Our house for God: 10 years on

It was December 2004, that we took our first steps on a long tumultuous journey; a journey to build a place for God and our local community. We had no idea of the challenges we would face as we set out on this path.

Ten years on, Sunday 6th December 2014 we gathered together to celebrate and rejoice in fellowship of our wonderful accomplishments. There was a buzz among the congregation as the South London band started things off with songs of praise and inspiration. We heard three testimonies from Simon Rosselli, Cecilie Fortune and Tim Read.

Simon took us on the journey from the start, sharing the lows and highs throughout the years. He shared how difficult it was to get a boiler for the peace embassy. Eventually one was donated to us from a kind soul. We felt like God was definitely watching over us, wanting to keep us warm. Yet to his astonishment it was stolen! Simon found himself in a low painful place. Eventually when it came to tell the person who donated the boiler that it was stolen, without a moments hesitation he said he had another one for us.

Cecilie shared how the peace embassy has not only become a home for our church community but for many other local groups. Tim spoke about how without a place of worship, we would just be wandering on a lonely plain. We could celebrate the fact that we have a place for future generations.

Pastor Franklin Fortune expressed that it was a day to say thank to all. It would not have been possible without everyone’s help. The community are the true foundations of our building. We also appreciated Rev An’s congratulations and those who wished to be there. After lunch, we were all entertained by two beautiful songs from our 2nd generation and a Mentalist’s mind-reading abilities. Ten years on, tasty hog roast in our stomachs, we all walked away proud of our house we built for God.