getting my certification in Biblical Counselling.
I believe the analogy of an old cotton mill is fitting for me as I enter into ministry in the UK. The analogy is filled with growth and redemption. Once a bustling industry, many cotton mills today are either shut down or left in ruins. However, there are few that have been beautifully refurbished and created to serve a new purpose. The United Kingdom was once a thriving culture founded on Christian values, yet now is considered a post-Christian society where Christianity has been forgotten. Even still, there are Christians in the UK working to bring revival. There are churches who are actively reaching out to their community to share the truth of the Gospel.
Before coming to Christ, we all serve a purpose that is apart from God. We may go through a period of hardship, loneliness and desolation. But, when we come to the saving grace of Jesus, we are born into a new purpose. We no longer serve ourselves or our selfish desires, but we serve the God of glory.
I see the restored red brick cotton mill of Emmanuel Community Church as a reminder of God’s restoration in my life and the lives of those changed by the gospel. I am eagerly anticipating to see what the Lord has in store as I embark on this journey through Manchester, England.
Ministry in Manchester, England 