Let their faith strengthen yours

A day for you to grow stronger by encountering the faith of Christians from around the world who follow Jesus at great cost.

Saturday 20 June 10 am - 5 pm Tower Hotel London, Central London

What you’ll experience at Encourage

Experience powerful first-hand stories of faith, courage and perseverance alongside real insight into the challenges facing Christians worldwide, with teaching, worship, prayer, frontline documentary footage and meaningful fellowship with others who share a heart to serve the persecuted Church.

Why should your Church sign up to Encourage?

Faith is deepened and the Church strengthened when we see how the Lord is working in the lives of His people.

When we hear from Christians who are living out their faith under pressure, persecution and real hardship we are reminded of the faithfulness of God and the worth of the Gospel. This in turn encourages in us a renewed and strengthened faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. This is the kind of growth we want to see in our churches.

Learning from our suffering and persecuted brothers and sisters shapes stronger and more committed followers of Christ.


Who is Encourage for?

Encourage is for all Christians who want to understand and stand with the suffering and persecuted Church — including church leaders, ministry teams, small groups, students and young adults, and anyone exploring how to respond to Christian persecution. No prior involvement with Barnabas Aid is required - all are welcome.

Some of the subject matter during the event may include graphic content that might not be suitable for children under the age of 15.

Programme

10:00 - 10:20

Arrival: Teas & Coffee in Lobby

10:20 - 10:40

Worship

10:40 - 10:50

Welcome from Chairman of Barnabas Aid International, Michael Hewat

10:50 - 11:10

Ministry Overview from International CEO, Colin Bloom

11:10 - 11:40

The Persecuted Church: Promise, Pressure and Perseverance, Steffan Jones

In God’s Word, we are promised both opposition and ultimate victory. In this session, we will explore the tension between these realities, helping us understand how persecution refines faith, deepens dependence on Christ, and strengthens our witness.

11:40 - 12:00

Break

12:00 - 12:55

Breakout Session 1

Room 1

Myanmar – Medical: Healing in the midst of conflict
A frontline look at how Christian medical practitioners in Myanmar continue to deliver life-saving care amid conflict, displacement, and persecution. This session highlights courage, faith, and the quiet resilience of those serving the wounded in extremely hostile conditions.

Room 2

Church Under Fire: How Religious Persecution Has Shattered the Lives of Innocent Christian Worshippers in Nigeria

A sobering look at the escalating violence faced by Christian communities across Nigeria. This session highlights the deliberate targeting, abduction, systematic killing of worshippers, the destruction of churches and communities and the tragic loss of innocent lives. Through real testimonies and frontline insights, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the human suffering behind the reports of families displaced, survivors living with life‑changing injuries, and communities grieving devastating attacks. This presentation urges the global Church to recognise their brothers and sisters in Nigeria, stand with them in prayer, and support efforts to bring relief, justice, and hope.

Room 3

How your breakfast can help sustain livelihoods and dignity
A powerful short film showing how simple livelihood projects such as pigs and chickens – are transforming the lives of brothers and sisters. Meet the partners who are experiencing the transformation of pigs and chickens.

12:55 - 13:55

Lunch

13:55 - 14:50

Breakout Session 2

Room 1

Middle East (Topic to be confirmed)

Room 2

Faith in the Eye of the Storm: Survival and Hope for Believers Amid Cuba’s Crises

Room 3

Sudan and Egypt – Christmas: How Barnabas is telling real stories of suffering and persecution to bring awareness and hope
A reflective look back at our Christmas appeal, telling the stories of displaced Christians from Sudan who travelled to Egypt. This session highlights the impact of prayer, supporters’ generosity and the ongoing need as families flee violence yet cling to Christ.

14:50 - 15:05

Break

15:05 - 15:45

Keynote Speaker

15:45 - 16:30

Move to Session 1 or stay for Session 2

Session 1

Meet the Leadership
This is your opportunity to meet the Barnabas Aid leadership, gain insight into the challenges we are currently facing, and see how we are prayerfully and strategically building a strong foundation for the future.

Session 2

Projects Overview
A chance to see the global impact of Barnabas Aid’s work and how lives are being transformed around the world through our faithful project partners

16:30 - 16:50

Worship and Prayer

16:50 - 17:00

Closing Remarks: UK & Ireland National Director

Programme is subject to change

How to get there

Address

The Tower Hotel
St Katharine's Way,
London
E1W 1LD

By Car

Accessible by car, The Tower Hotel is located in central London with limited parking facilities available at the hotel for guests for £3 per hour or £29 for 24 hours. If the onsite car park is full, you can use the Minories Car Park, which is a 10-minute walk away (0.3 miles). Follow St Katharine’s Way to find the hotel beside Tower Bridge.

By Rail/Bus

The Tower Hotel is located within walking distance of several London Underground and National Rail stations, including:

  • 8 mins from Tower Hill Underground station – served by the District and Circle lines and step free access to street level.
  • 15 mins from Monument, (District and Circle)
  • 18 mins Bank, (Central, DLR, Northern, Waterloo & City)
  • 15 mins Aldgate, (Circle and Metropolitan)
  • 19 mins Aldgate East London Underground stations (District, Hammersmith)
  • 15 mins from London Bridge (Jubilee. Northern, Windrush) and Fenchurch Street stations (C2C line) (13 mins walk),
  • 25 min from Liverpool Street station (Elizabeth, Weaver, Central, Circle, Hammersmith.)
  • Bus routes 15, 42, 78, 100, and 343 stop nearby the Tower of London. Additionally, all major sightseeing bus tours in London pass by the Tower of London, which is next to the hotel.

To use What3words to help you find the venue:
most.dome.shall

Register for Encourage 2026

Come as an individual. Bring a friend. Invite your church.