100 years of witness
Barking Elim is celebrating 100 years of revival and community impact. Church member Silvano Griffith-Francis shares how “Revive 100” sparked faith, unity and fresh passion for Jesus.
I first stepped through the doors of Barking Elim in 2012. What caught my eye immediately were the 30-plus flags adorning the sanctuary, each representing the nationality of someone in the congregation. I remember thinking, “God, this has got to be the church for me.”
I’m on a mission to visit every country in the world – 79 so far – and I love engaging with different cultures, fellowshipping with people from places I’ve either been to or dream of visiting.
While the international mix drew me in, it was BE Church’s heart for the community that compelled me to stay.
From food banks and free financial advice to providing a safe place for the homeless, I’ve witnessed countless expressions of God’s love in action.
That same spirit inspired our centenary celebration – a Year of Evangelism.
100 years, 100 days, one purpose
Marking 100 years since the revival that birthed our church in 1925, BE Church and the East Gateway Elim Hub embarked on a year of outreach, culminating in Revive 100 – a three-day event in Barking Abbey Park, just steps from where it all began.
The invitation was simple: ‘Come and encounter Jesus’.
In the lead-up, we committed to 100 days of prayer and fasting. Some 180 volunteers from across our churches came together, forming 17 teams, each trained for the mission ahead.
Delivering an event of this scale was no small task. Pastor Jones Anku, of Barking Elim, recalled one of the biggest challenges – gaining council approval.
“The council had to exercise due diligence and ensure all procedures were followed. This was a first-time relationship being established,” he explained.
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