This East London neighborhood thrived on weekend nightlife, drawing in crowds to its Michelin-star restaurants, trendy pubs, and the hottest clubs.
As they passed the open doors of St. Leonard’s Church, their curiosity piqued. Inside, GEM worker Leslie Hall and fellow Christians prayed by candlelight, asking God to bring in the many unchurched people in Shoreditch.
Accepting an invitation by a young church member, the men entered the church, intrigued by soft guitar music and warm smiles. Leslie and a church vicar invited them to light candles and pray.
Young women also wandered in, dressed in their best for a night on the town. None had expected to find themselves in a church.
Leslie offered to pray with them or let them pray privately. Some accepted her offer, while others quietly contemplated. When they left, many stopped to touch up their eye make-up, having been moved to tears.
The young men had calmed down significantly. One expressed gratitude as he wiped away a tear, sharing his prayer about his recently deceased grandfather.
All evening long, people came and went. The congregation remained until closing time, then entered a time of prayer.
Inspired by the recent revival among young adults across the world, the worshippers at St. Leonard’s cried out to God for revival in their own community, repeatedly reciting Psalm 24.
A Turning Point
That night marked a turning point for the Shoreditch community. A deeper hunger and a passion for prayer emerged, leading to the establishment of a House of Prayer aimed at creating space for God’s work.
The prayer revival at St. Leonard’s (aka Shoreditch Church) continues to thrive, impacting unbelievers and believers. One Chrisitan young woman invited people to join on open-door evenings. Encouraging a co-worker to attend, she helped her embrace faith in Jesus.
Others gifted in evangelism stand at the church’s gate, encouraging passersby to come in. Intercessors have taken on leadership roles, nurturing a hunger for prayer. Administrators develop systems for volunteers to care for their community.
Partnering for the Kingdom
Shoreditch is extremely diverse, home to immigrants and people from various socioeconomic backgrounds. High-end shopping and nightlife attract a wide array of visitors, including those battling addictions.
For this reason, the church partners with a local charity and hosts a men’s rehabilitation home on church property, where recovering addicts tend a large garden. As part of SAINT, a network of London churches affiliated with the Holy Trinity Brompton (HTB) Network of Churches, Shoreditch Church aims to touch lives unfamiliar with the gospel. The Alpha Course, developed by HTB, helps explore the fundamentals of Christianity. Staying true to SAINT’s vision and mission, Shoreditch Church seeks to bring hope based on Romans 15:13, which speaks of being filled with joy, peace, and hope through trust in God.
The Holy Spirit Still at Work
Leslie and other church members continue to focus on prayer as a powerful outreach tool.
“We want the community to know that they can come in and be prayed for and hear about Jesus,” Leslie explains, adding that people may also simply sit quietly and listen to worship music.
Since initiating their prayer movement, the Holy Spirit has been actively working in East London, touching lives in profound ways.
Leslie, now Director of Prayer for Greater Europe Mission, reflects, “I don’t think I would be in this role had I not experienced the powerful prayer ministry at Shoreditch.” She relates that prayer has always been essential, and witnessing its impact in her neighborhood showed her that as God’s people, their most vital task is to pray.
God is moving mightily in Europe through the power of prayer and the passion of His people to make disciples of all nations. Will you prayerfully consider supporting the work of Greater Europe Mission to help send and support more workers like Leslie? A special year-end gift by December 31st will help GEM recruit, train, and send more disciple-makers across the overlooked mission field of Europe. To give online today, click here.
Adapted from an article written by GEM Storyteller Jenny Garrity.
