“ This stream is for those who are particularly called to or interested in learning more about reaching out to the poor and marginalised in society. This is an exciting, challenging, rewarding and faith-building ministry with people who have less than they need and who have been pushed to the edges of society. It is a privilege to be with them.

The call and promises of Isaiah 61 are at our core, as we endeavour 'to proclaim good news to the poor, bind up the broken-hearted, declare freedom for the captives and release from darkness for prisoners’.

We wish to comfort and shower favour, welcoming joy on those experiencing poverty in our streets, cities and nations   - our world.

Our vision is to see oaks of righteousness being planted to rebuild and restore places/people living in poverty. We are committed to this generation and the next.

We are excited to hear about the different expressions of this stream in TOM, to learn from each other, to celebrate with one another in breakthroughs and to encourage one another in our challenges. “

Robert & Jayne Franklin, Stream Champions

The Poor & Marginalized stream is led by Robert and Jayne Franklin who are based in Sheffield, a large city in the UK. Robert works in IT for the NHS and studies at theological college. Jayne works full-time for Network Church Sheffield leading ‘Restore’, a ministry that offers support to those experiencing poverty in Sheffield. They have been married 5 years and Rob has three sons. They attend St Thomas’ Philadelphia and together lead a small group of people who they have got to know through Restore, and together are discovering who Jesus is through reading the Bible, prayer, and eating together.

You can contact Robert & Jayne at: jayneandrobert@missionorder.org

Poor & Marginalised News

Foodbanks Provision

During the pandemic a theme around foodbanks and emergency food provision has developed. By no means is the exclusive way in which this stream is expressed in TOM.

You will get to hear about other expressions of this stream over time. They are many and varied.

At the start of the pandemic, Mark and Anna Burgess in Peru started a foodbank in Lima that fed hundreds of families, particularly those who had no access to government support. They have shared many wonderful stories of being able to offer nutritional sustenance to families in dire need and offer prayerful support leading to many opportunities for salvation and discipleship.

Jenny and Gareth Irvine began a foodbank in Coventry and shared about how one of their team members from the local area (whilst Jenny and Gareth were away on holiday) applied for a grant, was successful and gathered a team to run the foodbank. An immediate example of ‘oaks of righteousness – rebuilding the city’. Find out more by looking at their website. https://stlaurences.org/hopehub/

Marco and Cinzia have for years, been operating a foodbank in Sicily. Offering food, hope and releasing potential to many of the refugees they relate to. Many from TOM have visited them and witnessed the scale of poverty and the impact of their work for well over a decade.