It is with heavy hearts that we say farewell to the lovely Christa Beriswill as she heads back to the US next week. Christa has been a really key member of of our Youth team over the past few years. Though we are sad to see her go, we are thankful for the gift that she has been to us during her time in England.

Christa has been incredibly influential in the lives of many of our young people, particularly the young women as she has freely given her time, her energy, her passion for God and zeal for living his way. Christa was key in keeping our youth work going through covid and could often be found sitting on a park bench chatting one on one, or more often than not, sitting on the cold hard floor of the bandstand at Ropner park, as she led a socially distanced Bible study. She also thought of innovative ways to connect using social media while we were all stuck at home. Since we have returned to the building, she has brought endless fun with her crazy activity ideas which included a paint fight, nightline and many many silly games.

But it isn’t just the youth who have been blessed by Christa. She has connected with many of us on a personal level, has been a great friend, staff member, part of the Hughes community group and has even volunteered in our children’s work team.

We will really miss you Christa and pray blessings over you as you return to your family in sunny Florida.

“Truly I tell you,” Jesus said to them, “no one who has left home or wife or brothers or sisters or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God, will fail to receive many times as much in this age, and in the age to come eternal life.”

Luke 18v29