1. HOPE ON THE MARGINS:
DENISE’S STORY

2. A ‘proper’ Cockney, Denise grew up by the River Thames with her mum and four siblings. Her childhood was tough; she was abused as a toddler. Although she was surrounded by some good families she had other traumatic experiences which marked the start of her anxiety.
But Denise made a career for herself as a market trader and shopkeeper. Then one day, Denise’s life dramatically fell apart…

3. Denise separated from her long term partner, which forced the business to close.
“I went on a downward spiral. The foundations of my life fell apart. That’s when I became homeless. My life was out of control. I hit rock bottom.”

4. “I felt suicidal at times
“I felt suicidal at times. I felt ashamed and embarrassed about parts of my life, my past and where I was at. Shame was a big part of my downfall, and I had no hope.
I got accommodation in a hostel because I had no where else to go.”

5. Hope on the margins: Christmas 2016
Denise met two London City Missionaries who ran a weekly craft session at the hostel. The three struck up a friendship. Because of her shame, Denise believed God would not accept her. However, Denise asked questions.

6. “In a really respectful way, they said to me, ‘Denise, God has made you and loves you for who you are’. That was the moment, when they told me God loves me… That was the moment I became a Christian.”

7. Today, Denise’s life is being transformed:
Denise recently hosted her first photography exhibition at London City Mission’s Husk Coffee & Creative Space, where she gave her testimony to family and friends.
She recognises how Jesus is helping her deal with arguments and tricky situations differently.
She’s thankful to her new church family.

8. Hope on the margins: Christmas 2016
“Everything I say, everything I do, is for the Lord. I really live my life like that now.
I still live with anxiety but with the help of Jesus that has dropped tremendously. My shame has been lifted and I am saved. Jesus accepts me just as I am. Jesus has given me hope.”  
“Everything I say, everything I do, is for the Lord. I really live my life like that now,” said Denise. “I lived with anxiety and shame for the things I have done. But now I don’t. Jesus accepts me just as I am. It’s so uplifting and liberating to hear that. Jesus has given me hope.”

10. YOU CAN HELP US BY:
PRAYING for our missionaries as they share the gospel across London
GIVING to help more people like Denise hear the good news of Jesus Christ
TELLING others how God is changing the lives of people like Denise

11. Thank you!