Jackie from Gateway Church in York reflects on two decades of service to her community, which have led to an MBE nomination.
During her 22 years as a debt centre manager with CAP, Jackie Adie has served over one thousand people facing financial crisis. Her experience and passion are what drive Jackie in an unstoppable mission to serve her community in Jesus’ name.
What is an MBE?
A Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) is an award that recognises people who have have made an outstanding impact in their community and who made a positive difference. Nominations are open to all with a special committee, the Prime Minister and then the King checking and approving the list of honourees.
With two decades of service under your belt, what’s the greatest joy you’ve found in your work?
I love people and I get to know them on a level I’d never have known unless supporting them on their debt free journey. I admire the resilience of people – it’s something that we as a society don’t necessarily see when we only look at how someone is struggling with poverty. It takes a lot of courage to get through it and once I’m inside a person’s home and engaged in their life, I witness this courage first hand. It’s a joy that we get to be part of the solution.
Can you describe the community that you serve?
People are really struggling with the high cost of essentials. I see the negative impact ever so closely in the most vulnerable members of our community. We’ve got people who don’t really know where to go to get help, and that’s unignorably heartbreaking.
I’m glad that our church offers holistic, compassionate support that they can turn to. In my experience, the people I serve simply want to be heard and listened to, and receive a kind and practical response to their needs.
How have you seen people’s needs change in the last few years?
There are more people than ever before struggling with challenges relating to their mental health. People do their best to live with their conditions, but at times it can impact their ability to connect with the community, which is exacerbating their issues. It’s a privilege to go into their homes where they feel more comfortable to share with us.
What’s the most challenging aspect of your work?
Hearing the hard stories. It’s heartbreaking knowing that if people experiencing the despair of debt knew Jesus, it would be different for them. It wouldn’t fix everything straight away, but it would provide an anchor and a hope. One of the best things ever in this role is when somebody contacts me and says, ‘Jackie, that prayer that you prayed, it’s been answered!’ That keeps you going through the tough times.
Why is partnering with CAP important to you and your church?
Partnering with CAP has meant that I can drive out of church and into the community. I’m able to get to know people and understand the real issues that they’re facing. CAP has helped our church go from an inward-looking to an outward-looking church.
Jackie, your relentless service to your community has deservedly earned you a nomination for an MBE. How do you feel about this recognition?
Though it came as a shock, I’m proud of the award because it’s all about the local community knowing what we can do alongside them. I’m thrilled as this is a Christian endeavour being recognised for the value it brings to the community. My family have walked this journey with me also, and so I’m pleased for them more than anything.
What’s something that you want our supporters and friends to know, especially given your long service?
This is a church-based movement with the mission to demonstrate that the community is all that matters. We’re here by the grace of God and it’s vital to have the right people within the community, supporting and encouraging those in need.
Pray with us
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the grace to serve our communities. We lift up all who, like Jackie, are working with those living under the crushing weight of debt and poverty. Thank you for their commitment and compassion.
Lord, grant them the energy, wisdom and resilience to continue supporting your people, demonstrating your love and compassion through their actions. Amen.
