Tim and Annice’s Story

Almost five years ago, Tim and I (Annice) moved to London with our three children and our cat after sensing the Lord call us in quite a dramatic way. 

After three years of battling many obstacles and hindrances we were finally able to move, leaving the rural setting of Norfolk to join Revelation Church London in October 2019. At many points during this journey we felt the Lord ask us to be obedient in radical ways. One big way was to sell our home in Norfolk to fund our first three years renting in London. 

Last year those funds ran out. Our faith and obedience had to reach new depths. While we believed God had spoken to us about putting roots down and establishing ourselves in London for 20 years, we were faced with impossible sums: for a small family home in London, a year’s rent comes to £40K+ or a purchasing price in the region of £1million. This is the reality of living in London.

How could we possibly be here for another year, let alone 20 years?! We really wrestled with trusting God to provide the absurd amount we needed to rent for another year. Then, in September 2023, after much prayer and seeking the Lord, we were given all of the money we needed for one year’s rent. Praise God! 

Now we are again facing the same situation. Our rental contract is near the end and our landlord wants to know if we are going to stay. 

In the video above, the prophetic word that Stef refers to was one given to us: that we would be like that first tent peg, getting hammered into rock. It’s often felt that way! Whilst it’s been hard, we are trusting God again for provision and asking that He would move in a supernatural way and do things that we cannot do. Again, it is testing our faith - but we know that He is a good Father, who provides for His children. 

Still, it raises an important question: why are we here, and why is it important to stay?

Before moving to London, we received a number of prophetic words about bringing stability to others in the church, and we have loved seeing the younger demographic at Rev grow in their faith - this fills our hearts with much joy! We are very committed to working out God’s plans and purposes for us locally at Revelation Church. We have also felt led to explore what it means for us to be pioneering locally and are joining the Urban Planting training school. 

Finally, some of you may know that I (Annice) serve Mike Betts, but did you also know that Mike and Sue now live half of their time a mere 10 minute walk away from us in Kentish Town? Since the launch of Relational Mission’s London Calling initiative there has been growing momentum, and there seems to be providence in us living in the same location. We had no idea that this was on the cards when God first called us to London, and it’s exciting to see what might develop.

We continue to stand firm in Him and trust that He will provide for us in all that He has called us to. 

Thank you for considering how you could support us - we appreciate our RM family so much,

Much love from Annice, Tim, Esther, Eli and Jemimah

For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.

Ephesians 1:15-16 NLT