Faith
Faith’s Call to Address Hidden Homelessness
Faith Facts
- Over 132,000 households in England are currently living in temporary accommodation.
- Seventy-four children have lost their lives in five years due to inadequate housing conditions.
- Christian teachings command us to care for those in need, reflecting God’s love and justice.
The COVID-19 pandemic showed that homelessness can be swiftly addressed when society makes it a priority.
Yet today, many families endure cold, crowded, and insecure temporary accommodation while remaining unseen by much of the public.
Having no permanent home deeply affects every aspect of life, from children’s education to overall health, leaving many feeling hopeless and alone.
The reality is urgent: a lack of affordable housing, rising rents, and insufficient benefits drive people—especially the vulnerable—into homelessness.
Scripture makes clear the responsibility Christians have to stand up for those without a safe place to live.
“If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?”
Faith calls us to offer compassion and practical support, holding leaders accountable while serving locally through our churches and communities.
“Have a sober assessment of the power that is yours… and consciously share it with those whose existence could be less deprived if you were honest about your influence and determined to use it for their benefit.”
Let us pray for wisdom and courage to help those experiencing homelessness, remembering our Lord’s words: “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25).
Stand together as believers to defend dignity, serve with love, and reflect Christ’s compassion in practical ways. Join this cause and be a light for those in greatest need.
Faith Facts
- The word “Christmas” comes from “Christ’s Mass,” a celebration of Jesus’ birth.
- Jesus is God’s greatest gift, bridging the gap caused by humanity’s sin.
- Receiving Jesus by faith leads to forgiveness, salvation, and true joy.
“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas everywhere you go.”
Many cherish the lights, music, and family gatherings of the season, but these joys are only the wrapping paper, not the true gift.
The true meaning of Christmas rests in Jesus, whose birth brought hope and redemption for all people.
The world’s traditions can distract us from the miracle of the Messiah entering our world to restore our relationship with God.
Scripture teaches that because of sin, humanity was separated from God, but He lovingly sent Jesus to save us.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son.”
Jesus humbly came down to us, born in a manger, living among the humble, and offering Himself for our salvation.
Through Christ, darkness is overcome by light, and the lost are embraced as beloved children of God.
The invitation of Christmas is to receive Jesus by faith and welcome God’s transforming love.
As you celebrate with loved ones, let your heart remember that without Jesus, Christmas loses its purpose.
“Joy to the world—the Lord is come!”
This season, may our hearts sing with gratitude for the Savior who truly gives Christmas its meaning.
Faith Facts
- St Peter’s Church, a Victorian-era ‘tin tabernacle’, is now protected by Historic England.
- The church, built in 1885, served believers living far from their parish.
- It remains nearly unchanged and features a Psalm inscribed above its altar.
The newly protected St Peter’s Church in Essex stands as a testament to the faithful spirit and practical wisdom of rural Christians in Victorian England.
Its corrugated iron construction reveals both the ingenuity and devotion of those seeking to worship in remote locations.
This rare church has survived in its original place and form, when most similar buildings disappeared over time.
Decorative chairs, paintings of the Stations of the Cross, and an inscribed Psalm above the chancel arch reflect deep reverence for God’s Word and sacred tradition.
“I WILL WASH MY HANDS IN INNOCENCY/AND SO WILL I GO TO THINE ALTAR.”
Other newly listed sites include ancient burial mounds, war relics, and notable churches, all preserving the deep roots of faith and heritage in England.
Securing these sites celebrates Christian values, preserves religious history, and affirms the significance of faith in shaping free societies for future generations.
Faith Facts
- Dr. Yagoub Jibril Glademea, a Christian physician, was jailed in Ad-Damazin, Sudan, after officials discovered his faith.
- Security officers interrogated and detained him solely because of his Christian identity, denying family visits for three days.
- His release was confirmed after he expressed gratitude for prayers and support while in detention.
Steadfast believers in Sudan continue to face dangerous hostility, as government authorities increasingly wield oppressive measures against Christians. Dr. Glademea was targeted for seeking a national number for his niece, highlighting the courage required to live one’s faith in an overwhelmingly Muslim nation.
Security Cells in Sudan, empowered by the state, have reportedly engaged in arbitrary arrests and intimidation, often targeting Christians and others suspected of opposing the regime. God’s people are harassed and persecuted, especially amidst violent conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
As violence rages, Christians endure escalating assaults on churches, homes, and communities. Open Doors’ World Watch List reports relentless attacks, with churches looted and believers trapped in the chaos, unable to escape the turmoil.
Sudan’s population is approximately 2.3 percent Christian, facing severe risk as armed groups exploit unrest to foster Islamic dominance. Both military factions—despite projecting tolerance—share Islamist roots and view Christians as threats to their hold on power.
Religious freedom briefly improved following the overthrow of Sudan’s Islamist regime in 2019, but the October 2021 coup reignited fears of harsh persecution and reinstated restrictions that burden followers of Christ.
Let us uphold Dr. Glademea and all Christians facing adversity in our prayers, trusting the Lord to strengthen their faith and shine His light in the darkest places.
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