Chris and Anna are CMS mission Partners working with Youth for Christ in Hull.
They have been living, working and worshipping in St Andrews ward, one of the most deprived areas of the city, since 1997. The neighbourhood suffers from high levels of unemployment, crime, drug abuse, prostitution and poverty as well as low levels of service provision for children and young people (although this aspect has improved considerably in recent years). The work includes: the running of a breakfast club, after-schools club and youth clubs; school assemblies, PSHCE lessons and classroom assistance; supporting parents and families; a weekly meal and hospitality for young people; the development of worship and discipleship activities for young people and others in the local community; and support for the local churches. The most important aspect of their work is living as part of the local community, not simply to be available but to live out the gospel – to make the Good News flesh.
Originally from Kerala, South India, Anna’s former life included living in eight different countries, the joys and tribulations of boarding schools, a degree in theology, a year in an intentional Christian community, many years with Oxford Youth Works and teaching on the CYM (Centre for Youth Ministry) degree course.
Chris was born on Jersey in the Channel Islands, left school at 16, worked for 16 years as a (vegetarian!) butcher and a biker, earned a black belt in Karate, spent a year traveling, four years doing voluntary youth work, gained a Diploma from Oxford Youth Works and has been Director of Hull YFC since 1997.
Chris and Anna have a son, Elijah (born 2000), and a daughter, Kavita (born 2002), and are learning to parent in a context very different from their own upbringings. They are committed to living with integrity in a community which has mostly been either overlooked or written off, and where those who come in “to help” generally don’t stay for long enough to make a difference.
When they are not busy being so noble, Chris and Anna enjoy dining out, going places, watching rugby, or sometimes doing nothing at all. Elijah and Kavita enjoy doing pretty much everything except eating courgettes and going to bed.