Jon Blunkell from Norwich YMCA
Jon Blunkell is the new Christian education officer at the Norwich YMCA. JOHN BREEZE met him.
A man of Kent has come to Norwich after five years of working at the YMCA in Exeter amongst young people with housing needs.
Jon Blunkell has a new role at Norwich YMCA, his task is to concentrate very much on the 'C' bit of the YMCA which means promoting opportunities to explore the Christian Faith.
"I expect to set up Looking In groups based on the Alpha group principle but tailored to the specific needs of the residents, being relevant to their circumstances and generation," says Jon.
"I also want to set up nurture groups for young Christians to help them explore deeper things in their faith. I have a real sense that the Lord has called me to a pastoral role here, to see young people go on in the Christian life."
Jon has moved into the area with his wife Justine and their little boy, Nathan.
"He's a miracle baby really. He was born three months prematurely and weighed only one-and-a-half pounds but now he's a bright, lively two-year-old."
Jon and Justine expect to be fully involved in the church outside the YMCA.
"There's a very good group of staff here at the YM. Well motivated and committed to seeing young people make that step of faith and really sort their lives out in a permanent way and not just dealing with short-term solutions like accommodation and jobs, which in today's climate of uncertainty can lead to disappointment and feelings of failure.
"I want to see changes in young peoples' lives so they have a real sense of self-worth and destiny through having a relationship with Jesus."