There are now real people, living in real homes, in the real town of Ebbsfleet! A handful of homes are occupied, with more families moving in every month. This process should accelerate over the next ten years, by which time there may be as many as 15,000 homes.
The new town of Ebbsfleet is close to the M25, next door to Bluewater Shopping Centre. It is less than 20 minutes to London on the new high-speed train service. It will serve as a dynamo for economic regeneration for the area and will attract many working people and families. The plans look exciting, with new schools and extensive retail and leisure facilities. Yet the developers have no plans to include any faith buildings.
The Gateway Project
The Association of Grace Baptist Churches South East (AGBCSE) has been working in the neighbouring town of Gravesend through the Gateway Project. The team on the ground hopes to establish a house-based church, through building relationships, personal evangelism and gospel-focused hospitality. The work has begun slowly, but new shoots of growth are appearing. They write: ‘We are thrilled to see God working through everyday outreach, by everyday Christians, to everyday people. The Lord has helped us to establish links with our local community and to enjoy meaningful relationships with unsaved neighbours. We rejoice that several people have attended evangelistic courses at our home. One friend gives every indication of being converted. We have also been able to begin worship meetings in our home on Sunday afternoons’.
