Elis Hughes, from the National Synod of Wales, is August’s recipient of the United Reformed Church (URC) Lundie Memorial Award.
The 11-year-old was nominated by Brenda Rushton, an Elder at St Johns URC in Buckley, who described him as a “compassionate and respectful young man”.
From a young age, Elis has regularly stopped and chatted to those he sees from the homeless community, buying them food and hot drinks.
Last December despite the cold and wind, Elis and his mum Sian participated in a sponsored sleepout; praying for safety and for God’s love to be with them and for those who endure such conditions night after night.
In the process, mother and son raised £1,615 for Chester Aid To The Homeless.
Elis said he was “shocked” when told he had won the award and hopes to share the money between Chester Aid, and in resourcing the young people’s area at his church with comfy chairs.
Elis’s mum, Sian, expressed how proud she is of Elis and how homelessness is a concern they both care deeply about.
Young leader gains July’s award
David Aisa Miller, from Thames North Synod, is July’s Lundie Memorial Award winner.
David was nominated by Jared Jaggers, an Associate Minister for Faith Formation at the American International Church: describing him as an “emerging leader”.
The 16-year-old demonstrated his leadership qualities when helping to lead a youth service, sharing the sermon with a friend, and has helped guide his peers in the youth group as they listen to and explore the scriptures to live out the good news of Jesus Christ today.
David was an integral contributor to discussions within his Church about being inclusive and welcoming to all.
After months of discussion, the church voted yes to same-sex marriages in the church.
David joined the inclusion working party whose remit was to write a statement of welcome and inclusion.
“David’s influence on this team and in the process in our church has been vital,” Jared said.
“Both directly and indirectly, David’s work is guiding the church forward and helping us to proclaim the love of Christ here in London.”
On receiving the award, David said: “I was shocked and surprised, I didn’t realise the work I was doing had made such an impact. It is important that our [youth] voice is heard, and people see we are more than capable of doing good works.”
David said that he is hoping to divide the £100 award. “I would like to chat to my youth group and for us to use half the money to go towards a campaign of awareness for the younger generation. I would like the other half to go to the soup kitchen, which is run by my church.”
If you would like to nominate a child or a young person for a Lundie Memorial Award, you can find out more about the awards here.