Analice’s Journey…
My name is Analice and I am a people person. I love hearing people’s life stories, learning about different cultures, and sharing the hope of Jesus. I am grateful that I began a meaningful relationship with Him at the age of 11. I realised early on that evangelism was something I was called to do.
Growing up in a poor neighbourhood with a loving but dysfunctional family affected by alcoholism, I knew only Jesus could truly save me. Since finding Him, I have been able to stretch out my hand to other young people who are struggling, listen to them, and point them to Christ.
From my pre-teen years I joined an evangelism group, leafleting in our neighbourhood on Sunday afternoons. I studied Theology For Ministry, then Journalism, and Youth for Christ has been part of my life for 30 years. As a teenager I attended Christian Union and monthly worship events hosted by my local Youth for Christ Centre in Brazil. At 19 I began volunteering, and within a year I became Centre Director. Since then, I have been on a journey of leadership, evangelism, and meeting people around the world.
I served with Youth for Christ Brazil for eight years before coming to Britain in 2011 as part of the Gap Year programme. After Covid, I felt called to reconnect with my ministry and joined British Youth for Christ. For the past two years I have been developing our Urban Strategy in London. Our vision is to reach young people on the margins of society including those in gangs, minority groups, and from deprived areas. We support churches to pioneer outreach clubs and activities that meet young people where they are.
We have seen God’s hand at work through mission days in council estates, the Why You Matter series in schools, and detached youth work. Young people are curious and open about faith. At the end of one school series, a 14 year old girl told me: “I understand that I matter to God, but this would only make a difference if He mattered to me.” It was a privilege to explain that God’s love is unconditional, given by grace and not by works.
In Hounslow, we began cooking with young people who arrived hungry after school. We taught them to prepare meals and then ate together, always saying prayers before eating. By the third week, these unchurched young people were praying aloud in front of their friends. A year later, the club continues to grow, with young people asking deep questions about faith.
I feel privileged to have been reached by Youth for Christ in Brazil and now to serve in Britain, sharing the same gospel message in ways that respond to local needs. Through detached work we listen to young people, involve local leaders, and respond with youth groups or events that bring hope.
Please pray that more churches will invest in inclusive programmes and welcome these young people into their church families. Pray also that God will inspire more workers and funding to establish Urban mission in more areas across Britain.
Analice lives in Southwest London with her husband Simon and their two lively children, Noah and Leila. Together, they love Jesus and are passionate about seeing young people encounter Him.