Written by Barry Schutter from Hounslow Town Church
When plans were being made to plant in Hounslow, it held two noteworthy titles. Rightmove, in their annual rankings of the “happiest place to live”, labelled Hounslow as the least desirable location in all of London and the second worst in Britain. And comedian Asim Chaudhry, better known as Chabuddy G, called it ‘UKIP’s version of hell on earth’ in his YouTube sketch on Hounslow. It is worth watching for a good laugh and a visual of the area.
And so it was in this place, so strongly disliked by others, that God was leading us to plant. A short stroll along the High Street reveals an altogether different story and the reason to plant: God had brought the nations of the world to our global city and had concentrated them in Hounslow. Located just minutes from Heathrow and directly under the flight path, the feel of Hounslow is as if the long-haul flights empty directly onto the High Street.
Through the lens of the gospel, Hounslow is an amazing place to plant and proclaim the Lordship of Christ over all people and nations.
Our planting church is New Life Masih Ghar in nearby Southall. In 2018, it had ordained Sunny Jaj as pastor. Sunny is among a handful of Reformed pastors from a Sikh background and is uniquely suited for pastoral ministry in Southall. But with three pastors serving this small church, it seemed right that we should plant elsewhere. During my morning runs through Hounslow, I sensed the Lord leading us to plant there.
Fast forward past the pandemic lockdowns and, in 2022, Hounslow Town Church held its first worship service on the bustling Hounslow High Street. By God’s grace we have grown from six to over sixty in the last two years. Many have come along through our leafleting on the High Street. Before the service, our Sunday welcoming team is inviting those out to come to church. And every week, someone new comes along.
The Lord also has an open door for gospel ministry within the asylum community. Many of the Heathrow hotels have been filled with new immigrants to London. And through various outreaches we have met many who want to learn about Jesus. By God’s grace last year three new believers were baptised, and this year we are planning a baptismal service for five other new believers!
Please pray for us as we look to grow our discipleship and training ministries. So many in Hounslow are transient and are with us for just a short time. We desire to be intentional in how we evangelise, equip and establish those with us for gospel ministry. Pray with us that the Lord would use Hounslow Town Church to send out many gospel-minded believers from their first stop in the UK to where he would have them serve.
