Pastor’s passion sparks higher level of ministry for Converge global worker

Tom Clyde had never met Dai Hankey until the Cardiff, Wales, pastor spoke at a men’s conference in May.

But when Hankey spoke of working against human trafficking, Clyde’s motivation to connect surged. Part of his motivation came as Tom’s wife, Tanya, previously fought human trafficking. But the connection also offered an even deeper privilege: partnering in gospel work.

Such ministry collaborations are a foundational reason why the Clydes moved to London in December to join Converge’s U.K. & Ireland Initiative team. In 2018, the Lord started placing England and Scotland on their hearts. Four years later, they met with Steve Bialy, who directs Converge’s U.K. & Ireland Initiative.

“We really resonated with the vision and what Steve saw for the work here,” Clyde said.

Interconnected servants strengthen gospel work

Tom serves in many ways at his local church in London. He also strives to learn where God is working throughout the U.K. and Ireland. Then, he works to create or expand collaborations between the Lord’s servants.

Tom often wonders where a gospel movement might be starting. That’s a vital observation because millions across the U.K. and Ireland lack access to a gospel-proclaiming church.

Few people in these countries know even one single follower of Jesus. Seventy thousand people die every day around the world without having heard a credible presentation of the gospel.

This initiative can impact the nations who come to the U.K. and Ireland

The gospel opportunity here expands exponentially when you add the more than six million people from unreached or least-reached countries who live in the U.K. or Ireland for school and work.

Ordinarily, the Clydes’ work focuses on regional and national efforts to catalyze a gospel movement. But they’re also living, working and worshiping in London among many of the world’s least-reached people.

The Clydes’ neighbor, a Hindu man, is one of those people. Although they’ve only known him for six months, he shared with the Clydes that he is dying of cancer. He only has six to 12 months to live.

But their neighbor’s final months of life also draw them into the work of every believer: knowing and caring and proclaiming Christ to those who don’t know him. Even as they serve him, the 

Clydes recognize God can answer prayers for a gospel movement as workers connect and collaborate.

“God is clearly at work in the U.K. & Ireland amongst his people and his church,” Clyde said. “Where might a movement of the gospel be starting?”

Converge is asking God for a gospel movement among every least-reached people group – in our generation. Learn how we are playing a role in accomplishing the Great Commission and how you can be involved.