The head of London City Mission, Graham Miller, says he won't give up evangelising to troubled youths, after he and his wife were assaulted on the streets of South West London.
LCM is one of the longest running mission organisations in London, with "nearly 200 years experience of sharing the gospel with people least likely to hear it."
Following the attack, which - disturbingly - took place in front of the couple's young daughter, the charity's CEO Miller posted a smiling photo of himself and his wife Alison on social media with the following message:
"So grateful to God for Alison who is with me through thick and thin.
On Thursday afternoon we were both assaulted in Earlsfield after I challenged some kids for abusing a cafe manager next to the station. We were both punched repeatedly in the head from behind and Alison was knocked down.
Kids were still hitting her whilst on the floor and passers-by had to tear them off. I am thankful to the kindness of strangers risking themselves for us."
He continued: "I'm praying for the girls involved.
I pray for London's youth and children every day. They need hope, they need Jesus."
In recent months the Earlsfield area, near Clapham, has seen a dramatic increase in small gangs of young people, often girls, intimidating passersby and turning violent when confronted. Several muggings and robberies have also been reported in the locality, which is otherwise sought after by families and London commuters.
Wandsworth Police held a neighbourhood meeting with residents in May, to listen to their concerns, and have promised increased patrols and under cover officers to address the problem.
Miller said that he and his wife had both felt a strong desire to help the teenagers of Wandsworth for some time, and that rather than be dissuaded, their response to the attack would be to "redouble our efforts".
"We're going to be ok. I've got some concussion and feel a bit dizzy and we've both got headaches but the photo is from today. Alison is as beautiful as ever!"
Miller ended his post with the words:
"Thanks be to God, his mercies are new every morning. Great is his faithfulness! #LondonNeedsJesus"
