A fascinating book detailing the history of the London City Mission since its inception in the 1800's. This reads, at times, like a Dickens novel, and gives an honest overview of the development of British urban society through the generations.

It is incredible that the mission managed to keep its focus on the Gospel as the primary source of help and hope even when faced with terrible circumstances including both world wars, famine, overcrowding, disease etc. The moral decline and flagging numbers attending church are also documented along with the various missionaries' views on this subject. LCM has never set out to be a network of churches, but rather a vehicle to draw those who wouldn't otherwise go into a church building under the sound of the Gospel.

This book is now 15 years out of date, but still provides a valuable insight into the principles and workings of one of the most effective missionary organisations in England.

Highly recommended both for the historical value and for consideration as we find creative ways to continue sharing the Gospel in our day.

The post-script is a letter written to LCM by a man who witnessed an encounter between an LCM missionary and a drunkard lying on the floor. I wrote it out when I first read this book as a reminder that we never know who is watching us as Christians. ( )