Our History
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
Caring For Life was founded in the mid-1980s by Pastor Peter Parkinson, a Baptist minister at Leeds Reformed Baptist Church, alongside Esther Smith, a small group children’s home manager, and several other like-minded believers. The need for the ministry became clear when a growing number of homeless and vulnerable young men and women began attending the church. Many were known personally to Peter and Esther.
A significant number had come through the Care system and were now left to cope alone. Lifelong trauma, combined with complex emotional and practical difficulties, meant that living independently was often overwhelming and, in many cases, almost impossible.
Confronted with these realities, Peter and Esther were stirred into action. They were burdened not only by the immediate practical needs they saw, but also by the deeper loneliness and spiritual brokenness affecting these young lives. They set out to reach those on the margins of society — to provide safe and secure homes for damaged and vulnerable souls, and to create meaningful daily activities for those who felt lost and forgotten.
From the beginning, their desire was not simply to offer short-term help, but to walk alongside each person for as long as needed, supporting them practically, emotionally and spiritually. Their deep love for Jesus shaped everything they did. They longed to share the love of God and the message of hope and salvation found only in Christ. By the grace of God, many over the years have come to know and love Jesus for themselves.
To this day, Caring For Life continues to reach out to those living on the fringes of society, those who may be considered worthless in the world’s eyes, but who are precious and highly valued in the sight of Christ.
For more information on the history of Caring For Life, see Deafening Sound of Silent Tears (Years 1–20) and Drops into an Ocean (Years 21–30), both by Juliet Barker.
