Ken’s Gospel mission in his Swaffham garage
Swaffham man Ken Jeffery has found a new way to serve and share the gospel in retirement using his garage and his heart for people. Peter Bending reports.
At 79 years young,
Ken Jeffery and his wife
Chris, have found a fresh way of meeting new people and sharing the Gospel whilst also supporting Book Aid’s mission of sending second hand Christian Literature wherever it can be used for God’s work.
For the last thirty-eight years, Book Aid have been collecting books from supporters throughout the UK to supply Bibles and Christian literature to partners living in areas of the world where books are wanted but not easily available or afforded.
Ken said: “We first came across Book Aid because the church was clearing out books and we found a place in Norwich, and I forgot about it. Then it came up again and I wanted something to do now I’m retired. I’ve got a massive garage and when the church here cleared out some more books, I rang Book Aid.”
Ken and Chris became the drop off point for East Anglia in November 2023. In the two years since, they have collected over 200 boxes of books donated by churches and individuals. The books are collected, process and sent abroad to schools, colleges, and orphanages in Kenya, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, and Brundi.
For Ken, it is also a chance to meet and encourage people.
“I meet so many people from around the area and it’s very interesting to hear how the churches are doing. It varies from retired vicars to, unfortunately, a lot of house clearance. We’ve had the pleasure of praying for people when they come here, it’s such a good avenue to talk to people.”
Previously a milkman and a bus driver, Ken is familiar with interacting with people every day.
“I had a young man come from Lowestoft to bring 100 Gideon Bibles. I asked what church he goes to, he didn’t, he was the maintenance man for Premier Inn. They were going to be thrown out, so he went online and found us. He was an ex-Jehovah’s Witness, and he was so open. I haven’t got to chase anyone around, people come to us.”
Book Aid can accept donations of Bibles and Christian books in good condition, including study books, music books with score, children’s books, devotionals, and Bible commentaries.
“Don’t worry how you bring them, carrier bags or boxes. I’ve seen a lot of good stuff come through.”
Ken repacks the books flat in boxes from Asda and stores them in his garage until he has enough for Book Aid to send a van. They are then processed, ready to be send abroad. The most recent overseas container left for Kenya at the end of September.
If you have books you would like to donate, please contact Ken by email and leave a phone number. He can then get in touch with you to arrange a suitable time to receive the books.
“We’ve been married 50 years and we’re still going. We’ve said that whatever years we’ve got left, we want to be of use, so we got involved in this.”
Book Aid for us is connections. Because you spread the Gospel in one shape or form and the rest follows.”
Contact Ken: ken@spearheadrecords.co.uk
Find out more about book aid: book-aid.org