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to people with life-disrupting problems |
Prayer Letter
May 2008
Praying for Crisis Centre Ministries,
its work, staff
and clients
in the context of Bristol's inner city areas.
Dear friends
The most noticeable thing about a dose of warm weather in the city is the rise of the general volume everywhere. Sat here typing this letter there is the most incredibly loud street music with hint of North African pervading the office. No, I assure you, Paul Hazelden isn't playing his latest CD purchase, it's actually the car wash situated opposite the Wild Goose trying out someone's new in-car sound system, to great effect! And if it's not music with a heavy beat, then it's sirens and buses going up and down the road and the sounds of the clients laughing and shouting that fill the office two storeys up with the sounds of summer.
In our busyness and amid the noise of summer we would ask you to continue to remember us in your prayers and also in your giving. We are still finding ourselves inundated with clients, often serving 90 meals in a three hour period, because unlike the weather their needs don't change. It may be less miserable being outside in fine weather, but ultimately people still are desperately needy for love, company, food and someone to show they care.
LITE course - Andy Luxford
The current LITE course has seen students come and go. However there have been three committed students plus others that have dipped in and out.
Please pray for their needs and for a building of their confidence.
One of our students from the last course has just completed two weeks work experience and the employer was so pleased with her, they offered her a further two weeks. She has been regularly attending a church and recently made a commitment to Christ along with another LITE student whilst they were attending the SORTED course being run by Andy on Wednesdays. The other student has recently moved to a new flat and has also been on a work experience which we hope will be a positive time for him.
Please remember them in your prayers.
Trudie Lane and Alan Goddard
These are a few updates of people Trudie and Alan have been spending time with, some old, some new.
- H was devastated when her husband left her and finds it impossible to believe it has actually happened. Please pray that, by the grace of God, she will be able to move forward and rebuild her life. She has also recently had quite a major health issue and it would be good to pray for her in that context too.
- C has asked for prayer. She said her problem is drink. She had been doing quite well, but because of her drinking problems things have fallen apart and she now finds herself homeless again, and 'dossing' with a friend.
- D is trying to come off the drink and being well supported by Alan. He is hoping for detox through his GP. Please pray that he gets the help he needs and is successful in getting off the alcohol and rebuilding his life. I told him we'd be praying
- D and family are gradually getting the help they need in managing the various aspects of their lives. God has been very gracious in answering prayer with this. Please pray that the appropriate services do materialise and that the family are able to use them well.
- T and family. T's partner has successfully completed training in fork lift truck driving. Please pray that he does go forward with this, find suitable work, earn money and support his family. T and the children are doing very well.
- J is a middle aged lady whose life seems to have collapsed around her - her husband left, her children have been taken away, there are issues with her mental health and she is homeless. Please pray for wisdom for the agency working with her and for appropriate accommodation and support to become available.
Please pray for the staff and volunteers here as they deal with varying client situations every day - for wisdom, understanding, love and for ways of expressing Jesus to the people they meet. Also for their protection.
Please pray for our clients, that they will find peace and rest at the Wild Goose and from that point be able to be restored both to God and society.
Thank you for thinking of us and for all your support. If you would like any further information about what we are currently involved in, for a list of items we regularly need for the coffee shop or for ways you can support the work here, please get in touch.
Claire Collins
Office Manager
Crisis Centre Ministries