The networking lunch, supported by Faith in Britain, saw GB and BB meet 30 representatives from 20 African and Caribbean churches in and around London. It aimed to inspire churches to partner with the mission movements and therefore engage with children and young people in their communities.

Pastor Mary McCauley, National Director for the Redeemed Christian Church of God Teenage Ministry in the UK and Senior Pastor of RCCG De-Vine Sanctuary Parish in Croydon, told the networking group that she’d been in GB in Nigeria and it had made her into who she was today.

She added, ‘The networking lunch was an answer to prayer, as GB and BB are great outreach opportunities.’

The event at Central Hall in Westminster, London, was hosted by Muyiwa Olarewaju, Radio Station Director for Premier Gospel.

He said, ‘It was quite emotional for me to hear the stories of Girls’ and Boys’ Brigade members and I see a great opportunity here for the church to affect community positively – bridging the gap between church and where young people are; changing their lives one child or young person at a time with Jesus at the centre.’

Girls’ Brigade (GB) and Boys’ Brigade (BB) Development Workers for London will now meet with the churches that expressed an interest in setting up BB and GB groups.

Vaughan Staples, Development Worker for The Boys’ Brigade in London, said, ‘We’ve had a great response from a growing church community that we really want to engage with.’