Christmas appeal signposts the work of 365 day a year evangelism

Church Army's fundraising appeal over Christmas seeks to raise £520,000 to enable some key Church Army projects to signpost the love of God to vulnerable people across the UK.

Launching the appeal this week, Church Army's Chief Secretary Philip Johanson commented: "Over two-thousand years ago the star that shone above the Bethlehem stable was a signpost to the lowly birth place of the Saviour of the world. This is remembered every year at Christmas but forgotten by most as a New Year dawns. We believe the life-transforming message of Jesus is relevant 365 days a year to everybody in every situation."

The appeal invites supporters to help Church Army evangelists be a signpost to Jesus 365 days a year and focuses on key work in , , Cardiff , Sheffield, Bradford and Newcastle. The work ranges from support for children, asylum seekers, homeless women, the elderly, teenagers and clubbers and specific examples are given in the appeal materials.

In his letter to supporters, Johanson highlights the work of "Awesome Paul"- Paul Jones leader off the   youth project in Grimsby who transformed a double-decker bus into a mobile youth centre and fresh expression of church. The project signposts the love of God to young people in schools and council estates across West Grimsby. Paul's work is described as "awesome" by some of the hundreds of young people who are reached every week by the project. Local teachers and youth workers praise his work as "making a real difference in transforming young lives and reflecting God's love to them. A fantastic success story."

The work of Church Army's latest project- The Bridge@Marylebone which supports vulnerable women on their journey to independent living is also featured prominently in the appeal. Clara, a woman helped by the project, says, "Without Church Army I dread to think what might have happened to me. They supported me when times were desperate and they've even led me on the path to God. I will be eternally grateful for their help."