Our team arrived to Oxford on Saturday, March 7th, and we have been having a great time. We have already seen God’s hand in so many ways and can’t wait to introduce you more formally to the team and to our partners here in Oxford!

Here is some of our team hugging “the lamppost”- allegedly the one that inspired the famous lamppost of the Narnia Chronicles!

Our lovely team is made up of 10 girls ranging from Sophomore to Senior status at Wheaton, joined by our brilliant English professors, Dr. Christine Colón and Dr. Susan Dunn-Hensley! We are so grateful for their knowledge and guidance as we navigate Oxford.

Oxford is a beautiful city, and it has been a joy and privilege to be able to explore it in the free time we have! It is amazing to be in buildings that are older than your own country! Many activities in Oxford are open to the public or tourists, even though there are students actively studying. One theme we have been discussing as a team has been the disparity between Oxford and the surrounding areas. One of these being Cowley, the “suburb” where The Jungle resides, as Oxford is a wealthy city of intellectuals and many of the surrounding areas have lower income communities. This contrast, though striking, offers a unique opportunity and need for ministry.

The Jungle is an immersive space dedicated to building community, developing friendships and fostering creativity. It is a place of Hope. Our team has had the joy of learning from the founder, Lola Chapman, her husband, Phil, the creative director and artist, Micah Hayns, and her amazing team of volunteers (some pictured below). We have been able to help Lola and the team with a number of projects, including their Storytime for kids, Teatime and bingo for the elderly, preparing canvases for an exciting art time on Friday, and painting scripture on the walls of a developing prayer chapel. Lola and Phil also blessed us with the sharing of their testimonies. God has truly been so faithful to them and their joy and passion is evident in all they do.

Prayer Requests

We would love if you would join us in prayer for our team and the work The Jungle is doing in Cowley and the surrounding Oxford area.

• Pray for those who are isolated in the area of Oxford, that they would find community and know the love of God.
• Pray for Lola and the team as they continue their work: for their relationships, for rest, and for physical and mental strength and endurance.
• Be praying for the spiritual warfare realities in Oxford. Pray against any forces that may want to come between the team or the work they’re doing.
• Pray for St. Aldates church and the leaders there, that they may be strengthened and equipped as their numbers grow, and that they may be mobilized to reach their community.
• Pray for our team, that we may be a help to Lola and can bless them as they have blessed us. Pray also for practically for our trip home and for peace as we enter back into school business (student and professor alike!).

Thank you so much for your prayers and support. More from us soon!

With love,

Anna and the Oxford Ladies :)