Mission
We support and partner with a number of organisations to serve others locally, nationally and globally. 10% of our annual freewill donations are given to our chosen world mission partners.
Monthly Mission Focus
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Monthly Mission Focus *
Besom: Connecting Generosity with Need
The Besom was established to build a bridge between those who have something to give and those who are in need. At the heart of our work is a simple belief: we pray, trust God to provide and time and again we see Him answer in remarkable ways.
Our Besom serves the communities of Ashtead, Leatherhead, Bookham and Fetcham, supported by volunteers from six local churches representing a variety of denominations. Christians working together in this way is a powerful witness to our community.
We are continually humbled by the generosity of those who support us, whether through financial donations or gifts of quality beds, soft furnishings and small to medium-sized furniture suitable for modest homes and flats. Sadly, our storage space is limited, and there are occasions when we must decline offers, something we never do lightly.
People are referred to us by professionals such as social workers, housing associations and healthcare providers who understand the circumstances of those facing genuine hardship. This year alone, we have received 82 referrals, averaging around two each week.
The needs vary greatly. Sometimes a family requires a single item such as a bed. At other times, they are starting again with almost nothing. One recent referral was a young mother and her son who had fled domestic abuse, leaving their home with only a few carrier bags of belongings. Through the generosity of our supporters, we were able to help them begin rebuilding their lives.
At Christmas, our hamper appeal brings particular joy. By providing beautifully prepared hampers and gifts, supporters help remove some of the stress and anxiety experienced by families who struggle to afford presents for their children, allowing them to enjoy the season with dignity and hope.
Bless you and thank you from the Besom Team. Visit their website HERE.
Always Learning Developing And Growing promotes the inclusion of people with learning disabilities into their local community life.
The Be Me Project supports secondary school students and women who are struggling with anxiety, low self esteem or other emotional issues.
The Besom helps people in the local community make a difference and provides a bridge between those who want to give time, money, things or skills and those who are in need, ensuring what is given is used effectively.
Christian Aid aims to create a world where everyone can live a full life, free from poverty.
Interserve works amongst the peoples of the Asia and Arab world, equipping everyday Christians for cross-cultural mission. We support our partners Jonathan and Helen in Bristol.
Karen Border Ministries is an outreach programme initiated by Christ Church Bangkok. They support Karen people who have escaped Myanmar as refugees and live in Northern Thailand
LeatherHEAD START works with people who have been made homeless in the Leatherhead area, providing accommodation and support.
Mothers' Union is an international Christian charity that supports families worldwide. Its members are not all mothers, as there are many parents, men, widows, singles and grandparents involved in its work.
Music in Ministry Trust promotes the Christian faith through the music ministry of Bryn Howarth. Most of the Trust’s work is in UK prisons.
Yala Widows and Orphans Support Project (YAWOSUP) supports widows, orphans, teenage mothers and vulnerable children in Kenya.
Through the Roof is a Christian disability charity that changes the lives of disabled people around the world and helps others to change lives too. Their goal is to see everyone valued equally, fully belong, and able to contribute their gifts and skills.
Christians Against Poverty (CAP) provides free debt counselling and community-based support for those struggling financially. SGSG directly supports the CAP Mole Valley debt centre based at Crossways Baptist Church, Dorking.
Ashtead Churches Together (ACT)
Together with St Michael’s Roman Catholic Church and Ashtead Baptist Church, we worship and serve in the local community.
The Good Friday Pond Service is held just off Barnett Wood Lane, and the Remembrance Sunday Service by the war memorial is deeply moving. We celebrate our unity with an annual service.
Food is also important, with our monthly Men’s Breakfast, and the Ashtead Village Day Tea Tent.
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” Jesus
— Matthew 25:35-36