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An article from the December 2000 edition of the 'St Mary Messenger', the parish newsletter of St Mary Magdalene, Stoke Bishop. Used with permission.

Living out the Gospel in St Paul's

COMING IN OFF THE STREETS

'There's no airs and graces here', said a satisfied customer tucking into a hearty meal of lamb stew and chips, 'There's always a smile and a hot meal to welcome you.' He was speaking of the Missing Peace coffee shop in City Road at the Stokes Croft end of St Paul's. It is a simple, clean establishment with the sizzle of cooking in the background. Its bright colours and cheery table cloths invite you in. But it is a café with a difference.

The Missing Peace provides succour to those living on the streets. With no questions asked it provides a hot meal in the middle of the day for anyone living rough. While I was there a steady trickle of people came in to take advantage of the two course lunch. There is no charge but donations are welcome. I noticed these were not withheld. There were many praises for the food which customers said was tasty and filling. A typical menu will include a hot dish, such as chilli con carne, salmon in a hollandaise sauce or spaghetti bolognaise followed by a cold pudding. While I was there a volunteer brought in a large and delicious looking trifle she had prepared.

The Missing Peace was opened in 1984 by Derek Groves. It formed part of his Crisis Centre Ministries, set up as a Christian response to what he describes as 'young people experiencing life-controlling problems'. This euphemism covers a frightening list of ills - drug and alcohol addiction, homelessness, family rejection, depression, crime, prostitution, and gambling. All who come into the cafe have at least one of these problems, often several of them together.

The coffee shop has two regular workers, Dick and Jane. Both experienced homeless problems. Jane lived rough and was four years an alcoholic before finding the help at the Crisis Centre to enable her to make something of her life. She became a Christian and now is witness to those who come in of what can be achieved. 'The helpless become helpers and the hopeless have hope.'

The coffee shop is the front line. It provides food, fellowship and a listening ear. But in the long term the Crisis Centre aims to help those unemployed and on the street to re-build their lives. This is a long and uncertain process. Andy Luxford runs a special course at the Centre teaching life-skills. It aims to give those who attend a reason to change. 'People on the street', says Andy, 'lack any sense of identity. Their self worth is zero. They lack hope. Our aim is to build a relationship with them, to build their trust and to show them a way forward.' This could mean introducing them to a drug rehab centre, a college or a possible employer. But it takes time, patience and a lot of prayer. For those who have lived without hope it takes a long time to feel the confidence and stability in their lives to take the giant step back into the world.

St Mary's has been involved with the Crisis Centre for some of years. There are a number of practical ways we can help. One is to buy meal vouchers (£5 for 5) which can be given to those on the street rather than cash. Although Andy reckons that only a quarter bought come back into the coffee shop, it means the Centre has the money and it gives the recipient the confidence to come in. A second practical way of helping is to become a voluntary worker either serving in the coffee shop or preparing dishes. The need is great. At present the Missing Peace is open on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday (11-4) and Saturday (11-2) and on Thursday night from 8 to 10.30. They would like to open every day but are way short of the numbers of staff needed. Proverbs 29:18 says: 'Where there is no vision, the people perish …..' The Crisis Centre is living witness of that vision in action.