A nation of 70 million, and only around 3% are Christian.
The country that once sent missionaries to the world is now one of the least reached in the West. The United Kingdom is considered Post-Christian for some time now, where many Brits have turned away from the church and Christianity seems to be "in the rear-view mirror" now. However because there have been multiple generations who have not raised their families in the church, many people in the United Kingdom are now considered "Pre-Christian." This means there people in the UK who have never heard the gospel, who Jesus is, or what it means to be Christian. In fact, around only 1/3 of the population at least knows of a Christian.
More information on Post-ChristianChurches in the UK are seeing a rise in young people being interested and open to going to church because they have no perception for anything related to Christianity and want to know more for themselves. There are many families going to church after seeing the other things they have chased after have left them empty and not fulfilled.
More information on the need & God’s movement in EssexEssex, England
Essex is a county northeast of London where will be living for two years and working with a local church. This county is where we believe God has been leading us and there is a church planting organization our home church, Rock Point, partners with called Mission Essex.
Mission Essex is a collection of church across Essex who support, share, and send together. They focus on Essex as it is home to 2 million people, but less than 3% attend any church.
missionessex.com
What we are going to do
While there is much more to come that we do not yet know, here is what we do know. We will be working at a local Mission Essex church called Danbury Mission Church.
We will soon be meeting with the pastor of Danbury to help define what our roles will be more specifically. Most likely, Mason will be continuing to take steps in training to be a pastor and Rosie will continue doing admin work, but for Danbury Mission.
For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.
Despite much uncertainty about the future, we are trusting God in all things. What is unknown to us, is known to God. He is faithful in every season.
Where exactly are you going?
Essex, in the east of England, with Mission Essex — a network of churches planting and revitalising across the county. We will be working in a town in Essex called Chelmsford.
How long is this for?
We are planning for what is considered a mid-term trip. We have committed to two years in the United Kingdom but will be listening to God if we believe we are called there for longer.