Gareth Owen trained with London City Mission (LCM) during his gap year and went on to work with them. Over the years, he acquired experience in door to door work and open air preaching. More recently, being based at one of the LCM Mission Halls, he has gained experience with children, youth and adults.

Since leaving LCM, Gareth has continued outreach with Christian teams locally and abroad. As he had worked with OAC evangelists in London on a voluntary basis for years, it seemed a natural progression to join the society. Now Gareth has begun a year as an OAC trainee evangelist with a view to becoming a Staff Evangelist.

"We welcome Gareth to OAC acknowledging his considerable experience with London City Mission and what he can share with us from that," said OAC Training Director Geoff Beckingham.

"However, he recognises that he has a lot to learn from us about the ministry he is embarking on. Therefore, he will be undergoing the training with tailoring to take account of his experience."

Like others, he will embark on a programme of various modules ranging from theology to practical subjects like preaching and using creative object lessons.

"I’m looking forward to the constructive help when my preaching is critiqued," said Owen.

"Also, what I like is the opportunity to refresh my skills in taking school assemblies and improving my technique with sketchboard painting. Although I have painted to accompany my Gospel messages in the past, it’s a skill that can be developed more."

In his home area of East London, Owen has been involved with school work and evangelism. For ten years, he also participated in Hyde Park outreach. Since 2007, his ministry has taken him to Zambia as part of a mission team each year.

"I fell in love with the country of Zambia and the people. There is such openness to the Gospel. We go into the villages and work with the church leaders. The teaching is very basic. We try to encourage and equip the leaders."

Summing up his coming year of training, Gareth said he anticipates learning new methods and moving forward in his ministry.