Doing Alpha changes the whole atmosphere in the shelter for that evening. It is an atmosphere of peace, belonging and safety, we can hear people in the smoking area having discussions amongst themselves about how good it is

Pete Davies - Nighshelter Night Staff

As Derby Churches Nightshelter approached its half way milestone in January, we had welcomed 169 men and 19 women. Thankfully only a handful of guests had stayed since the doors opened in December. Many have very complex issues but are continuing to engage with Guest Support and our partner agencies are working hard to investigate different options. It has been encouraging to see people returning to their families, home countries and housed in a more permanent way.

Thank you to you for whatever part you are playing in the nightshelter. Each one of you help, as you welcome, feed, talk, pray, advise and listen to guests. Together, with God, we are transforming lives!

Paul Munro - Nightshelter Manager

Paul Munro has another reason to be thankful. As well as wanting to see lives changed in the physical, as Christians we know that deep and lasting change only happens through a relationship with Jesus. When Daniel, a nightshelter guest this year, returned to say thank you for the support he’d been given, Paul had the opportunity to talk with him openly about forgiveness and the ultimate price that Jesus paid for us. Daniel responded, asking God to forgive him and he gave his heart to the Lord. He is now actively looking for a church in which he can be loved and discipled. Hallelujah!

Other guests are getting the opportunity to ask more about Jesus this year too. Peter Davies and Steve Clark, two of our night staff, felt inspired to give our guests the opportunity to hear about the good news of Jesus by running an Alpha course. Up to 10 people are joining the weekly Alpha session with one guest returning each week even though he now has accommodation.

Keep praying that, amongst the chaos of our guests’ lives, they come to know the love of Jesus and the power of a relationship with him.