‘This was about taking church to the people' 

Farnworth Baptists are bringing hope to one of the UK’s poorest areas – in partnership with The Message Trust’s Eden Project, and with the support of the Baptist Insurance Grants Programme

 
Two years ago, the Revd John Bradbury and his team at the Greater Manchester church set up Eden Farnworth to offer practical support and the good news of Jesus message to local folk.

'The Flowers Estate and Campbell Street are particularly deprived,’ said John. ‘This was about taking church to the people – we hold meetings in our houses, getting to know our neighbours, understanding their problems.

'We were very visible during the lockdowns, out on the streets in our Eden t-shirts, being a friendly face at a very lonely time.
 
‘We’ve let them know about our foodbank, job club, and benefits advice service, and are hoping to help reopen the community centre.
 
‘We ran a family Easter Egg Hunt to spread the Easter message, and held Christmas carol services. On St Valentine’s Day we sent Valentines cards and packets of Love Hearts to almost a thousand local homes with the message, “Jesus Loves You”, which brought a lovely response.
 
‘We’ve had people joining our Alpha and Recovery Courses, and coming to church. We’ve made many strong, solid connections, and planted seeds with many others.’
 
Eden Farnworth had already received a £7,000 grant from the Baptist Insurance Grants Programme, and now a further donation of £15,000 will help to pay the salary of the project leader.
 
‘This is a really inspiring story,’ said Anne Bishop, Chair of the BIC Grants Committee, which has given out over £2 million in grants over the past ten years to Baptist outreach and evangelism. ‘It’s wonderful to help this vital work.’
 

For more about the Baptist Grants Programme, visit the website: baptistinsurance.co.uk/grants/