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An Interview with one of Night Light Cafe’s new Network Leads

with Pam Jenkinson and Dean Bell

The Night Light Cafe team are very excited to recently employ three new members of staff. Two will oversee the running of our Countywide cafes in the North and South of Lincolnshire. Another member of staff will support them both as a Project Worker. Dean Bell, has become our Network Lead for the South of Lincolnshire and I chatted with him about his new role:-

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself? 

I am a 57 years old young 😉 man.  I have been married for 33 years to my most wonderful wife Emma, who I don’t deserve, and together we have raised and are raising 13 children – the eldest is 31 and youngest 5.  While I was raised and grew up in West Yorkshire I have now spent most of my life in Lincoln. 

2. What do you do in your spare time?

Life is so full on that I don’t have a lot of spare time, but I suppose I chill to worship music and sermons by my favourite preachers via Youtube

3. What or who inspires you most?

My two passions in life are leadership/management and theology coupled with the prophetic. People that have inspired me and had an impact on my life are John Shelbourne -my old pastor, David Pawson and Smith Wigglesworth Heroes of the faith!  Also my family inspires me as I watch them grow under the hand of God, surprising me on an almost daily basis.  I love them so much.  Sunday afternoon we all congregate at “Base Camp” and enjoy each other’s company.  It’s what life is all about!  My deepest desire in life is for Jesus to say to me at the end of my life “Well done good and faithful servant….enter into your masters rest”

4. How would your family describe you? 

They laughingly mock me about my Yorkshire heritage and ways and accent  – Appen lad!  We have a tradition in our family on birthdays where each member of the family says something that they love about the birthday person.  At my last birthday I was humbled to hear afresh the wonderful comments and reflection on how they see me.  They included; loyal, hard working, loving, loves his family, “is always there for me”, “a great Dad and model’s what it means to be a father” – I am truly humbled by their comments. 

4. What motivated you to apply to become the NLC Countywide South Network lead? 

My wife runs a cafe and I was inspired by what she did and achieved.  There seemed to be so much value and success in what they were creating given how hard life for our guests can be at times.  Such a simple and wonderful service.  

5. What are you looking forward to most about this role? 

I am really looking forward to meeting the team out in the field and connecting with guests and hearing their stories

6. What part of the job do you think you will find most challenging?

You always want to fix everyone’s problems as soon as you can but life is a journey and a slow one very often.   Keeping focused on success!

7. What is one thing you would like to say to anyone who would like to visit the Night Light cafe for support, but is feeling nervous about coming along?

Take the plunge and be brave because you will receive such a great welcome and it will be worth it.

8. Do you have any further comments?

Journeying in life together is such a privilege.  Enjoy it!

Thanks Dean for these great answers and welcome to the team!

If you need support with your wellbeing and would like to know more about the Night Light Cafes, check out our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/nightlightcafelincoln or message us at nightlight@actstrust.org.uk – We are here for you.