Reaching the poor, needy and vulnerable, Real Hope began in December 2002 with a meal being served in the church building to three people. The team now serve around fifty meals each Wednesday evening! We open our doors at 6:30pm every week and a hot meal is served at 7pm. Following the meal there is a short talk, video or the sharing of a testimony. Different members of the Church across Bradford have been to sing and share their testimonies.
Real Hope puts the emphasis on getting to know the guests as individuals and relationships are growing weekly. Money is not given to those who come but practical help is available, i.e. clothes, sleeping bags, help with searching for emergency accommodation etc.
The community that attends the meal on a Wednesday evening covers a wide range and there are people from a great variety of backgrounds. There is often a steady flow of new faces and the team are always privileged to be able to share a meal together. We want to be able to show the love of Jesus in a very practical and sincere way. We are also working closely with Caleb and Teen Challenge to enable those who come to Real Hope with addiction problems to be able to access rehabilitation services.
The team has been continually provoked and challenged to explore what the Good News of Jesus looks like to the community that comes to Real Hope. It has been a journey of many highs and lows so far and we continue to meet old friends and make new ones every Wednesday evening…
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest”
– Matthew 11 vs 28 (The Bible)