Pais England | Free Mission Year Opportunities

why join us?

England is the birthplace of the Pais Movement, launched in 1992 by Paul & Lynn Gibbs. Today, over 95% of young people here have no connection to a local church, making schools a key mission field. Fortunately, many schools welcome the input of Christian organizations like Pais.

Pais teams serve across England in cities, towns, and rural areas, partnering with churches involved in school outreach, foodbanks, student ministries, and more.

As a Pais apprentice, you’ll grow in faith, step out of your comfort zone, and share the gospel with young people who may be hearing it for the first time. Join us in advancing God’s Kingdom in England!

why join us?

Pais teams serve across England in cities, towns, and rural areas, partnering with churches involved in school outreach, foodbanks, student ministries, and more.

Meet our national directors

Richard and Leearron met when Richard was serving on Pais England, they then got married and pioneered Pais in South Africa. Because they both share a passion for developing people, equipping and empowering leaders of all ages, they decided to take on the directorship of Pais UK, which had a great foundation laid out by Pete & Bryony Baker.

meet our interim directors

Luke and Lou Thomas currently serve as the interim directors of Pais UK, bringing a wealth of experience and invaluable support from their many years with Pais. As long-standing members of the Pais family, they have held various roles, including team members, team leaders, and hub leaders. Luke and Lou reside in Warwick, Warwickshire, with their two children.

meet our interim directors

Leon's story

I was first introduced to Pais in the summer of 2018 on a summer camp in South Africa through Richard Jumbe (who was my camp leader at the time). One night he displayed a spoken word video about missions that was made by Pais to everyone at camp, and I
remember clearly feeling something inside say, “That’s what I want for you.” Looking back now, I know that was the Holy Spirit speaking. I was 17 then, still two years away from finishing high school, but I knew I’d apply once I graduated.

After finishing school, I started looking into where I might serve. As I prayed and explored the different nations, I felt a strong pull toward the UK. I didn’t fully understand why, but I knew I had a heart for youth and young adults. Still, graduating in the middle of COVID made it seem unlikely that I’d be able to go, even though I had been accepted. I wasn’t discouraged. Instead, I chose to serve for a year with Pais South Africa. After that year, I prayed again, asking God if I should continue and just a few days later, I received an email from Pais UK, asking if I was still interested. I took that as my confirmation, and I haven’t looked back since.

My journey with has had its ups and downs, with a fair share of pruning, but through it all, I’ve seen God’s hand at work. I’m grateful, and I’ll continue following Him wherever he chooses to send me for as long as I’m here.

Rita's story

At the beginning of the year, one of our goal was to increase the number of our youth group (ages 11-16) from the usual 6. So as a team we set strategies of the activities to attract more youth, so that we can use the PAIS tools as directed in the Talmidm book (spread, spot, stay). One of the most successful activities was the Youth Cafe, which was meant to attract the youth from the surrounding secondary schools. We provided a safe space where they can come and hang out with their friends, engaging in different outdoor and indoor games including crafts. Some of the activities involved music sessions, smoothie making, pizza making, among others.

When we shared with the head of the local secondary school, they welcomed the idea, and promoted it to all the parents in the weekly newsletter. The number of attendees grew to about 60 young people who came to check out the Youth Cafe. We also had some attendees from another local high school, and by the end of the year, we had an average of 20 – 30 young people who were consistently attending the Youth Cafe every Friday. As a team we were intentional and started building relationships with these young people one by one. Since the venue was our church, young people posed faith based questions which we explored further with them. This gave us an opportunity to spot and invite them to our youth group where we explore more about Faith.

As the year went on, we witnessed new friendships being nurtured among themselves and they were more open and comfortable to share with us as leaders. By the end of the year, our youth group grew from 6 young people to over 15. Our numbers during the Sunday services significantly increased too, with more young people who are confident, comfortable, and owning the space.

On our last Friday, we decided to do a Youth Cafe taster session for the Year 6’s of different primary schools we had been collaborating with over the year. We gave an opportunity for the secondary school attendees to act as junior leaders in the different stations of activities with our supervision. The primary school heads were supportive and passed this praise to all of the parents. With quite a large number of Year 6’s showing up, it was so exciting to see the junior leaders confidently with passion leading the young ones. We believe next year is going to be bigger, and we will continue to spread, spot, and explore faith with more young people through the Pais team in Addlestone.

Daniel's story

When I decided to join PAIS UK and fulfil my mission, I was at a great point in my career. I gave up a position as psychology coordinator at a large company in my city and turned down an offer for an even better position at another company. I left my best friends, the
comfort of my home, my family, my church, and my many books. However, my heart rejoices greatly because I am doing what I know I was born to do—serving God with everything I have and everything I am. God’s grace has been sufficient, and I am excited about what God will do through His children around the world.

Karina's story

While serving with Pais UK, I took a short holiday to London and carried “Because You Are Loved” cards, hoping to share God’s love. That day, I ended up lost with a dead phone battery. Feeling anxious and alone, I prayed for help. I found a small café still open. A woman saw me and just let me charge my phone, and as I waited, I suddenly heard my native language being spoken. I sensed God reminding me to share His love with them.

I gave the Because you are Loved card and shared God’s love to the worker. Her face lit up, and surprisingly, she offered me a free meal, saying, “Thank you for sharing this.” Before I left, I gave cards to the young people nearby too. I walked away no longer lost, phone recharged, with a nice food in my hands and a grateful heart reminded once again of how God’s love reaches us and those around us in unexpected ways.

what we are up to

Find out updates about us and how we live life on mission.

Where you can serve

Harvest Chapel International is located in Acra, Ghana. Their mission is to win souls to Christ, teach them to be fruitful, disciple them to be mature, and equip them for ministry.

LEARN MORE