Author: Akhtar Shah

Leadership, Social Action, Evangelism.
Everyday Difference

Looking back on the Merton Night Shelter

By Malcolm Bream  Just after 8.00am last Monday morning we said a somewhat emotional farewell to our fifteen guests on the Wimbledon Night Shelter, many of whom had been with us for each of the previous six Sunday nights. A total of forty volunteers from Everyday Wimbledon had shared their meals, slept in an adjacent room, played numerous games of pool and watched Bourne, Bond and various other DVDs with … Continue reading Looking back on the Merton Night Shelter

Akhtar Shah
Everyday Difference, Uncategorised

Made for a Purpose, by Bianca Walker, on her trip to India

A stray dog on the top of a building in Old Delhi The last six weeks in India were the most fantastic six weeks of my life. But not for the reasons you may imagine. A volunteer from one of the organisations I was working with turned to me in my last week and asked if I had any recommendations for things she should do … Continue reading Made for a Purpose, by Bianca Walker, on her trip to India

Akhtar Shah
Everyday Difference

Merton Night Shelter, Everyday Wimbledon

When you hear a homeless Nepalese man trying to encourage his homeless Polish friend ahead of a job interview later that day, it’s difficult not to stop in your tracks and take stock for a moment. Any argument that ‘the poor’ were not on our doorstep would just be foolish. The Night Shelter is an amazing initiative that provides meals and lodgings for the homeless in Merton, during the … Continue reading Merton Night Shelter, Everyday Wimbledon

Akhtar Shah
Everyday Difference

The slaves in our streets

Few people understand that slavery, far from being a shameful feature of man’s ancient & recent history, is today an internationally established criminal business generating US$150 million each year and affecting an estimated 29 million men, women & children; fewer still recognise that anyone living in one of London’s 33 boroughs is likely to be living within a bus ride of victims experiencing some form of … Continue reading The slaves in our streets

Akhtar Shah
Everyday Difference, Uncategorised

Serving the broken (guest post by Bianca Walker, Everyday Wimbledon)

Some time ago I was struck by something Akhtar, the ministry leader of Everyday Difference, said. He was talking about what he believes a church family, should look like and asked whether, in seeking diversity, we would be prepared to make room for the most troubled or difficult members of society, including – among others – prostitutes and criminals. The natural reaction of many people … Continue reading Serving the broken (guest post by Bianca Walker, Everyday Wimbledon)

Akhtar Shah
Everyday Difference

Walk on by, or stop to make a difference?

Summer’s nearly over and we’re looking ahead to a new and exciting term; with Alpha on the horizon, a new batch of students moving to our communities and the usual ebb and flow of London’s transient population we’re likely to have many new faces amongst us – the last few months of the year and the build up to Christmas are set to be typically … Continue reading Walk on by, or stop to make a difference?

Akhtar Shah