StreetWise August 2009 – Quarterly Newsletter In This Issue – Introductions from the new staff! Lions and Tigers and....? Helping Vulnerable People Training Details and much more... Contents p.2 Dear Friends. p.3 Volunteer Support Co-ordinator p.4 Office Manager. p.5 Disco Dave! p.6 Lions and Tigers... p.8 Alans Update p.9 Assistant Coffee Shop Manager p.9 TRAINING COURSE p.11 For your diary... Dear Friends, You are probably familiar with the way a long-familiar verse suddenly leaps out at you as though you had never seen it before. This happened recently to me, with a text from Zechariah: “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit”, says the Lord Almighty (Zechariah 4:6b). It is a common temptation of those in power to operate through might and power – firstly, through threats and intimidation, and if that fails, through control. But it works the same way at all levels – the bully and the business both tend to use the same techniques. I guess it is a matter of habit and expectations as much as anything else. So much of life works this way that we can easily take it for granted. It is hard these days to buy anything other than the daily shopping: we don't actually buy good and services any more, we enter into contracts for them. And we don't have contracts to ensure each party knows that they will give and receive – that would at least make sense. No, we have contracts so that the other party can be punished if they fail to deliver what is expected. It's not about relationships, it is about power and punishment. God's way is completely different. He does not force us to obey, but He invites us to follow. He does not tie us in to a contract, but He offers us a new and better way of living. So often, we see God through the eyes of our expectations. He offers us life, but all we see is a contract: I will follow and worship You, and You will bless me and keep me and my family safe. I meet so many Christians who are hurt and confused, and one common reason why they are hurt an confused is because they feel God has not lived up to His end of the bargain: “I have attended church faithfully all these years, I have led worship and led homegroups, and despite that my wife is sick, or I have lost my job. Why has He let me down like this?” We need to keep on reminding ourselves: He offers us Jesus: a new life and a new relationship, not a contract. He offers us strength and hope, not a way to avoid life's problems. When we turn to Him for help, what we need – what we really need – is not His power, but His Spirit. Of course, we need both, but the power we need, to resist temptation and to heal the sick, comes from and through the Spirit. It is not the power we need, but God's Spirit working powerfully – working through us to bless others and in us to make us more like Jesus. Another common consequence of this wrong way of thinking is that we try to explain grace in terms of a contract – a contract in which God is responsible for both sides. God's grace is experienced through a relationship, not a contract. If it were a contract in which He does it all, what would be left for us to do? But the Bible is clear, even if we are muddled at times: He does not teach us to sit back and let Him do it all. Instead, we are invited into a relationship in which each party gives everything, and where His Spirit leads us to work hard, and work to the best of our ability. We cannot use power to accomplish God's work, but we can love people, under the guidance and using the power of His Spirit – not to destroy our enemies, but to turn them into friends and family. God is constantly working through His Spirit, changing people through a good example and an effective argument. We see this very clearly in the life of Paul, and most clearly of all in the Life of Jesus – the one we are called to follow as our Lord and our God. He showed us that is is possible to live and to work not by power but by God's Spirit. Are we really willing to follow Him down that path? Paul Hazelden, General Manager Snippets ... We've been asking some more of our regular visitors about themselves and what they think of us. Look out for these little snippets of people's lives through the newsletter. Volunteer Support Co-ordinator This job sort of fell out of an envelope. I have been a volunteer at the Crisis Centre in a minor administrative capacity (writing to say thank you to those who kindly send us money) for about 7 years. Previously I was vicar of a church just north of Bristol, but I had to retire for health reasons – M.E. or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome as is the more fashionable term these days (although I would reckon there is a difference between the two). As I had been feeling better lately, I was beginning to look for some part time work when by accident I found this job going – I was interested to see what was asked of the Office Manager (not a post I had any interest in whatsoever, Sian is welcome to it!) and the VSC job advert happened to be in the same envelope. It seemed to fit with the sort of things I can do/gifts that I have, so I applied and to my delight was appointed. Other biographical bits might include: I am aware of making a commitment to Christ when I was about 15, but when I actually became a Christian is a matter of debate, and will depend on your own definitions and theology. I worked in a bank for 4 1/2 years before studying theology at Trinity College. Ordained and served a curacy in Fulham, SW London before moving back to Bristol to oversee the planting (and building) of a church in Bradley Stoke. Married to Liz, we have three sons, although the middle one awaits “on the far side bank of Jordan”. (A clue to musical taste there for those with ears to hear.) In my first month I have been working at getting the records in some sort of order. We have a large number of volunteers for which we are very grateful, but the record keeping needs a lot of bringing up to date. As we work with Vulnerable Adults, all our volunteers should have been CRB checked. There is a bit of a black hole (Question: Can you have “a bit of a black hole?”) here too, so if you are a volunteer and I ask you to fill in a form, I apologise, but it has to be done. As I get to know volunteers and supporters, I hope we can continue to make volunteering at CCM something that is of mutual benefit to our customers, volunteers and their supporting churches. There are many opportunities for voluntary work here besides the café (LITE Course, Admin., Church Link, Cleaning, Finance). I believe it is important that we serve God as he has gifted us, and so we will look to place volunteers where their gifts can best be used. Anyway if I can help you or indeed you would like to help us, you can contact me at the office or via email: steve@crisis-centre.org.uk Office Manager Hi, my name is Sian and I joined the team at Crisis Centre Ministries in late July, filling the position of Office Manager. I am married to my wonderful husband Alex, we live in the Easton area with our cat Pixie and gerbils Egg and Fish. We are members of the Newfrontiers church in Cotham called City Church, a spirit filled, bible based charismatic church, and it was through an Alpha course run by them that I came to become a Christan. In my spare time I have many hobbies, including reading, crafting, hooping, and this year we have been trying our hands at growing our own fruit and veg with surprising success! Over the last 18 months I had been finding my previous job less rewarding and took the step of reducing my hours there hoping that would be the solution. However still unhappy we prayed about possibly looking for a new job (up until then I had really felt that God had put me there for a reason and wanted to stay) suddenly I felt a real release to move on and decided that I should start to look for something new. The timing was perfect! Within a couple of days I had heard about the opportunity at CCM and applied. This was the only job I applied for and was delighted when I was offered the position. I can not express how amazing it was to be able to write about the effect God has had on my life in my application form or how wonderful it felt to pray together at the interview!! A serious and miraculous change from my secular experiences. I have no doubt that God was in this move and I am so grateful for the change. I have been in the admin/customer services field for around 14 years and hope that my skills will help CCM staff volunteers and clients alike. In the first few weeks here I have been digging through what seams like a mountain of paperwork and trying to create an effective filling system. I am starting the ball rolling in regards to the clients Christmas party and putting the final touches to the AGM plans. If you are on our mailing lists, receive our prayer updates or donate to us I expect I will be in touch with you in the near future to ensure our records are up to date. If you need to get hold of me I am on the office number (01179423088) and my email is admin@crisis-centre.org.uk Disco Dave Many of you will know or have heard of the infamous Disco Dave. Hopfully you will have also heard that he is doing really well, not only is he volunteering at the Avon Wildlife Trust but he now has his own flat! Dave has been into see us at the coffee shop and mentioned in passing that his new pad is totally empty and he has no way of furnishing it (a grant will come in the future but these things have a habit of taking their time). Could you help? Do you have any furniture, linens, pots and pans maybe even a spare toaster or kettle that you would be able to give to Dave to help him make his flat into a home? If you do please could you get in contact with us at CCM we and Dave would be delighted to hear from you and very grateful for any donations. Lastly please do remember Dave in your prayers. Getting a flat is just the start pray that changes keep happening and that Dave keeps taking those steps forward! Lions and Tigers and LITE course Students In June, before the weather broke, eleven of us went to Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm for a great day out. As soon as we arrived the wilder among us (led by the staff!) leapt on the trampolines and other play equipment. We marvelled at animals ranging from sweet baby meerkats to magnificent white rhino. Emma’s ambition was to make friends with all the animals, eventually winning over the stubborn water buffalo. We handled reptiles, bounced around on a tractor and trailer tour of the farm, were intrigued by a falconry display, marvelled at the scale model of Noah’s Ark and all in all had a tremendously enjoyable time. Of the students from the last course, one is doing voluntary work; one did a two-week voluntary work placement and is now training towards work; one is moving away and looking for work locally; one dropped out because of ill health and two are returning in September to complete what they haven’t done on the course. Andy Snippets … Recently in the coffee shop we had a day which we were short staffed and I asked a woman who I have known for some years if she would please help. We had a wonderful day and after the shift while cleaning she told us how good it had made her feel being needed and good at something. This has lead to a very important life choice and we are currently looking at different ways we can do this but the choices are limited. So please pray that doors are not only opened but revealed Alan’s Update! Approximately eight months ago on a Friday afternoon a man walked into the Wild Goose carrying a small case. He was carrying a map of Bristol which had been given to him by the local housing department known as the Hub. I asked him his name and then realised this man could not speak any English. He indicated that he was hungry by put his hand to his mouth. After a lot of sign language and showing him food the word Muslim was said. After feeding him with fish and plain bread, I must say, I wondered what I was going to do with him. I started to pray and quite quickly I remembered the Muslim café and meeting place just down the road from us. I had not been in there before and this was to be an opportunity for me to see what it was like. I felt a little nervous and as I went into the building I explained I was from the Christian drop in centre a few 100 yards up the road and was trying to help this young man who had nowhere to live and could not speak English. I asked if they could try and translate for me. There must have been about 20 people in there but none spoke his language. I explained if this man was left on the streets of St. Paul's he could probably be mugged sot I ask again if they could try to find someone to translate. Some phone calls were made and I was told someone was coming from Eastern. I took a seat and everyone started to talk in languages I couldn't understand but most we smiling and very pleasant. Eventually a man turn up and I explained to situation. After a short conversation the interpreter told me that the man had fled a war and he would find him somewhere to live. I smiled at the man shook his hand a wished him all the best. I knew he couldn't understand me. About two months ago to my total surprise this man came back with a friend, asked for me, thanked me for all the help we had provided. I couldn't believe this man could now speak such good English. He asked me what work we do in the centre. I explained we were Christian organisation and it had been a privilege to help him. We all sat and had ice cream together and just chatted about his life. When they both left it was evident that they were eternally grateful for the help the Crisis centre had given him. Would you please continue to pray for the people who run and attend the Muslim café. They now always say good morning when I pass and a relationship has now started to be built. It is such a privilege to work for Crisis Centre Ministries. I realise that our volunteers work so hard and very often do not get individual thanks they deserve. The volunteers very often don't see the fruit of their work and I would like to have the opportunity to share some of the experiences we have had at the Crisis Centre. If you have weekly meetings, men's breakfast, ladies meetings etc. I would be very happy to come and share. Our AGM is taking place on 12th October and your support would be welcomed. Further details can be found in this edition of Streetwise. Alan Goddard CCM 0117 942 3088 Mobile 07967 596589 Email alan@crisis-centre.org.uk If you know of anyone who may benefit from our help please contact me. Snippets ... A man who has been coming here for quite some years recently became a grandfather, and bridges with his family are being built. His whole well being has changed and although he is still in addiction he is actively cutting down and seeking help. He smiles, walks taller and is interacting with people more. Training Course The Helping Vulnerable People course is starting again! If you haven't had a chance to complete this year long course already then now is your chance! The Course will cover many aspects of working with vulnerable people and each section is monthly with 2 opportunities to attend each month. Saturday daytimes will be at Trinity Tabernacle and Wednesday evenings at Crisis Centre Ministries. The first dates are Wednesday 9th 7.30pm-9.30pm and Saturday 12th 9.45am-1pm. Please contact the office for more details. Jeff would like to say thank you to Crisis Centre Ministries I phoned Crisis Centre Ministries asking for help. I had been an alcoholic for nearly 30 years. I met up with one of the staff and after a conversation the staff member agreed to come to the doctors with me to talk about putting in place a start to my recovery. The doctor was extremely helpful and was very impressed with the support the Crisis centre were giving me. The Crisis Centre arranged an assessment for me to go on a 26 day non residential rehabilitation course, 'Recovery Dynamics' at Serenity House. I completed the course and the Crisis Centre has continued to support me by taking me for many assessments and appointments and I now regularly attend their life recovery group. I am also looking forward to speaking at the AGM. Thank you again to all at Crisis Centre Ministries. Jeff Coffee Shop Assistant Manager Time seems to be going ridiculously fast since I started at the crisis centre, yet I feel like I've been here forever. The role is ever changing, one moment feeling excited and the next daunted from being faced with unique challenges weekly, to seeing rewarding outcomes is all part of being an assistant manager and constantly stretched in lots of ways. My relationships with people have also grown where we have shared good and bad times together, a better understanding of the 'real' person and earning peoples trust. This has brought with it, seeing people that are very complex being housed and supported. Which although I am the one who is pushing for the seemingly impossible to happen, I have actually been quite shocked that we have been able to obtain the required response. This year I personally have Housed 9 people who were blooming hard work due to mental health and learning difficulties God has been most definitely at work and it is wonderful to see lives starting to change for the better. Lisa New Building A massive thank you to all who came along to the prayer meeting in regards to our possible move to a new building. I hope that you will agree that we had a great evening and many brought words about the move. Although the majority have had a positive feeling towards this new building (the Queen Vic on Stapleton Road in Easton) a final decision is yet to be made. There are still some practicalities to be worked out (planning, finances, and the normal difficulties encountered when purchasing a property). Please do carry on praying into this for us, and if you have anything to share please do get in touch! We would be delighted to hear from you! Snippet ... With all the highs we sadly see a lot of lows, and it is very hard to see people going rapidly down hill without them wanting to accept help or feel they deserve it. One particular man has lost a large amount of his family at a young age and I have noticed a huge change in his character. He no longer makes eye contact with people and has become aggressive. Please pray for him. For Your Diary Monthly Prayer. Please come along and support us on the last Thursday of each month, starting at 7:30 pm. Please see the CCM diary or ring us for the venue. We are also starting a regular lunchtime prayer meeting. If you are interested in coming along to this, please contact the office for further details. AGM! This is a very important event for us and we are all looking forward to see as many faces as possible! This years AGM will be held at Trinity Tabernacle on Monday October 12th from 7.30 until 9.30, there will be refreshments served including food made in our very own coffee shop! The History of CCM I have just been handed an amazing book and can you believe that its all about CCM! An Ordinary Man with an Extra Ordinary God by Peter Hitchings with Carolyn Aitken (a short history of the start of Crisis Centre Ministries) is new to print and not yet available on Amazon although we are anticipating that it will be soon. I for one was not aware of just how many miracles happened to get this charity I work for now off the ground. This book will give you a great insight into the humble beginnings of Crisis Centre Ministries and a true understanding of why it all began. The great news is that you don't have to wait until it arrives on Amazon! You can obtain a copy from the office at CCM. The book retails at £4.50 and all profits go straight to Crisis Centre Ministries! If you would like a copy please feel free to drop me a line by post or at admin@crisis-centre.org.uk. Please note that the books can be collected in person or delivered at the cost of £1 to cover P&P Supporting the Crisis Centre Want to support us? You can make a difference too. PRAY! – Subscribe to our prayer emails to keep you up-to-date on current prayer needs. Follow the instructions on the ‘Email List’ page or the web site or email us. You could pray for the staff and volunteers, or you may be challenged by something you have read in the newsletter and want to pray for that person or situation. DONATE REGULARLY – For a standing order form please visit our web site or contact us. Regular giving gives us more freedom to plan for the future. Through Gift Aid your gifts mean even more! VOLUNTEER – Come and be a part of what is happening here. We need volunteers to help serve in the Wild Goose, to help Andy on the LITE course, to fund raise for us and to support our clients and their families. Speak to us and see where you could get involved. FUND-RAISE – Please encourage your church, school or youth group to make us one of their preferred charities and then fund-raise for us. INVITE US TO SPEAK – We would be delighted to visit your church, home group, youth group, women’s group, or any other kind of group, and speak about the work of CCM. DONATE FOOD – Please donate tins and dried food. For details please call us, or see the list on the ‘Current Needs’ page of the web site. SURF THE INTERNET – Go to our web site and visit the ‘Support via Web Search’ page. Bookmark one of the search engines on that page and use it as your default Internet search. We get a small donation for every search performed via either of these sites. REMEMBER US IN YOUR WILL – Please contact us for details. BUY BOOKS ONLINE – Again, you can do this by visiting our web site. Amazon give us a percentage of the sales via our web site, and it costs you nothing.