25 Jun 2025, 18:28Joe Philpott
Hope for Birmingham: United in Evangelism
In a powerful display of unity and mission, 19 churches from Area 5 of the North England Conference have come together to launch the "Hope for Birmingham" evangelism initiative. The event is being hosted at Handsworth Seventh-day Adventist Church and runs from 24 to 28 June 2025.
This city-wide outreach effort follows months of preparation. Churches have held organising meetings, conducted training sessions, and engaged in focused times of prayer. The initiative has attracted more than 100 committed members who are taking to the streets each day to share spiritual resources, including copies of The Great Controversy, and to offer prayer and encouragement to those they meet.
The first full day of outreach, Wednesday 25 June, began with a 5:30 am prayer gathering at Handsworth Adventist Church. This was followed by breakfast and practical training on how to connect meaningfully with people in the community. At 11:00 am, teams were sent out across the city for literature distribution.
To support the effort, several vehicles moved throughout Birmingham to resupply the teams with books, water, and other essentials. In the evening, members returned for dinner at 6:00 pm, followed by a time of testimony and reflection from 7:00 pm.
Midway through the day, one participant shared, “With almost everyone I've spoken with, I've been able to pray with them.” Another added, “I'm excited and nervous at the same time. I'm enjoying it.”
Members of the public have responded warmly. The black 'Hope for Birmingham' t-shirts worn by volunteers have sparked meaningful conversations, and several individuals have accepted invitations for Bible studies. One former Adventist expressed her desire to return to church.
Pastor Jermaine Swaby, the Area 5 Coordinator, said in the time of testimony: “God is at work! God is good!" The work is only just beginning, and the churches involved are eager to see how God will continue to lead in the days ahead.
In a powerful display of unity and mission, 19 churches from Area 5 of the North England Conference have come together to launch the "Hope for Birmingham" evangelism initiative. The event is being hosted at Handsworth Seventh-day Adventist Church and runs from 24 to 28 June 2025.
This city-wide outreach effort follows months of preparation. Churches have held organising meetings, conducted training sessions, and engaged in focused times of prayer. The initiative has attracted more than 100 committed members who are taking to the streets each day to share spiritual resources, including copies of The Great Controversy, and to offer prayer and encouragement to those they meet.
The first full day of outreach, Wednesday 25 June, began with a 5:30 am prayer gathering at Handsworth Adventist Church. This was followed by breakfast and practical training on how to connect meaningfully with people in the community. At 11:00 am, teams were sent out across the city for literature distribution.
To support the effort, several vehicles moved throughout Birmingham to resupply the teams with books, water, and other essentials. In the evening, members returned for dinner at 6:00 pm, followed by a time of testimony and reflection from 7:00 pm.
Midway through the day, one participant shared, “With almost everyone I've spoken with, I've been able to pray with them.” Another added, “I'm excited and nervous at the same time. I'm enjoying it.”
Members of the public have responded warmly. The black 'Hope for Birmingham' t-shirts worn by volunteers have sparked meaningful conversations, and several individuals have accepted invitations for Bible studies. One former Adventist expressed her desire to return to church.
Pastor Jermaine Swaby, the Area 5 Coordinator, said in the time of testimony: “God is at work! God is good!" The work is only just beginning, and the churches involved are eager to see how God will continue to lead in the days ahead.
