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Young people sharing faith, hope and love in Milton Keynes...

About HOPE MK

Hope MK started as an annual youth event back in October 2013. It was set up by a small group of local youth workers inspired by events such as The Noise, Beyond Belief, and Hope’s national mission campaign. The event was held under the banner of Hope, a national Christian mission movement. Our vision is to unite, empower, and equip young people to live a missional life—all to further serve their communities.      

Our three values, ‘United in Hope, Belonging as Family and Equipped for Mission,’ are an integral part of everything we do. They are explained in more detail below.

United in Hope

Scripture reminds us in Romans 15:13 that God is the “God of hope,” who fills us with joy and peace so that we may “overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

In a world where many young people face climate anxiety, economic uncertainty, and mental health struggles, being united in Hope is a radical act.

Hope Unite seeks to foster a collective resilience that isn’t based on fleeting circumstances but on the eternal promises of Christ. We teach young people that they are part of a community that looks forward with expectation rather than despair, encouraging them to be the “reason for the hope” that others see in them (1 Peter 3:15).

Belonging as Family

The New Testament consistently uses the language of “adoption” and “household” to describe the church, notably in Ephesians 2:19, which states we are “no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household.”

For young people – especially those who may feel isolated or lack support at home – Hope Unite acts as a tangible expression of God’s family. The implication is that belonging precedes behaving. Therefore, we provide a space where they are loved unconditionally as sons and daughters of the King. By treating every young person as a brother or sister in Christ, we create a spiritual safety net that mirrors the inclusive, table-turning love of Jesus.


 
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Equipped for mission

The New Testament often talks about the church as a family, using words like "adoption" and "household." For example, Ephesians 2:19 says we are "no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household."

For young people, especially those who feel alone or don’t have support at home, Hope Unite shows what God’s family looks like in real life. We believe that belonging comes before behaviour, so we offer a place where they are loved no matter what, as sons and daughters of the King. When we treat every young person as a brother or sister in Christ, we build a spiritual safety net that reflects the welcoming love of Jesus.

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Meet the team

Hope MK for 7 years has been run by a core team of people, who are released from their youth/mission roles at their churches or organisations so that they can organise and coordinate our events each year.  Bridgebuilder Trust has been a key partner from the beginning, and Scripture Union joined as a key partner in year 2. 

Local churches and organisations have been a vital part of the event, either through faithfully hosting projects for us, releasing staff, sending volunteers, sending young people or donating funds.  Many denominations of churches get involved and it’s a great united event involving Catholic, Anglican, Pentecostal, Baptist, Newfrontiers, and other non-denominational churches.

 

HOPE MK Core team

 

Luke Chapman

Luke joined the team three years ago. With his extensive youth work experience and his bachelors degree in Applied Theology in youth & community work. He wants the next generation to grasp the Bible in a way that transforms their lives.

Carol Wheatle

Schools worker and Team leader at Bridgebuilder Trust. Carol joined the core team in 2019. She is deeply passionate about equipping the young generation to lead the church and thrive in every area of life.

 

Pete ‘biscuits’ Telfer

Church Partnership Manager. Joined Bridgebuilder Trust last year. Pete has worked with young people for many years. He continues this passion through Bridgebuilder by joining churches with their local schools.

Peter ‘Noodles’ Young

Associate Minister at Newport Pagnell Baptist church. Peter has always shown great enthusiasm and passion when working alongside and discipling young people. He has been helping run Hope MK for three years.

 

Mung Hatzaw

Mung is the minister at Spurgeon Baptist Church. He was a youth worker in a previous role and continues to work with young people. He is interested in integrating children and youthwork in the whole life of the church.

Dorothy Muraya

Dorothy (Dot) is the Youth and Young Adults leader at New Life Church. Dot is from Kenya and in 2017 she felt God calling her to come to the UK to be part of a move of God. Ezekiel's vision of the valley of the dry bones waking up was placed on her heart and after moving in 2018, she is honoured to see that God truly is waking up dried bones through the revival that is happening.

Thank you to our core team!

Without them there would be no Hope MK.