Important announcement: John Kirkby CBE

11 Feb, 2021

After 25 years, I feel that God has led me to the end of my season with Christians Against Poverty UK. Lizzie and I are humbled and hugely grateful to Jesus for the privilege of starting CAP and being used for His Kingdom advancement.

Whilst I’m leaving my role at CAP UK, I will always be the charity’s founder and my heart to see CAP grow and play its part in seeing God’s kingdom advance will never leave.

One important part of this news is that I’m choosing to remain involved with CAP’s international work. I feel God has more for me to do and I’m excited to see what that will bring in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, America and (perhaps) other places. I’ll be working with Jon Day (Chief Operating Office, CAP UK) and our international CEOs, initially with a special focus on CAP America, the youngest of our international partners. I’ll also remain on the International Governance Council in my role as Founder.

As I look ahead, I am delighted in the leadership and direction of CAP Australia and very much look forward to continuing my work with Rosie (CAP Australia, CEO) and the senior leadership team as they press forwards with the mission. I’m filled with a sense of excitement at what is to come.

I’m delighted to look at the organisation that CAP UK is now and wholeheartedly know that I have played the part I was called to do. I see an organisation made up of people who are strong in mission and faith, ablaze with passion and overflowing with compassion for those they help. The next generation are already in place, experienced and released to take CAP forward in the direction God has planned.

As I complete my remaining months of work in the UK, I’ll be making extra effort to look up from all that I’m doing to celebrate everything God has achieved through CAP and his Church over the last 25 years. I’ll be finishing my role with CAP UK at the end of June and taking a sabbatical over the summer with Lizzie. We’ll use this time to really listen to God as we discern his next call on our lives. One thing’s for certain, I’m not retiring, and we’re simply going to allow Jesus the space and time to lead us as we look to continue to serve his kingdom, the Church and those trapped in poverty here in the UK and beyond.

Finally, I’d like to say a huge thank you to my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Without his Spirit that first captivated me 28 years ago, without his faithfulness, grace and countless miracles, nothing of my life transformation would have happened and CAP would not have achieved all it has this far. To him be all the glory, honour and praise.

Dr John Kirkby CBE

Founder