the possibilities are endless..

I had a really good conversation today with some people from 614 about opportunities for outreach in our communities, and I left feeling extremely challenged, with a massive burden on my heart to get our there and make a difference!

At one point in the discussion we were talking about young people who live in residential homes. These are kids who for whatever reason cannot live with their parents, and aren't "suitable" for foster care, and so end up in these residential homes. So you have a mass of teenagers, who all have issues and need one on one attention, massed together in a house with a few workers, who have good intentions, but are overworked.

What an amazing opportunity does the church have to get involved in these kids lives and be positive role models. Why don't we get in there and do breakfast for them and just chat with them, show an interest in them, and give them the attention that their workers, mostly because they're under resourced, can't. Why aren't we filling the gaps?!

And then I started thinking about the endless amount of opportunities we have to "fill the gaps". Homework groups, mentoring programs, breakfast clubs, working with kids who have criminal record issues, family breakdown services, refugees, international students, coming alongside young mums, going into boarding houses, outreach to homeless people, accommodation services, education, working with kids in care... the list goes on!

I commend those who do work in these areas as I speak (or type I should say), but more can be done! Even people in the field will tell you that there's more that could be done, and will appreciate any help anyone could provide.

I can't wait to get back home and get involved in my community. Its probably the first time I've actually felt really excited about the possibilities after this year. Praise God for that. I'm so excited that He's stirring up that passion and fire in me to release me for serving Him and my community next year. I'm praying that He'll stir up people to get on the bandwagon with me... a bandwagon of people who seek the heart of their God. A people who pray to Him and seek his wisdom and guidance. A people who have a burden on their heart for the marginalised and oppressed. A people who are no longer satisfied with the status quo.

Just like Big Kev used to say, I'm excited! So excited I want to jump around like a jellybean.. (do jelly beans jump?!) Bring it on!

For Him Alone
Ness :-)