A transformational mortgage for Jacob’s Well Care Centre
When Jacob’s Well Care Centre learned their building was being sold, they feared losing the space that had become a lifeline for so many. Read how their Kingdom Bank mortgage secured their premises, protecting their ministry and gospel witness for years to come.
Ruth Upton, Brand & Campaigns Manager
How did Jacob’s Well Care Centre start?
My parents set up Jacob’s Well Care Centre in the 1990s after realising there was a real need for support in our local area. They went on a trip to Romania to support people there but came home and realised there was also huge need on their doorstep. Jacob’s Well was set up in their front room, so that they could start to provide low-cost furniture and clothing to those in Gosport. We’ve kept growing ever since!
What sort of care do you provide to the community?
We have a furniture store, provide free school uniforms, run two foodbanks during the week, and offer storage facilities for those who have lost their homes or are survivors of domestic abuse. In the summer holidays we provide free packed lunches to local children, and regularly make meals for the elderly, including the occasional cream tea.
How have you seen faith lived out through the centre?
It’s been so clear to see that God has been at work, and He has always provided what we’ve needed. When my parents first started this work, they gave up their jobs to run the charity and very much had a sense of relying on God to provide. That’s really stuck with us, and we can still so clearly see God providing the things we need to keep going.
Can you share a little about your building, and how it came to be on the market?
We had a lovely landlady who passed away, which meant the building we use was going to be sold. We were told at relatively short notice, with a year left on our contract. We looked everywhere to see if we could afford to buy the building, but people weren’t willing to trust us and invest in us, which is always a struggle when you’re a charity. We spoke to MPs, councillors, anyone we could, but no one seemed able to help.
How were Kingdom Bank able to partner with you?
We got in touch with Kingdom Bank, who reviewed our finances. They helped us to see where we needed to manage expenses to make a mortgage affordable. The Bank provided us with a mortgage that made it possible to buy the building we had been using, something we never thought we’d be able to do. Without Kingdom Bank’s help, we would have had to make the charity smaller, serving fewer people.
How has buying the building helped?
Owning this building provides us with security and freedom; it really has been such a blessing. Already we can see so many projects we couldn’t pursue while renting, but now we can start to expand and start new initiatives which will help more people. My parents are still involved with Jacob’s Well, and they never imagined we would get to this point when they started the charity. God has had His hand on all of it, and we can so clearly see how He has provided!
If your ministry is considering a property project, we’d love to see how we could help. You can find out more here, or get in touch to discuss whether a Kingdom Bank mortgage could be right for you.
Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
About the author
Ruth is a Brand & Campaigns Manager at Kingdom Bank, specialising in brand development and campaigns that reflect the Bank’s mission to help gospel-hearted churches plant, build, and grow.
Ruth Upton, Brand & Campaigns Manager