Introducing. . .

It's hard to believe it's already March! Last month I was able to share with you guys a little about what our weeks look like here at Bethel and this month I wanted to take some time to introduce you to the team here at Bethel that makes it possible to do all of those events. It's been such a blessing to be part of such an amazing team that loves, respects and honors each other so well, all while working as the hands and feet of Jesus to reach the community of Dagenham together!

First up is our center director Jeff. Jeff has been with LCM for 25 years and just took over at Bethel about a year ago. He's the backbone of the centre and is amazing at empowering us as a team to step out in new ministries and areas of Dagenham and encouraging us as a team. It's great to sit and listen to his stories of railroad chaplaincy with LCM over the last 25 years and all that God has done through him!
My line supervisor at the centre, who is also the lead in our youth ministries, is Brandon. Brandon has been with LCM for 8 years and started with their homeless ministry and had never even given youth work a thought, but you know how God likes to pull us out of our comfort zone! He also oversees day to day items at the centre as Jeff's right hand man. The youth have a real connection with him and although it's not what he started out thinking he would do, God is really using him to impact the youth here in Dagenham.
Our Tuesday morning Community Tots, and our soon to be kids club for kids ages 5-10, is headed up by the lovely Wendy! Wendy has been with LCM for 15 years and has such a gift for connecting with the moms that come in and just has such a warm and welcoming spirit. It's such a joy to get to work with her on those projects and we're looking forward to starting a women's ministry at Bethel after Easter!
On Wednesday mornings I get a chance to get out into the community by doing doors with Neil, a LCM missionary attached to St. Elisabeth's Church here in Dagenham and just around the corner from Bethel. Neil has been with LCM for 21 years and is a wealth of knowledge! I love walking the streets of Dagenham with him and learning more about his time with LCM and all that God has done in his life. Neil also runs the Friday morning drop in that I help with at St. Elisabeth's with Ray, who is still in his first year with LCM. It's been such a great ministry and I'm making some really strong connections! I'm so thankful for Neil and Ray's leadership at the drop in!
Friday nights we have our Deeper bible study with the youth at Bethel and that is headed up by Jaime. Jaime is in his second year with LCM and is an amazing leader who is able to break down and explain the gospel to the kids in fun and creative ways that really connect with them. It's been such a blessing to work with and watch Jaime's strong leadership!
The rest of the team is made up of Dan, a 13 year LCM missionary who coordinates our doors ministry, helps at Community tots and is even willing to step into youth work when needed! He's always got a song and a firm handshake waiting for you! Andy has been with LCM for just about 2 years and is the cook who prepares the meals each Thursday for our Community Lounge. It's not an easy job feeding so many people on a weekly basis but Andy makes it look that way! Peter has also been with LCM for about 2 years and is the centre's IT guru! If it's not working, he can fix it! Peter has an amazing heart for the Lord and on top of working on all our IT needs, also goes out on doors with us occasionally and is always finding new verses to hang on the walls around the centre to encourage everyone who enters!
The other LCM 'interns' (there are different intern programs available at LCM and we are all on different programs at the moment) are Mishael, Lawrence and Jan. Mishael has an incredible graphic design talent, one of his many, and makes most of the fliers and posters for events happening at the centre. Mishael is also passionate about ministering to the Muslim community in Dagenham. Lawrence is a jack of all trades! In his short time at Bethel he has started several one on one bible studies with youth and young adults in the area, a monthly men's breakfast as well as helping with Community Tots, The Hub (our Tuesday night youth gathering), doors and Deeper. Jan is our German LCM intern and has been awesome to get to know! Unfortunately for us, Jan was just here for a six month program and so we sadly say goodbye to him this month! :-(  He's been such a blessing to all of us and a huge help with Community Tots, The Hub, doors and Deeper. We will miss him greatly! Last but certainly not least is our amazing volunteer Jackie!! Jackie is married to Ray but doesn't work for LCM officially but you can always find her here helping out on Tuesday and Friday nights when we are having youth activities! The kids love her, as do we, and she is always willing and ready to sit and chat with the kids about God, life and even give some homework help!

Now that you know a little more about the incredible team God has assembled here at Bethel, I'd love to ask you to remember all of them whenever you pray for me and all that God is doing here in Dagenham! Thank you again for all your encouragement, support and prayers as you journey with me on this beautiful, wonderful adventure!

Jenn