The Highams have seen the fruit of coming alongside people in the messiness of real life

As Gary and Jo’s identity and security in Christ grew as young adults, God gave them a real heart to share the gospel with people who had little or no experience of faith or church. In their working lives, and as their children grew up, walking alongside people has primarily meant being genuine friends.  

It’s meant seeing their friends not as projects for salvation but as broken people like them, going through troubles, grief, celebrations and the mundane. It’s meant loving them as Jesus does for the long-term, and learning from each other along the way.

Life is messy! It doesn’t follow a blueprint.  

So, what’s helped?

• A group of other ‘alongsiders’ alongside them! Christian friends living life amongst others, spurring each other on, encouraging, praying for, being involved with and supporting each other for over 40 years.
• Solid foundations and security in Christ, which began in a Navigator student group.
• Continually learning how to communicate truth in meaningful ways.
• Helping people to stay in their own life context as they mature in faith.

What has their alongsiding looked like?

• Jo spending large chunks of many days with another young mum, as they looked after their youngest kids, who became like brothers. Becoming like family to each other and walking alongside the entire extended family for 25 years. Seeing some of them exploring faith and trusting God. Remaining close friends today.
• Gary being a faith mentor to the son of Christian friends of nearly 40 years.
• Both walking alongside one of Jo’s ex-colleagues, who came to know Jesus after seven years of working together. She is now six years into maturing in faith and helping her own friends to see a different (God-centred) way to tackle life.
• Being there for friends and family when the big questions about life arise, and being ready to give an answer for the hope they have, backed up by a lifetime of seeking to show and share the reality of Jesus in their lives.

Gary and Jo have taken opportunities in everyday life to live alongside everyday people. It really works! And it’s something they intend to do for the rest of their lives.