1 May 2025, 10:37Rubina Fosua ArthurLondon, Greater London, England, United Kingdom
London Ghana SDA Church Makes a Mighty Mark on East London Streets
In a powerful display of community engagement, London Ghana Seventh-day Adventist Church embarked on an unprecedented outreach of mega proportions across the streets of Newham, East London, on Saturday, April 26th, 2025. This historic initiative saw nearly four hundred members, spanning ages from ten to ninety-four, take to the streets in a united effort to connect with their local community.
While London Ghana has a strong history of outreach over its eighteen years in East London, this event stood out for its sheer scale and enthusiastic participation. Blessed with an uncharacteristic break in the often-fickle British weather, a beaming spring sunshine accompanied the procession.
Leading the way were the Pathfinders, proudly displaying the church banner, their youthful energy setting the tone for the march. The rhythmic sounds of the drum corps and the joyful peals of bells from the Women’s Ministries filled the air, announcing the presence and love of Jesus Christ to the neighbourhood.
The booming noise drew residents from their homes, eager to discover the source of the joyful commotion. Beryl, a local mother, shared, “My children were so excited by the music! My twelve-year-old has always been interested in learning an instrument, so hearing that the church’s youth group offers music lessons is fantastic. We’ll definitely be visiting soon.”
Richard, a man in his forties, was particularly interested in the church’s Food Bank, run in partnership with The Trussell Trust. He confessed, “I’ve always wanted to attend church, but the fear of judgment has held me back.” Outreach participants warmly reassured him that support was offered without judgment and encouraged him to take the first step in visiting.
Addressing potential language concerns, church members clarified that while adult services incorporate the Ghanaian language Twi alongside English, all children’s and youth programmes are conducted solely in English, ensuring inclusivity for everyone in the diverse community.
The sight of the large group, with pastoral team members in distinctive pink vests and departmental leaders in green, guiding the way along the 3.5-mile route, was described by onlookers as a “mini exodus.” The hour-and-a-half walk provided ample opportunity for members to distribute literature promoting Adventist beliefs and the church’s various community services.
Upon the outreach’s completion, participants shared inspiring testimonies of their encounters. While most reported positive interactions, one anecdote involved two ladies briefly startled by a dog, who were thankfully unharmed when its owner intervened.
Adding to the day’s significance was the fact that Ms. Olivia Dawson Annan, affectionately known as Auntie Olivia, is the first ever elected female Personal Ministries Director at London Ghana in two decades. Humbly acknowledging the milestone, Auntie Olivia credited her “dynamic team” within the Personal Ministries Council and the invaluable support of the South England Conference’s Personal Ministries and Teens Ministries departments, who provided essential resources for sharing the Gospel.
Having sown a significant number of seeds, London Ghana eagerly anticipates the long-term impact of this large-scale outreach. While the practical measure of new attendees remains to be seen, the church moves forward with faith, believing that with divine support, their efforts will yield a bountiful harvest.
In a powerful display of community engagement, London Ghana Seventh-day Adventist Church embarked on an unprecedented outreach of mega proportions across the streets of Newham, East London, on Saturday, April 26th, 2025. This historic initiative saw nearly four hundred members, spanning ages from ten to ninety-four, take to the streets in a united effort to connect with their local community.
While London Ghana has a strong history of outreach over its eighteen years in East London, this event stood out for its sheer scale and enthusiastic participation. Blessed with an uncharacteristic break in the often-fickle British weather, a beaming spring sunshine accompanied the procession.
Leading the way were the Pathfinders, proudly displaying the church banner, their youthful energy setting the tone for the march. The rhythmic sounds of the drum corps and the joyful peals of bells from the Women’s Ministries filled the air, announcing the presence and love of Jesus Christ to the neighbourhood.
The booming noise drew residents from their homes, eager to discover the source of the joyful commotion. Beryl, a local mother, shared, “My children were so excited by the music! My twelve-year-old has always been interested in learning an instrument, so hearing that the church’s youth group offers music lessons is fantastic. We’ll definitely be visiting soon.”
Richard, a man in his forties, was particularly interested in the church’s Food Bank, run in partnership with The Trussell Trust. He confessed, “I’ve always wanted to attend church, but the fear of judgment has held me back.” Outreach participants warmly reassured him that support was offered without judgment and encouraged him to take the first step in visiting.
Addressing potential language concerns, church members clarified that while adult services incorporate the Ghanaian language Twi alongside English, all children’s and youth programmes are conducted solely in English, ensuring inclusivity for everyone in the diverse community.
The sight of the large group, with pastoral team members in distinctive pink vests and departmental leaders in green, guiding the way along the 3.5-mile route, was described by onlookers as a “mini exodus.” The hour-and-a-half walk provided ample opportunity for members to distribute literature promoting Adventist beliefs and the church’s various community services.
Upon the outreach’s completion, participants shared inspiring testimonies of their encounters. While most reported positive interactions, one anecdote involved two ladies briefly startled by a dog, who were thankfully unharmed when its owner intervened.
Adding to the day’s significance was the fact that Ms. Olivia Dawson Annan, affectionately known as Auntie Olivia, is the first ever elected female Personal Ministries Director at London Ghana in two decades. Humbly acknowledging the milestone, Auntie Olivia credited her “dynamic team” within the Personal Ministries Council and the invaluable support of the South England Conference’s Personal Ministries and Teens Ministries departments, who provided essential resources for sharing the Gospel.
Having sown a significant number of seeds, London Ghana eagerly anticipates the long-term impact of this large-scale outreach. While the practical measure of new attendees remains to be seen, the church moves forward with faith, believing that with divine support, their efforts will yield a bountiful harvest.
