Sarah DeCarvalho and Happy Child International (Brazil) Happy Child is our first and oldest mission partner. In 1989, St Mary’s supported local girl Sarah Jarman (now DeCarvalho) when she responded to God’s call on her life to go to Brazil and work with destitute street children. Since then, thousands of children have been rescued from the streets and their lives transformed through a ministry immersed in the love of Jesus Christ. Sarah is based in the UK and works on raising the profile of the Happy Child organisation and finding funding opportunities. She is also on the steering committee of the 180 Degree Alliance of organisations that work with children globally

Andy Economides and Soteria Trust (Nigeria and UK) Rev Andy Economides is well known to our congregations through his visits and teaching at St Mary’s/L1FE. Soteria works to bring people to Christ across the UK and in Africa. The Trust’s current challenge is to complete the building of the Soteria College of Further Education and Christian teaching in Ibadan, Nigeria. As well as assisting people in Africa, Soteria runs conferences, breakfasts, training and missions in the UK.

Arnold Mwonge and Kampala Children’s Centre (Uganda) Some of our congregation have visited this centre for the orphans of war and AIDS in Uganda, founded by Rev. Arnold Mwonge (regular Detling speaker and pastor of a church in Cheshire). Several houses have been completed but the vision is to continue building until at least 1000 children are given the chance of a home, education and happy childhood. The children were thrilled to receive a teddy bear knitted by our church members. Our money has also supported the building of a well to provide fresh water to the orphanage.

Sandra Benko and Gateways Ministry Sandra is based in Cyprus as part of Gateways Beyond, a messianic community committed to sharing a life of daily worship and prayer, with a focus on discipleship training and world outreach. She has a heart for the nations and is currently serving in the area of communications.

Phil Morrow and the Church Army(UK) L1FE congregation member Phil Morrow has been called to train with the Church Army to become an evangelist. He is studying full time in Sheffield and is undertaking both academic and practical assignments.

B@titude (UK)

B@titude is a Christian charity committed to loving and serving the community of north Leatherhead through their shop in Kingston Road. Here they sell quality ‘as new’ clothes for babies and children at very reasonable prices, provide a comfortable environment for coffee and snacks, as well as a small play area, and offer an environment for friendship and prayer. They have acquired a caravan on the south coast and as a result have been able to send many families away on a holiday or short break – one teenager said they had never been away on holiday. They have many plans for the future but already they have been described as ‘not just a shop, but a door into the community’. Members of our church regularly help in the shop.

International Justice Mission (IJM)

St Mary’s/L1FE congregation members were first introduced to IJM at the Willow Creek conference in Bracknell. IJM is a Christian human rights and social justice agency that secures social justice for victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression all around the world. IJM’s work is founded on the Christian call to justice articulated in the Bible in Isaiah 1:17 “Seek justice, protect the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow”. IJM international conducts casework in the following areas: slavery, illegal property seizure, sexual violence, sex trafficking, citizenship violations, illegal detention, police brutality.

Salvation Army, Guildford

For many, the local Guildford Salvation Army connection that has been established between St Mary’s/L1FE will require no introduction as this is an established, thriving project pioneered by congregation members Mercedes and Justin Underwood who have been coordinating the local food giving, collections and deliveries. Half of our Harvest Festival offering went to the Salvation Army and of course individuals and L1FE groups continue to give foodstuffs regularly. This relationship is very much mission in action as the connection is entirely practical and relational. As a church, we are keen to encourage everyone to get involved in mission and outreach in practical ways, and not just think that mission means putting your hand in your pocket, or the church donating money. Donating foodstuffs, or time and skills, can make a huge difference to this local Guildford based outreach programme for the homeless.