Prayer Letter
April 2003

Praying for Crisis Centre Ministries,
its work, staff and clients
in the context of Bristol's inner city areas.

From Paul, General Manager, CCM

The half day review with trustees, staff and volunteers was very helpful, and we plan to do something similar later in the year. Please pray that we get the right balance between looking at the bigger picture of where we are and where God wants us to be going, and the details of helping people the best way we can here and now.
Nick Wood joined us as Coffee Shop Manager on 1 March, on a 6 month short term contract. He is already proving himself to be a tremendous asset. Please pray for him.
Sam continues to be off work sick. Please pray for clear guidance for her future.
For me, I am increasingly spending time talking with people and groups, and God seems to be blessing this, but I am getting more and more behind with my paperwork. I need some sort of miracle here.

From Jayne, Catering Co-ordinator, The Wild Goose

Sean is in hospital. Pray he gets well soon. We have some other clients in hospital too and it would be good to pray for them.
Rachel is someone I have been spending a lot of time with. Pray that she keeps going the way she is, not using drugs any more.
Thank you to everyone for what they're doing at CCM
There was an incident in the shop on 25 March where a client became violent and injured one of our volunteers. This doesn't happen often, but is a shock when it does. Please pray for all the staff in the shop, that they will feel safe and know that God is with them.

From Chris Hibbs, Andrew House, Clevedon

I am delighted to tell you that God's graciousness has reached a wonderful point. Our first 'resident' joined Andrew House on Monday, followed by a second on Wednesday. The house looks splendid and the ground floor and first floor are almost as good as they can be. We just need a new carpet in the Association/Dining Room and a new kitchen is about to be installed.

Keith, Mandy, Martin, Bev, Andy and I have already begun our support roles (Helen will join us April 1st) and we want to have more residents as soon as the beds are physically available (only one left at present). We have had two more enquiries, one of which was not suitable. I have had good contacts with rehabs and other people in the 'business' who are pleased to know they can refer to us.

I have learnt that this whole project will founder if there is not continual prayer alongside the financial and talent commitment that is required. We must be persistent and consistent.

From Paul Tipler, Aspire

There have been many changes to thank God for at Aspire during the last few weeks. Vivienne Cable has started as our part-time support worker, several volunteers are now working hard and the building is looking very tidy and ready for work. Best of all, at the time of writing, two new employees are due to start today and by the time you read this we should have four! We have been developing good relationships with the Crisis Centre staff and we hope to have one or two new workers from their referrals very soon. We really want to be able to carry on the support the Crisis Centre has started to offer people as they take another important step in their lives.

Please pray for:

For the ongoing needs of the employees and our ability to support their needs.
Our contacts with Bridging the Gap and the European Social Fund. If successful this project will fund the launch of a new window cleaning business and enable us to employ several more homeless workers.
The Bristol City Council contacts as they now control some significant funding.
A voluntary support Worker for Thursday and Friday.
A voluntary driver to release Paul for other much needed activities at certain times in the week.

From Nick, Manager, The Wild Goose

Protection for staff and volunteers. This is an ongoing issue and our attention has been particular drawn to this in view of an incident in the shop on 25 March.
There is violence in and within homeless community. Please pray for peace
Kitchen refurbishment. Plans are underway and significant contacts have been made. Please pray that all the practical elements will come together and that it will be possible to complete the work reasonably quickly.
Please pray for more volunteers for The Wild Goose, particularly during the day on Thursdays.

From Sue Thorne, SPACE (Space for Parents and Children to Enjoy)

Because of ongoing financial difficulties we have needed to decide to close down with effect from 4 April. However, on 3 April, I have a meeting with Bristol City Council who may provide funding for the organisation. Please pray that this funding will be forthcoming, and also for the staff and clients of the organisation at this unsettled time.

From Andrew, Project Manager, LITE

The new format LITE Course starts on 28 April. We will be offering drop-in training at specific times each week. Please pray that this will be well used by clients.
Andrew House in Clevedon has recently opened. Starting 17 April, I will be taking the LITE course to the house one day per week. Please pray for this. I want to be able to train staff as well as residents so that the course becomes part of the programme of the house.
24 March was the graduation of two LITE students, Di and Tracey. They have both completed the programme and representatives of outside agencies as well as Trustees and volunteers of CCM were present at the graduation. Di is going on to college, and Tracey to a placement locally. Pray for them as they take their next step.
Also please continue to pray for Jason who is doing well, working with Bristol Trust for Conservation Volunteers and planning to start at Cannington College in September.

From Trudie, Administrator, CCM

I'm enjoying counselling training and this has an impact on my work. The time taken at university and counselling clients is time I cannot use in the office. There are some brilliant volunteers helping in the office and it would be good to have at least one more. It's hard to find time to consider the options and I would appreciate your prayers about organisation of my time, priorities and understanding how I can use what God and my training are building into me.
For wisdom and patience as we struggle with the need for a larger property and the dreams we have about how we could use it
We are in consultation with other Christian organisations in the inner city about the possibility of working together. This could be important in terms of Government policy and requirements. Please pray that the ears of all concerned will be open to God, and that the pressure of time and meetings will not cause us to miss a significant opportunity.
Bridgehead is going well, brilliant input from a number of people, a few regular clients (be good to have more clients). We have a Bridgehead Planning meeting arranged for late April and we'd appreciate your prayers regarding that.
Please remember the prayer meeting here at CCM on Monday 14 April, 7.30 pm. It would be good to see you

You will notice that a number of other organisations are included in this prayer sheet and we like to be able to share prayer requests in this way. Any comments, feedback, scriptures, responses - please get in touch with me.

Trudie Lane 28.3.03

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Prayer LetterApril 2003