The Gospel Changes Everything in England: Josh and Jessica Cobb

Josh and Jessica Cobb arrived in England as International Mission Board missionaries in 2021, first settling in London before moving to Surrey to run a counseling ministry. Jessica holds a master’s in biblical counseling; Josh is a physician assistant specializing in psychiatry.

Because British and American cultures are similar and there is no language barrier, the Cobbs experienced less culture shock than many IMB missionaries. Yet Surrey is a mosaic of immigrants, refugees, Christians (mostly nonevangelical), atheists, Hindus, Muslims, and other ethnic groups. Among younger residents, interest in spirituality — often expressed through modern pagan practices, like Wiccan — is growing.

Since the COVID 19 pandemic, the Cobbs’ counseling services have been in high demand. Stigma around mental health is waning, and more people are seeking therapy. Josh and Jessica offer free counseling sessions, allowing clients a safe place to talk, process trauma, and heal. Caseloads are overflowing, and they’re overwhelmed by word-of-mouth referrals.

One client — a young woman with severe childhood trauma — had repeatedly attempted suicide. Through counseling, medication, and applying the biblical truths Josh taught, she has been much healthier for the last four years and now helps others who receive counseling from the Cobbs.

Jessica leads trauma-informed fitness workouts where she shares the gospel and speaks to the abundant care God provides. And their care isn’t just directed at adults. Both Josh and Jessica minister to children from six years old to adolescence. They help young people learn their identity in Christ and the importance of faith and courage during adversity.

While many of the Cobbs’ clients are young adults dealing with trauma, Josh has observed a rising need among Europe’s aging population.

Retirees who once were providers are now facing loss of purpose, depression and anxiety.

“Loneliness and the search for meaning among seniors create fertile ground for the good news of Jesus,” Josh said. “Even a brief, compassionate listening moment can open the door to deeper spiritual conversations.”

The Cobbs hope to attract missionaries and volunteers with experience in senior care to join the work in Europe. Josh proposes forming healthcare mission teams to host clinics and workshops, providing gospel centered conversation tools across European countries.

With strong religious pluralism and growing resistance to the gospel, Europe is “hard soil” for evangelism, Josh explained. The Cobbs trust that compassionate listening and timely, caring conversations will continue to make a lasting impact.

“We appreciate the generous support of Southern Baptists, especially to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering®,” Josh said. “This faithful financial giving equips missionaries, like us, to share the gospel, help transform lives, and advance God’s kingdom across every culture.”