Divine Providence: A Journey of Faith, Love, and Community in the city of Leeds

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Experiencing God’s Grace Through Service and Compassion

Happy Sabbath, everyone! 

My name is Sofonie Dala, and I am a Christian missionary. Today, I want to share a beautiful experience I had when God called me to visit the city of Leeds. It was my first time traveling there, and I didn’t plan it—it simply came to my mind one night, and in the morning, I felt the call to go. I had no idea what to expect, but I trusted in God’s guidance, knowing He had a purpose for me.

As I arrived in Leeds, I followed the path God laid out before me. I didn’t get lost, even though it was my first time in the city. As I walked to the church, it was a 30-minute journey, but the entire way, I was filled with peace.

I listened to my favorite louvores (worship songs), and with every step, I marveled at the beauty of Leeds, trusting that God was leading me precisely where I needed to go.

Finally, I arrived at the church, and as I stepped inside, I was welcomed by the sound of voices lifted in praise. The brothers and sisters in the congregation were glorifying God with such joy that it felt like a glimpse of heaven. But what truly touched my heart was what I saw in the church’s work and the love they shared with the community.

The church, though humble, has become a beacon of hope and support in the area. Here, hunger and poverty no longer seem to hold sway. The love that the congregation shares with one another is like a warm embrace that wraps around the entire community. It’s as if, in this sacred space, the worries of the world vanish, and a new reality of love and care for each other takes its place.

As a part of this lovely community, I experienced something profound: the church had arranged a beautiful gesture for the women in advance of International Women’s Day, distributing hundreds of buckets of live flowers to each woman. It was a gift that symbolized beauty, care, and the recognition of each woman’s importance in God’s kingdom.

But that wasn’t all. The church also runs a food bank, providing food parcels to families every week after the service. These parcels are generously packed, with enough food to sustain a family for days.

Even as a visitor, I was registered and received a food parcel and a bucket of flowers. The feeling of receiving such love and care from strangers was deeply humbling. For one person, the food parcel was enough to last a couple of weeks. Now, can you imagine how much food is given to an entire family? It’s a tangible example of how God’s love is manifested in the practical care for others.

The people here in Leeds are happy, nourished, and satisfied. They are not only fed with food, but also with love, grace, and hope. This is what I experienced—a community that lives out the grace of God every day. The church doesn’t just pray for people; it shows love through action, helping the suffering, and lifting them up in the name of Christ.

As I reflect on this, I think of the words in Matthew 6:25-34, where Jesus reminds us not to worry about our daily needs because our Heavenly Father knows what we need. He takes care of the birds of the air and the lilies of the field—how much more will He take care of us, His children? Jesus calls us to seek His kingdom first, and all these things will be given to us as well. It is an invitation to trust, to love others, and to have faith that God will provide.

The church in Leeds lives out this principle in such a tangible way. They seek God’s kingdom first, and in doing so, they provide for others, they lift up those in need, and they share the love of Christ in action. They are not just speaking of faith—they are living it, showing us all the beauty of helping others, of feeding the hungry, and of loving our neighbors as ourselves.

As we approach the season of spring, a time of renewal, I encourage those of you who may not yet be attending church to consider it. A church is not just a building—it is a community of believers, a family, and a place where God’s love and grace are shared. You are not alone in this world. There is a family ready to embrace you, to walk with you, and to help you find your purpose in Christ.

As we read in the Bible, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in…” (Matthew 25:35). This is what the church is called to do—to serve, to love, and to show compassion to those in need. I pray that all of us, as we continue our journeys, will live out these principles and become beacons of hope and love in our own communities.

In conclusion, I leave you with these words from Matthew 6:33-34: “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

May God bless you all abundantly, and may you experience His love and provision in every area of your life.