LONDON, ENGLAND (ANS) -- Just a few miles from the Olympic Park in London, in the shadow of the Olympic stadium, a collection of churches gathered together to put on the Make a Difference Festival, according to Phoebe Thompson writing for 2K Plus International.

2K Plus International Reporter Phoebe Thompson

Thompson, a London-based freelance journalist reported that the festival, known as MAD, involved theatre performances, workshops and exhibitions in several different venues – all of which were aimed at engaging the community in this Olympic borough.

Anne Easter, from the steering committee of MAD, explained that, ‘We wanted to do something artistic and creative but also wanted to share our faith and the gifts that God has given us with other people – and help to make Newham a better place. A lot of the people round here feel quite left out because they can’t afford to go to the Paralympics, and the large screens are quite far away. So that’s why we chose do it here in the heart of the community.’

Thompson, who is also assistant editor of Youthwork magazine went on to report that according to MAD core team member Sarah, Newham ‘used to be quite the place, back in the day. Over the past years, especially recently, a lot of things have been pulled out and it has been neglected in so many ways. There aren’t many places to go and there isn’t anywhere for young people. Buildings have been left for dead as well as churches being deserted and unused. East London has been sucked dry. This festival is trying to bring back a bit of colour and life to this area.’

Sarah added, ‘With the Paralympics – everyone will be focusing elsewhere. It’s good for us to shine light on the community. There’s lots of money being pumped into the area – not that that’s a bad thing - but it would be good for the people here to be part of that too. This is a great opportunity for us to come in and say, ‘I can’t afford a ticket, you can’t afford a ticket – lets create an event where we can all come together as a community, as a family, and make the most of what we’ve got.’’

Peter Wooding is an award-winning TV, radio and print journalist and media consultant under the name of Peter Wooding Productions (www.peterwoodingproductions.com). Having previously spent 10 years as news editor with UCB Radio in the UK, he has travelled extensively reporting from countries including Russia, Serbia, Ukraine, Dubai, South Korea, Zambia, Gambia, Mozambique, Croatia, Israel and India. He now reports regularly for CBN News, ASSIST News Service, GDOP London, Russian Ministries, Whispering Word and Sorted Magazine. Peter and wife Sharon live in North Wales, UK with their three children. Passionate to see God’s Justice and Mercy impact lives, Peter is director of a new UK ministry Mercy Projects International (www.mercyproject.org.uk) to help at-risk young people in Ukraine, Russia, Armenia, Kosovo, the Middle East and beyond. Contact Peter for consultation at: peter@peterwoodingproductions.com or tel. +44 1244 549167/+44 7500 903067