Posted on: 3rd July 2025

Organisers ran out of ice creams to serve the record numbers of visitors who turned up to support the Leeds City Mission recent Summer Garden Event.

A record number of visitors turned up to enjoy a social occasion and refreshments at this seasonal event. Beefburgers, hot dogs, and liquid refreshments were served as people socialised sitting around tables on the lawn adjacent to the City Mission Compassion Centre in Mistress Lane, Armley. They were serenaded by a violinist and guitarist as they enjoyed their food.  Supply of free ice creams for those attending was outstripped by demand.

As visitors relaxed in the shade of leafy trees from the hot sun, they enjoyed hearing the inspiring testimony of ex-convict Geoffrey Bryant.  He recounted his redemption journey from youthful rebellion, crime and drugs. After spending two decades far from God with jail terms for his misdemeanours, his life took a dramatic turn when he was released from jail after what turned out to be his final sentence. While staying with his mum at home, she invited him to a Christmas Carol guest service at her church. He was challenged by the gospel message and gave his life to Christ. 

Leeds City Mission employs a member of staff as chaplain in Armley Jail. The City Mission Centre is just 300 yards from the front doors of the prison behind which Geoffrey was incarcerated for some of his misdeeds. 

Geoffrey recounted how he has never looked back since his conversion. The Lord brought about an amazing transformation in his life. He subsequently made a career for himself and runs a Gas Safe Engineer business. He is also busy telling his story and heavily involved in his church New Testament Church of God, Easterley Road in Roundhay. He is also fulfilling a role as a northern regional evangelist for New Testament Church of God. He encouraged people to keep on praying – his mother prayed for him for 20 years and had the joy of seeing him eventually come to find Christ as Saviour.

Leeds City Mission is a multi-church Christian agency which has brought gospel hope and practical help to marginalised people in the city since 1837. More details on 0113 345 3118.

Photographs show visitors around tables on the grass  at the Summer Garden Event at Leeds City Mission with serenading guitarist in background, Guest Speaker Geoffrey Byrant telling his story stood in front of the mural on the side of Leeds City Mission Compassion Centre, visitors enjoying food and mingling inside Leeds City Mission Compassion Centre and roadside view of Leeds City Mission Compassion Centre on Mistress Lane.