In one of Croydon’s most diverse and high needs communities, LCM is helping believers from Thornton Heath Evangelical Church build genuine friendships – where conversations about Jesus grow naturally.
In one of Croydon’s most diverse and high needs communities, LCM is helping believers from Thornton Heath Evangelical Church build genuine friendships – where conversations about Jesus grow naturally.
“I almost couldn’t breathe when I was speaking with him,” says Eewei, walking slowly down the residential street. “I was so nervous. I just know I couldn’t have said any of those things without God giving me the words.”
He’s just left a doorstep conversation with Rikhil* – a young man in his twenties, blind since childhood, who recently lost his father. The two had spoken briefly once before. At the time, Rikhil had said he didn’t think he’d be able to have the same kinds of conversations that his dad had shared with Eewei.
“But that’s literally what just happened,” says Eewei.
Before his death, Rikhil’s father had come to know Eewei. They had developed a warm friendship over time and often spoke about faith. Since his passing, Rikhil had remained on Eewei’s heart.
“I remember the things you shared with my dad,” Rikhil told him.
They talked about life since COVID, about the difficulty of finding work, and about his father. Rikhil said he prays to Jesus, alongside the other gods of his Hindu faith.
Eewei listened and responded: “Jesus is really important to me. I believe he’s the one who makes sense of everything.”
Before leaving, Eewei asked if he could pray. Rikhil agreed.
“I’ve wanted to speak with him ever since his dad passed,” says Eewei. “And now we’ve been able to talk.”
A few doors down, Eewei rings another doorbell.
Ketan* opens the door wearing a T-shirt pulled over a hospital gown. He greets Eewei with a smile and ushers him inside.
Ketan is awaiting major surgery early next year. A hospital bed has been set up in the living room, where he now spends most of his time. Eewei sits down on the sofa beside a statue of Ganesha – the elephant-headed Hindu god. Over many visits, conversations about faith have become a normal part of their time together.
That day, the talk turns to Ketan’s daughter’s upcoming wedding. He shares how he’s been working hard to lose weight so he could be well enough to attend. Ketan’s wife, Bhavna, joins them in the living room.
Throughout the conversation, when challenges or concerns came up, Eewei responds with gentle encouragement: “We’ll pray about that.”
Toward the end of the visit, Eewei pulls a small book from his bag – a gospel of John.
“You bring us hope,” Ketan says with a quiet smile.
“I’ve marked some parts that I thought might be helpful,” he says. “Especially with the things we’ve talked about before – who Jesus is, and why he matters.”
“I’m not much into reading,” Bhavna added.
“Would it be easier to listen to it?” asked Eewei. “There’s a version in Gujarati. I could help you find it.”
They nod appreciatively.
As always, before leaving, Eewei prays – for the wedding, for Ketan’s health, and for clarity as they continue to explore the words of Jesus. When he finishes both Ketan and Bhavna echo “Amen.”
“You bring us hope,” Ketan says with a quiet smile.
“People from the church have started going door-to-door who would never have considered themselves evangelists. Now, we’re seeing up to 10 people going out each time.
Momentum is really building, and I can’t wait to see what God will do in the next year.”
“There’s such trust now,” says Eewei. “We can talk about anything. We laugh, we share everyday life – but we also talk about spiritual things. That’s always been part of the friendship.”
Eewei is one of a missional team supported by LCM missionaries Rob Bridges and Simon Knightly. They have trained the members from the church on how to bring their faith into conversations. They have also been going out with Eewei and others to meet the people around them – to intentionally build relationships.
“I remember when I first started going door-to-door with Rob,” Eewei continues. “I used to think, how does he know what to say? But slowly, as I spent more time out with him, that confidence started to rub off on me.”
Now, Rob sees the impact clearly. “Eewei has really taken ownership of this road,” he says. “He’s got a wonderful heart for the people here – and he’s been given the opportunity to share it with them.”
For Steve Ridgeway, the pastor of Thornton Heath Evangelical Church, Eewei’s journey has been a clear result of the support from LCM. “
The thing that we really value from the LCM team is their approach to building bridges. Rather than doing a one-time visit, they’ve shown us the impact of building trusted friendships where the gospel is shared naturally.”
This is one of seven stories which feature in LCM's annual impact report. Read the report by clicking on the link below and get inspired about what God is doing through his church across the city.
LCM shares the gospel alongside the local church of London, equipping everyday Christians to lovingly bring a message of hope in Christ to those least likely to hear it.
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