About

Both the journey of life and the Tree of Life begin with Jesus Christ in that He alone said: “I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)

Founded by a Manchester lad living in Virginia, USA, Tree of Life has consistently adopted the same day to day Purpose – ‘to reach out to the poor and needy in our community with the love of Jesus Christ.’

In 2008, Purcellville Baptist Church in Virginia committed to set aside the first 10% of all annual giving to meet the needs of the poor locally. From that decision, Tree of Life Ministries was born and registered as a US charity in 2008. Our Principles are derived from Jesus' cry for action in the gospels to impact the ‘least of these.’

Centered upon those impassioned words from Jesus, our Path encompasses a framework of 5 outreach Branches and annually, as a result of multiple Ministries (Programmes) under each Branch, thousands are impacted with practical everyday help.

In 2024, a group of Christian churches in the Carlisle region began discussing the possibility of launching the Tree of Life model in the northern Cumbria area. The journey will embrace the same approach and comprise the same core values. Our intentions are to identify any gaps in assisting those in need and to avoid re-inventing the wheel, knowing that many across the Christian community are already faithfully serving the vulnerable. Our hope is also to encourage the Christian community to come alongside churches who may just require additional help serving the poor.

Below is a summary of our Christian beliefs and Christian values.

If you have interest in joining this journey in Carlisle, we would love to hear from you.

Paul Smith
Founder and Regional Leader, Carlisle

Our Purpose (what)

To reach out to the poor and needy in our community with the love of Jesus Christ

Our Principles (why)

Embrace the words of Jesus from the Gospel account to reach the "least of these." Jesus spoke of being hungry, thirsty, a stranger in need of clothing, sick and imprisoned. (Matthew 25:35)

Our Path (how)

Brings life to Jesus' words and involves extending practical help across a framework of 5 Branches - Food, Lifeskills, Shelter, Healthcare and Relief . Each Branch encompasses specific local Ministries with the objective of meeting the holistic needs of an individual with a "hand up" rather than merely a "handout."

Our People (who)

We engage with an army of local volunteers who acknowledge that Jesus Christ came that we may have life and have it to the full. Our Core Values accentuate Jesus - Jesus Christ is foremost; Prayer & The Word of God are foundational; Compassion is fundamental; Relationship is for all; Community is our front line.

Our Partners (who)

Those we serve are referred to as Partners, rather than clients or customers, as our hope is to partner together on the journey of life. We strive to extend a "hand-up" rather than a "handout."

Our Planting (where)

Having established a tried and tested approach, our Vision seeks to: "to plant the Tree of Life model in new communities to the glory of God."

Statement of Faith

About God

God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He eternally exists in three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. These three are equal and are one God.

Gen 1:1; Deut 6:4; Matt 28:19

About Jesus

Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for our sins by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return again to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords. In His own words, Jesus said: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

John 10:30; 2 Cor 5:21; Phil 2:8; John 14:6

About The Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make men and women aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer a spiritual gift when they are saved. As Christians, we seek to live under His control daily.

John 14:26; 1 Pet 4:10

About The Bible

The Bible is God’s Word to us written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because the Bible is inspired by God, it is the truth without any error.

2 Tim 3:16; 2 Pet 1:20-21; John 17:17; Rev 22:18-19

About Salvation

Salvation is God’s free gift to us by grace, which we receive by faith. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment we receive Jesus Christ and it is He who said “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

Eph 2:8-9; 2 Cor 5:17; John 10:10

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Trustees

Julie Burrows

Julie Burrows, from Burton-in-Kendal, has worked as a Government lawyer and more recently as a manager at Capernwray Bible School, bringing legal, charitable and regulatory experience to the charity.

Stuart Collins

Stuart Collins, lives in Carlisle, is married and has two grown up children. Stuart is a chartered accountant and works in finance and as Company Secretary in a well established local business. He has served in the leadership of his local church and has been a volunteer for several years for a national family support charity. He loves the outdoors, walking, cycling and running.

Paul Smith

Paul Smith, born and raised in the Manchester area, has worked in Banking and founded Tree of Life Ministries in the USA in 2008. Married to Pamela with 4 children and 5 grandchildren, he enjoys travel in Italy, Scotland and the Lake District (and MUFC!).

Bruce Walker

Bruce Walker is a Landscape Architect and local businessman in Carlisle. He has served the local church in various roles and is a Trustee of a Carlisle based Christian Charity that supports outreach work. He is married with two daughters. He enjoys keeping fit, particularly walking in the Lake District, especially with the family.

Local Leadership

Paul Smith

Regional Leader

Donald Mackay

Shelter Branch Leader

Role Vacant

Regional Coordinator

Gail Newton

Healthcare Branch Leader

Our Church Supporters

Hebron Evangelical Church, Botchergate
St John the Evangelist, London Road
St John’s Houghton
St Peter’s Kingmoor
Carlisle Baptist Church

Approach