Case Studies

Some fo the XLP eXperience students from 2005/6 have given below a glimpse into their year with XLP and what it has meant to them.

Hazel Lawrence
(very English, 2nd year student, 21)

"Working for XLP has given me a great range of opportunities to stretch myself spiritually. Throughout the two years I’ve been working in South-east London I’ve seen God work in the lives of young people in amazing, inspiring and surprising ways. The most exciting part of it is that God has used me and changed through this work.

Being part of church youth work has provided me with the amazing opportunity to watch young people develop in their relationships with Jesus. You can never understand God without diversity of worship and opinion and these young people have such an eye-opening energetic simple faith that they constantly challenge as well as excite me. I’ve had plenty of opportunities to communicate Jesus, through cell groups, Sunday school and church services and that has really developed my confidence. I’m not afraid of standing at the front of church or large groups of loud teenagers, a thought which originally terrified me.

Through the mission trips I’ve seen God do unbelievable things. I’d heard speakers tell stories of powerful prayer and conversion and never ever thought I too would have some of my own. I learnt so much more about the power of simple things such as prayer and faith from the recent trip to India.

I always thought I was too selfish to serve God full time but I’ve never been more wrong. God has changed me so much. I love the work I do and can’t wait to see God’s future works revealed in South-east London."

Matthieu Pooley
(a bit french, 1st year student, 20)

"For me the big reason for joining XLP was to get my roots deep in Jesus; I didn’t want to stray from God.

I went to faith camp in the summer I’d not been living a Christian life style but I knew I had to go to this bible week and God met me in such an amazing way it was just like the story of the prodigal son he clothed with his coat of peace and showered me with his love. I really wanted this to impact my whole life and I knew I needed training and a supportive environment to grow.

XLP seemed like a great choice especially with the focus on youth work I’d just done a year working with young people doing outdoor adventure stuff.

It’s practically the end of my first term it’s gone by really quickly it’s been tough but God is great and my eyes are being opened to His father heart and His awesome sovereignty and power.

The teaching is great were lucky to have really wise people share their wisdom it’s really helpful to pick their brains, prayer is always available and prophecies are spoken over people’s lives it’s amazing to see God moving in such a real ways.

Working in the schools is a lot of fun the kids are great, it’s great to serve the communities showing them love and offering them the truth! "

Annie-May Brown
(crazy American - 1st year student, 20)

"XLP has been an amazing experience so far. Never in my life have I seen such a diverse bunch of people come together and work to change the vicious cycle of injustice and self-doubt amongst youth.

There is a genuine and authentic passion in the heart of XLP to get into the nitty-gritty messy life of London and bring hope, light, and restoration to youth and their families. I have been so blessed to see first hand the difference our presence makes in the schools and community of SE London.

What I appreciate most about XLP is their consistent presence in this community. It hasn’t been a crusade or hit and run for Christ, giving people a tiny glimpse of hope and then leaving them high and dry. Rather XLP has been in many of these schools day in and day out for over seven years, building relationships and sticking with it in good times and bad.

XLP has opened the door in my life to challenge and risk taking. No longer am I able to sit on the sidelines for Christ.

Everyday brings a new adventure and a chance to be a bit bolder and a bit more equipped then the day before. Whether it be teaching a year seven RE lesson or going out on the streets of Peckham to chat to youth, I am finding myself more prepared to run the race that Christ has called me to since joining the team at XLP. Check it out."