Latest news from The Bread of Life project
Since Bread of Life opened on November 12th 2022, on nearly every occasion when I’ve been asked how things are, I’ve responded “busy, but good”. This year has been no different, except possibly in degree, i.e. very busy and very good!
It has been busy as footfall has been steadily increasing. Partly this is down to individuals slowly discovering that we are here. Encouragingly, there have also been recommendations, whether for “the best cheese scones ever”, for “inspiring baking workshops” or for “a friendly welcome at a place you can go to on your own”. Another part of the growth has arisen from groups using Bread of Life for regular or occasional meetings, whether befriending groups, craft groups, a community litter pick, a quiz, or youth groups enjoying a baking experience. There are now 12 regular groups and others who visit once a quarter or so.
All this means we are becoming a more significant part of the local community. I’m really encouraged by the evidence of community developing between different customers who didn’t know one another before meeting in the coffee shop – for example a scout leader who now acts as “bodyguard” for a vulnerable elderly lady when she uses the ATM a couple of doors down from the shop, or a litter picker who wrapped the Christmas presents bought by a frequent customer with special needs.
The greater footfall means there is more to do - whether extra baking, more pastoral follow ups, additional administration and safeguarding considerations. There has been a steady turnover of volunteers, often through individuals taking positive steps into their own futures, e.g. those with special needs gaining the confidence at Bread of Life to gain permanent, paid employment elsewhere. It feels like there is a constant need to build the team – not only with volunteers in the coffee shop, but also to take on specific roles as directors, etc. As the year draws to a close we are just about to appoint a paid, part-time deputy which promises to make things significantly more manageable and sustainable.
We celebrated our 3rd birthday with a special event attended by the Mayor of Medway. It was standing room only, a volunteer had produced a fantastic display showcasing what we do, the mayor was especially supportive (even asking his chaplain to pray a blessing on us all) and one of our regulars was the real star – telling her story of how her life had been turned around at Bread of Life.
The best part of the year has been seeing church emerging. We have had 4 baptisms – all of which took place at the coffee shop on Thursday afternoons. This meant we had lots of customers along, many of whom had never witnessed a baptism before. The testimonies of those baptised were varied, but each demonstrated the power of God to meet individuals personally.
One lady who had recently moved to Strood had walked past the shop, when she felt “an impulse to turn back and come in”. She explained her surprise at this, since she “doesn’t even like cake”. After our initial conversation, she was keen to volunteer and give something back to the community. As she worked, she told her story of a very religious upbringing, which included experience of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons and Voodoo. Within a few weeks she declared that she wanted to follow Jesus and get baptised and this was very much her choice rather than something being forced on her by family.
All 4 of those baptised are continuing to attend Bread of Life and be discipled in different ways. The challenge as we enter the New Year is to find an appropriate next step in growing a faith community.
Christmas 2025
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