03 March 2026

A look at what’s been going on at Church on the Street in March.

81 Million Listens to the Gospel

We were delighted to see Mick recently featured by BBC World Service, where journalist Shiroma spent time interviewing him and following his work at COTS. The programme offered a powerful glimpse into both Mick’s daily ministry and the heart behind what he does.

The interview has now been broadcast on national radio, including BBC Radio 4, where it was named Pick of the Week. With an estimated audience of around 81 million listeners across broadcasts, Mick’s testimony has reached an extraordinary number of people.

Whenever Mick shares his story, the gospel remains central. He speaks with humility and conviction about the transforming grace of Jesus, and that message rang out clearly through the radio. To think that millions have now heard the good news, many perhaps for the very first time, is both humbling and deeply encouraging.

Please join us in praying that the seeds sown through this broadcast will bear lasting fruit. Pray that hearts would be opened, curiosity stirred, and lives transformed as people come to discover who Jesus is and the difference He can make in their lives.

Listen on BBC Sounds

The Power of Testimony

This month we wanted to shine a spotlight on our church members who at the end of each month come to share their testimony with the rest of the church.

Friday night service turns into testimony night where, two brave members of the church come forward and share stories of how God has worked in their life.

Often, there is great surprise as you hear the most amazing stories come from the most unlikely people. God is amazing the way he works like that.

Fellowship is so important to sustaining the life of the church, and at this monthly event, it is great to see all walks of life become one in Christ Jesus.

From Near Death to Recovery

Over recent months, we’ve been incredibly encouraged to see a growing number of our community members complete their rehabilitation programmes. This month, we want to share one of those stories with you.

For privacy reasons, we’ve changed his name, but the journey is very real.

David has been part of our community since the very early days, back when we first began heading out onto the streets. David had known only the harsh reality of street homelessness, for years, addiction had held him firmly in its grip.

As we were offering brews and food, David suddenly became critically unwell. An ambulance was called, and paramedics worked urgently to revive him. Eventually, they turned to Pastor Mick and said words that seemed impossible to hear:

“There’s nothing more we can do, Pastor. He’s gone. It’s over to you.” A crowd had gathered. In that moment, Pastor Mick called out, “If you pray, now is the time to pray.”

And then, incredibly David began to breathe again.

For almost five more years, David continued living on the streets, still caught in addiction and all the suffering that comes with it. As many of you know, transformation is rarely instant. It is often slow, painful, and filled with setbacks. But seeds were being planted. Relationships were being built. Trust was forming.

When David made the decision to enter detox, it was a huge moment, not just for him, but for our entire community. We had walked alongside him for years.

Today, we are overjoyed to share that David has now graduated from his rehabilitation programme and is celebrating eight months of sobriety. His journey reminds us that change is possible, even after years on the streets, even after addiction has taken so much, even after hope seems lost.

Our prayer is that David’s story will not be the exception, but the beginning of many more. We long to see more of our community members step into detox, complete rehab programmes, and rediscover the dignity, stability, and purpose that addiction tries to steal.

And none of this happens without you.

Your generosity enables us to keep showing up, week after week, year after year, walking alongside those until they are ready to begin their journey toward change. Because when someone is ready, they need people around them who will stand, support, and believe in them.

Thank you for being part of these stories of restoration.

Easter Eggs for Children in Poverty

Following on from our Coat and Shoe Appeal, ASDA Burnley have partnered with us to give out Easter Eggs to Children in Poverty in our local community.

ASDA Burnley posted on their Facebook page saying:

“We’ve launched our Easter Egg Appeal on behalf of Church on the Street Ministries in Burnley, a faith in action charity supporting the homeless and vulnerable people in our local community. All donations will go to children living in poverty in our area.”

Donate to the Coat and Shoe Appeal

A Busy Start to the Year in Blackburn

The team in Blackburn have been busy working this year, there have been an increasing number of new people attending the service and events during the week.

Outreach sessions are run at two Blackburn hostels where Anne and Jacques spend time with the residents having a brew and offering support where they can.

Jacques said:

“New faces are joining us, attracted by the warm welcome they’ve heard about through our outreach efforts. The service has become more vibrant, and afterward, we come together for a hearty meal, sharing food and conversation, and genuinely cultivating a sense of community.”

The impact of these meals was particularly noticed on Christmas Eve with 25 people attending a games night and hot meal, then of Christmas day, 35 people came for games, a visit from Santa and received presents.

You may have noticed on their Facebook Page an appeal for Socks and Underwear, over £250 was raised, initially these were distributed as Christmas Presents, but now the team are able to offer them to people as the need arises.

Donate to support the Socks and Underwear appeal

Sadly, the passing of a loved member of the community has deeply affected many. The congregations response to this has reminded the team of the urgency there is to share the Gospel.

Please join with us in praying that the ministry continues and that the team can make a real impact to the people they meet.