On 6 December 2024, Theo Amies (SH 2018-23) delivered a talk to pupils in the Cranmer Society at King's.

Visiting from Sheffield University, his talk was focused on his Gap Year experience working for Jackie Pullinger’s charity St Stephen’s in Hong Kong. Jackie had headed out to Hong Kong in 1966, heeding God’s call to serve overseas. She was led to the infamous Walled City in Kowloon, known for its opium dens and triad gangs. There, as a single woman, she set about caring for those in desperate need, the hungry and the homeless, often praying with addicts to come off drugs. She witnessed countless miracles as they did so without withdrawal symptoms. The former addicts brought their friends to her to pray with them. Soon, a small community of Christians arose, depending on God for their daily needs. The St Stephen’s charity was born.

Theo went out to Hong Kong in 2024 to help with this ministry whose vision has remained unchanged for nearly 60 years. He explained how the community reflected the lives of those in the early church: praying for their daily bread and sharing it with the hungry. No employee was given a wage, no fundraising was done – they simply depended on God for their needs. It was fascinating to hear how Theo witnessed to drug addicts, drug runners, prostitutes and the homeless. We heard how he prayed through the night with those coming off opium. It was certainly a formative experience for him. He described how he saw first hand Jesus’ promise in John 10 v.10 being fulfilled: “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full”, as addicts were set free from their addictions. He loved working with individuals he described as the most grounded and fulfilled people he has ever met. He cherished being part of a community where everyone loved and served one another. As listeners, we were challenged to think how we can reflect that in our own community.

Thank you to Theo for returning to King's and sharing his experience with current pupils.