Last year, Halloween was approaching and some of the mums at City of Light church on the Isle of Dogs had an idea. How could they shine the light of Jesus, and give local children a fun alternative to trick-or-treating?

“Kids don’t really want to celebrate evil. They want to dress up, they want to eat sweets and they want the excitement of knocking on a stranger’s door,” reflects missionary Marlene Botha, who has been supporting the church to connect with the local community.

Over 15 children came along with their parents, some from the church but mostly from the community. Halfway through the walk, a ‘pirate’ emerged from the group (fellow LCM missionary, Murat) and gave a short talk about why Jesus is the true superhero.

June*, aged 7, was one of the children listening attentively. She and her family had only moved to London from China three weeks prior.

“Her parents were desperate for her to make friends so when they got the flyer at the school gate from a church member they sent her along in her princess outfit with her grandma,” explains Marlene.

It was on the walk that June heard about the kids’ club at the church which she started coming along to. And it was at the kids’ club she heard about Sunday School…“

June and her grandma started coming to church once a month or so. Now it’s every week,” reflects Marlene.

“She’s gone from no previous Christian influence to seeing herself as part of the church,” says Marlene.

If you are interested in partnering with London City Mission to reach young people in our schools and the broader community with the gospel, please visit lcm.org.uk/youth and register your interest. We’d love to hear from you!