A June Family Fun Day showed the results of long-term mission in a former ‘no man’s land’ in East London.
St. John’s Park is a green space on the Isle of Dogs. Just a few years ago it was a place where no one dared to enter because of the gangs, drugs and high levels of crime. But now it is a vibrant hub of community where, particularly in the summer months, parents and children gather to enjoy time together.
This change has been brought about through the long-term ministry of Café Forever, a cafe run by London City Mission. In 2006 a disused council building in the middle of the park was transformed into a small shop selling cold drinks and snacks. Slowly but surely the gangs moved on, the crime levels dropped and now the park is used by all members of the community.
