Lionel Ball served as a London City Missionary most of his working life. A whole generation of London City Missionaries are grateful to God for the encouragement given to them by him. Even today, some years after his retirement, missionaries regularly meet people who ask, Do you remember Lionel Ball?Before coming to the mission he worked with the police, where he was so highly regarded that he was appointed a Freeman of the City of London. This meant that he could drive sheep across London Bridge without paying. There is no record of him ever taking advantage of the privilege. Instead Lionel was to undertake a different sort of shepherding!The key place he worked was at the Covent Garden Mission, then a medical mission, but known locally as The Miracle Mission. Lionel and others used to gather people into a room there and show the Fact and Faith Films.Not unusually the room was filled with homeless men who were made to feel welcome by the open and generous welcome they received.Not unusually the room was filled with homeless men who were made to feel welcome by the open and generous welcome they received.Lionel Ball was also involved in mission activity in the London theatres. Blessed with a fine voice, and himself a gifted pianist, he related well to performers and won their confidence and love. There are many who can trace their early Christian influence back to Lionel Ball.