Awards recognise unsung Christian heroes

Unsung Christian heroes from across the UK were recognised for their community work at the Inspire Awards last week.

More than 120 nominations were whittled down to just three winners who were awarded during a ceremony at the Houses of Parliament attended by Christian MPs.

The award for inspiring individual went to Christine Deponio, who runs Emmanuel House in Gateshead, a free service to those suffering with terminal cancer.

Although Mrs Deponio is blind and a full-time carer to her blind husband, she set up the project in 2003 and singlehandedly raises the funds to keep it going.

The project offers free lunches and physical therapy services such as massages, hair and nail care.

Mrs Deponio also owns three properties in the country that she lets cost-free to cancer patients and their families.

She said the award was a "huge surprise".

"I’m just doing what God wants me to do," she said.

"They need someone to be here, to cry with, to laugh with, to share their hope with. That’s where I come in.”

Lifeline Church, in Essex, was presented with the inspiring church award for its Open Doors project.

The project has been running for 10 years and offers friendship and care to vulnerable and isolated women.

Sally Dixon of Open Doors said: ”It’s been a real surprise to get this award. We just feel like we are doing the work that God has given us to do.

"It’s really exciting to see somebody who’s been isolated come out of their isolation and find a place of belonging in the church family.”

Green Pastures, which provides accomodation for 200 formerly homeless people in Southport, received the award for inspiring project.

Pastor Pete Cunningham, who started the project, said: “As well as caring for their physical needs we are sometimes given the privilege of leading our tenants to Jesus. In the last few years, 27 came to faith, 19 were baptised and 32 are attending local churches.”

The annual Inspire Awards are hosted jointly by Inspire magazine and the Evangelical Alliance.

Inspire magazine’s editor Russ Bravo said of the awards: “It's been a privilege to find out about the way ordinary people are putting their faith in action in extraordinary ways. We're committed to telling these kinds of inspirational stories of Christians making life better for local communities, and the Inspire Awards is a great showcase for that."

Paul Slide, chief executive of CPO, said: "Hearing the practical difference Christians are making at grassroots level is a huge encouragement, and genuinely inspirational. These award winners are just the tip of the iceberg – we're looking forward to seeing a whole lot more local heroes in the future."

Steve Clifford, general director of the Evangelical Alliance, added: “It was truly humbling and inspiring to meet all the individuals, and representatives of churches and organisations doing amazing work in their local communities, to hear their stories and to celebrate with them. As Christians, we are passionate about community transformation.

"These fantastic, innovative projects being run up and down the UK are feeding the hungry, housing the homeless and restoring the broken.

"They are just some examples of how Christians are doing great things.”