Church Army is on a mission to reach people with the Good News of Jesus and support marginalised people in society.
They go into some of the most difficult places, journeying with people and encouraging them as they grow in their faith.
One great example of their work is how they support women affected by the sex industry in the North of England. They provide a safe house where they can come in and meet with the team, who journey with them and help them to rebuild by showing them that they are loved both by the team and by Jesus.
Church Army also runs a number of Recovery Churches, which help people who are struggling with addiction. The team can share many testimonies of people with whom they have been journeying over the years who get to the point where they realise that they are loved and can put their faith in Jesus. Their faith helps them fight and overcome their addiction.
Support in a transition period
Last year, Stewardship was delighted to be able to help Church Army with a loan to help support the charity during a time of transition so that they could continue with their vital work. Robin Webb, Director of Finance and Support Services for Church Army, commented:
“The loan provided crucial working capital for the organisation while we dispose of our investment property portfolio in what is quite a difficult market. It was ideal timing for us and worked out very well; it provided a lifeline for Church Army during a challenging period.”
A focus on evangelism
Going forwards, Church Army plans to run fewer high-cost projects and focus more on training people as evangelists, up to several hundred every year. They aim to recruit their trainees from areas of deprivation or marginalised communities and then send them back so they are well-equipped to share the good news of Jesus with people in their everyday setting.
Discover this story and more in our 2024 Annual Report
This case study was first published in our 2024 Annual Report, where you can read more impact stories from our donors and partners.
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Ruth Jackson
Ruth leads the PR and Communications for Stewardship, which she joined in April 2022.
She has over 25 years’ marketing communications experience across a range of sectors, including higher education, technology and the arts, both business- and customer-facing.
Ruth worships and serves at C3 Church in Cambridge, where she lives with her husband, two daughters, a dog and a cat. When she’s not at her desk, you might find her rowing on the River Cam, in a ballet class or out for a walk.
She supports causes that are focused on alleviating global poverty and injustice, with a particular interest in supporting vulnerable children.