As the conversation unfolds, the boys explain that one of them grew up attending an Orthodox church but has stopped going.

“What they said is that in his church you have to pay 20p to light a candle, just so you can pray,” says Connie.

“We explained our church doesn’t do that. You pray to God freely and you come as you are.”

What began as a brief exchange stretches on for almost ten minutes. Just before the boys left they were invited to the church’s youth group. It’s what happens here week after week: people from very different backgrounds taking time to talk about life, faith and the things that matter most.

On another corner, Gene stands beside a coffee trolley. A steady flow of people stop for a hot drink and a chat. The atmosphere feels more like a neighbourhood café than street evangelism. Conversations drift from family life and work to questions of faith, while invitations to church are handed out as naturally as cups of coffee.

Across the road, Trevor spots another passer-by wearing a West Ham shirt.

Within moments they are discussing the match later that day. Before long, the conversation has moved on to church and faith, and an invitation is exchanged.

Deeper Conversations

The outreach has also exposed them to some of the pressures people in the area are living with. During the morning, Trevor watches a woman approach one of the trays of food.

“If you’d looked at her, you probably wouldn’t have expected her to take anything,” he says. “But she almost emptied the tray.”

For him, it was a reminder that the cost of living crisis has left many people struggling in ways that are not always visible.

“It was a reflection of her circumstances,” he says. “What a joy just to bring God’s love into her life.”

The church has run this outreach faithfully for many years. Bella has come alongside its team, helping members move naturally from everyday conversations to deeper discussions about faith, giving many greater confidence to speak about Jesus – particularly with Muslim neighbours.

This impact has been felt by Gill as much as anyone, who is standing on another of the corners.

One man accepts a banana from the tray she’s holding. Before long, Gill is using that simple exchange as a bridge into a conversation about life, hope and Jesus.

Later, Gill is chatting with a woman wearing a hijab. The two stand close together, engrossed in conversation.

It is a picture that points to another important strand of the church’s long-standing ministry, which has been strengthened through support from London City Mission.

Sharing Jesus with Muslims

Cliff Walk Evangelical Church sits at the heart of one of London’s most diverse communities. Today, the congregation itself includes around 27 nationalities.

For many members, living in east London brought them into close contact with Muslims for the first time.

“We saw the need for Jesus to be shared, but weren’t sure how to do it,” says Pastor Leandro.

When church members attended LCM’s Muslim engagement training, they returned convinced that the church should run the full Sharing Jesus with Muslims course.

“The course was really good,” says Leandro. “There was a lot about Muslims we misunderstood. We learned how to not only share our lives with them but also approach them well with the gospel.”

For Gill, the training was transformative.

“The training gave me knowledge and encouragement, but my boldness comes from the Holy Spirit,” she says. “When I’m out there with the church, I don’t feel that I’m working in my own strength. The Spirit of God uses what I’ve learned to motivate and empower me.”

That learning would soon bear fruit through a friendship with a local Muslim woman called Amina.*

A friendship begins

For nearly twenty years, Amina had lived in London after moving from Pakistan to join her husband. Back home she had taught the Qur’an to children and was respected in her community, but life in London often brought challenges that had to be navigated alone.

Everything changed when she met Bella, an LCM missionary serving in Newham.

Through Bella, she met Gill.

Amina was looking for educational support for her daughters, and as a retired teacher Gill offered to help. What began as practical assistance soon grew into friendship.

Each week, Amina’s daughters visit Gill for help with maths, English and schoolwork. Amina often comes too. In the midst of homework, everyday conversations naturally turn to faith.

“I share little things,” says Gill. “How Jesus helps me in everyday life. Not heavy topics, just honest conversation.”

Over time, Amina and her daughters began attending activities at Cliff Walk Evangelical Church. They joined children’s and youth programmes and have visited Sunday services.

Pastor Leandro still remembers the first time Amina came to the church.

“We had been praying for opportunities after the course,” he says. “Then suddenly someone was at our door. We were overwhelmed to have them, and she was overwhelmed by the reception.”

The welcome she received from church members played a crucial role. And slowly, friendships have been forming and questions about Christianity have been answered.

One step closer to Jesus

When asked recently what she thinks about Jesus after months of friendship, church visits and conversations, Amina’s answer was simple:

“They make me love Isa more.”

Isa is the name used for Jesus in the Qur’an and Islamic tradition. While Amina is still on a journey of discovery, Pastor Leandro sees her words as evidence that God is at work.

“Amina hasn’t said she wants to become a Christian,” he explains. “But she is open. She’s asking questions. She’s learning. And she keeps coming.”

For Gill, supporting Amina and her daughters has become one of the most unexpected chapters of her life.

Forty years ago, she served as a voluntary evangelist with London City Mission. Working alongside Bella and building friendships with local Muslim women has rekindled something she thought belonged to the past.

“In my old age, I’ve changed,” she says. “I now realise the Lord is the one doing the work. My job is to listen, to care, and to share Jesus simply. It feels like my life isn’t slowing down at all. It feels like it’s beginning again.”