Ben and Jess Putt

ben@gaines.org.uk

Ben was brought into the world in Southampton. I became a Christian aged 4-½. I had long realised whilst counting the hours on the bottom step at home that I was inherently sinful, and knowing full well that there was nothing I could do about it I turned to Jesus. I ended up at Birmingham University where I studied many different sports, taught games part-time at a local school, ran Christians in Sport, and squeezed in a degree in Geography.

Jess was brought up in Bath, and became a Christian aged 17 whilst attending a local youth group with her next door neighbour/best friend/surrogate twin. Her academic studies led her to Oxford University where she studied Natural Sciences: Biological Sciences. Helped by friends of similar nature, she developed a taste for the finer things in life – namely French cheese, wine, and Earl Grey Tea. She also rowed for her college 1st VIII.

We met on summer camp in Bruton, Somerset. To cut a long story short, an exchange of emails around the issue of how to make Banoffee Pie was the agent that God used to bring us together – if you want more details you’ll have to ask!

We both passionately believe that preaching the Gospel is necessary for salvation, and that God wants to win young hearts and minds for Himself at Gaines. We would love for you to be able to share in this mission in any way you can – so do please get in touch!

Meriel Richards

meriel@gaines.org.uk

In september 2009 I joined the first Gap team. After1 year serving at Gaines I knew I was meant to be here a little longer. I have now joined the staff team looking after the kitchen, design work and female gap team.