This afternoon (Wednesday 11th January) at PW, not only did we share a lovely lunch, but we were pleased to have David Templeton with us to talk about the work of Safe Families in our area. Safe families are a charity which trains up volunteers to get alongside families who might need a little bit of support. As is often the case when a speaker comes along, we were challenged by the knowledge that many of us are in a privileged position. Many of us have good networks of support through family, friends, or church family, for which we are thankful. Through his role in Safe Families David has met families, of various make ups, who lack support or find themselves isolated.
Training up volunteers also includes the necessary checks to keep everyone safe and then volunteers are matched to a family to lend some support. David was able to give us some real-life examples of how transformative this support can be. The support itself in David’s words is often “not earth shattering”. In many situations it’s meeting with an individual once a fortnight, having coffee, going for a walk, spending time and being a listening ear. It might look like respite, minding a child, walking a dog or a practical task. He told us some beautiful yet simple examples of how the relationships formed and the conversations had can make a huge difference in people’s lives.
I asked David afterwards what he would say if someone was thinking of volunteering but was nervous that the demand might be too much or a situation too difficult. In response David explained that in his role he checks in with volunteers every 3 weeks and is there to support them which sounded encouraging.
If you are interested in finding out more there will be two leaflets on the vestibule table on Sunday morning or alternatively you can search for www.safefamilies.uk. You can support safe families by praying, volunteering or financial giving. If you have any questions, I’m sure David would love to hear from you. *
David concluded his talk by pointing us to another David’s words in 2 Samuel Ch 9 v 1, “Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?”.
He challenged us to think, is there anyone left in my family, my street, my school, my workplace, in Islandmagee or beyond to whom I can show kindness?
Maybe you would consider becoming a volunteer with safe families which is great. But all of us can keep our eyes and hearts open to the opportunities to show Christ like kindness to those people we meet.
*Contact Safe families – 02893363853 or northernireland@safefamilies.uk
Last night (November 2022 Meeting) at PW Sharon Heron spoke to us about the powerful and exciting ways God is at work through the International Meeting Point in both South and North Belfast. Did you know there are around 70 Iranians who meet regularly for bible study translated into the Farsi language at the IMP at the bottom of the Lisburn Road? Daily workers and volunteers serve lunch to those people who come to the centre. On a Wednesday around 100 International and some homeless people are served lunch. Sharon extended an invite to us to come and provide a simple lunch and see what goes on at the IMP. Maybe this is something we could do. Did you know at present there are around 1500 asylum seekers or refugees in hotels across Belfast, 200 of these are children without a school place? Sharon acknowledged that it’s a complex complicated situation but she opened our eyes to first hand accounts of real lives forced to flee their homes due to war, religious persecution, violence, abuse and oppression. She spoke of the amazing privilege to spend time with people, to love them, to care practically for them and help them get back on their feet. Some of these people have faith in God but it has been severely knocked by their experiences. At the IMP they are nurtured back to spiritual health. Many are not Christians and Sharon told us powerful stories of God opening eyes and hearts, questioning and coming to faith. How wonderful! What struck me also was the importance of time and consistency. Sharon told us one story on an Iraqi man and his family who they had supported practically over years getting settled in Northern Ireland. He returned to them a few years later yearning to talk about God along with his wife. God was at work and Sharon and her colleague had the privilege of witnessing them take that step of faith and trust in Jesus as their saviour. Praise God! IMP is a ministry of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland but has particularly close links with its neighbouring congregations of West Kirk (Shankill Road) and Windsor (Lisburn Road). West Kirk have planted a church at the IMP and its numbers have grown from 20 to 70-80. Praise God! Lastly I'll mention the Op shop at Carlisle Circus. This is a 2nd hand baby shop which Sharon tells us is beautiful. There is also a beautiful Christian lady who runs it. She is gifted in talking to & loving those people who come into the shop but she is also a gentle & mighty prayer warrior who has consistently prayed for the work that is evolving in the area. My prayer at the end of the evening was that we would yearn to see God at work in our area in powerful and exciting ways too. Praise God for all he is doing through the IMP and pray for Sharon, Keith Preston and all the other workers and volunteers involved.
Blessings
Jacqui