(Written by Joy Fletcher, United Kingdom, 2025)
I have been at Lee Abbey for 7 months so far, and it has been the best time of my life. Community life is amazing. You can make such good friends here. One of my favourite things to do is serve the guests, as you never know who you will sit next to. I also enjoy the times when we are on closed week or development week. These are specific times when we can grow closer as a community.
I heard about Lee Abbey Devon through some people at my church. Both my youth leader and a family friend mentioned it to me when I was considering a placement with a Christian ministry called Southwest Youth Ministries (SWYM). Those who participate in the programme also get placed at a church or ministry. I’d been to Lee Abbey for an open day with SWYM but never thought it would be where I was placed here. However, after looking into the community life I realised it would be a perfect fit for me.
Upon joining community, and since SWYM specifically supports leaders of youth and children, I was placed on the Lee Abbey Beacon team. The Beacon team is amazing, as I have learned so much and get to work with children of all ages. We are trained to do all sorts of things like archery, climbing, zip wire, crate stake and bush craft. The team have also helped me in planning and leading young people and have given me confidence. At Lee Abbey, Jesus is at the centre of it all. With his power, all things are possible.
Learn more about the Beacon Activity Centre and life on Community.
