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The Axis of Eden
For over 10 years Eden has been helping young adults to respond to God’s call on their lives. Literally hundreds have taken up the challenge to reprioritize their futures in light of the great commission to ‘Go’ to the people who are unreached, forgotten, hurting. Specifically this has meant relocating and making home in a tough urban community, somewhere struggling to cope with multiple social problems such as crime, addictions and family breakdown. Their method has been to engage with those at the sharp end of these issues, the local youth and kids. The journey has been hard at times but seeing the Holy Spirit transform broken lives over and over again has made it worth every tear.
On the East Side
A hundred years ago Gorton, situated on Manchester’s Eastside was a thriving industrial district, densely populated but with plenty of work available. It was known for its community spirit and strong families. However, the post-war depression hit Gorton hard and the local industry was decimated. This was compounded by a series of slum clearances that fragmented families and replaced the historic community with a poor quality and ill-planned social housing project.
The area’s current neighbourhood profile reveals the following:
· household income levels in Gorton are in the bottom 5% nationally.
· the general health of the local population is very bad, in the bottom 1% nationally.
· educational provision has been poor and school results are in the bottom 5% nationally.
· Crime is endemic in the area with young people all too often either the victim or the perpetrator (of both). Crime statistics are in the bottom 2% nationally.
Gorton is also home to Gorton Monastery, locally known as ‘Manchester’s Taj Mahal’. Besides being a jaw-dropping architectural achievement the Monastery was, for over 100 years, both the home and the centre of ministry for an order of Franciscan Monks who lived, prayed and served in the community.
In the autumn we will be launching our latest Eden project, focused on the Gorton community and we know that before the team arrives there is a lot of work to be done ‘breaking up the unploughed ground’ in prayer. That’s why we’re inviting you to spend a month in our prayer house.
Urban Monks
The frantic pace of life in the 21st century leaves little room for the development of deep-rooted discipleship and spirituality. Perhaps then it should come as no surprise that many Christians are looking back to the old monastic orders for inspiration. The simplicity and sincerity of their lives has left a profound impression on history and offers lessons to us all. So what would it be like to be a 21st century urban monk?
Our summer monastery (OK it’s a 4 bed ex-vicarge) in the heart of Gorton will become a thriving prayer and ministry centre for the months of July and August. Teams of six young adults will live out daily rhythms of prayer, worship and serving in the community. The needs locally at first appear overwhelming but as we lift them daily to the Lord in faith, we believe that he will respond and begin to do a new thing. As we get out onto the streets, meeting with local people, sharing the love of Jesus with them and offering to lift their burdens before him we expect to see signs of Kingdom breaking out.
Getting Involved
There will be no charge for being involved but we do need to find the right people to create a July Team and an August Team. The incarnational ethos of the venture requires a commitment for the whole month (with certain exceptions). All team members will need to cover is the cost of their groceries – which we expect in the true monastic spirit will be reduced as most meals will be prepared and eaten together. Application forms are available and the process will include a reference being taken. Team members must be over 18.
Register your interest at eden@message.org.uk
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