Norwich Christian student outreach handover
Almost 13 years ago, Angela Leeding moved to Norwich to begin a Friends International Christian outreach work with international students, and today (March 1), she is handing over to the reins to Dr Joel and Rebekah Callow.
 Angela said: “The time has gone so quickly and I am grateful to God for the many opportunities there have been for building friendships with students from around the world. Some have been interested to know more about our Christian faith and others haven’t. Bt we pray that all in some way will have been touched by the love of Jesus.”
Joel and Rebekah, and their three children, have recently arrived in Norwich to begin the role as staff workers.
They said: “We're looking forward to starting work and reaching out to international students studying here. After two years living in Athens, Greece, we know some of what it's like to be strangers in a foreign land. It's exciting to be part of this key mission in Norwich - holding out the good news of Jesus to people from so many countries and cultures right on our doorstep.
“We will be welcoming international students to Norwich and working alongside local churches to reach out to them with the good news of Jesus.
“At the moment there's a lot happening including a World Cafe, Bible studies, day trips, hospitality and lots more. It's a real privilege to be part of the team welcoming international students as they come to study in Norwich,” said Joel and Rebekah.
 “As we move to Norwich, we are aware that we are strangers in a new place, and while we don't yet know the city very well or yet have ties to it, we serve a God who gives us strength and sends His people out to places where they can reach out with the friendship, compassion and love of Jesus.
“We have learnt what it is like to feel alone, unsure, homesick and exhausted. There are many things we could take from our past experiences in Greece and apply them to our ministry in Norwich - simple acts of hospitality and kindness to a stranger speak volumes. The gospel of Jesus is a treasure worth sharing with other people and we can't wait to start opening the Bible with students again. Mission is both hard work and incredibly exciting.”
Two buffet lunches are planned when church leaders will have the opportunity to meet Joel and Rebekah, and existing team members Ruth Holt and Jenny Austin, also to find out more about Friends International Norwich.
You are warmly invited to: Sheringham – Tuesday March 13, from 12.30pm – 2pm, or Norwich - Wednesday March 14, from 12.30pm – 2pm. For more information please contact: angela.leeding@btinternet.com
If you would like to know more about Friends International Norwich and how you can be involved, then take a look at the websites.
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