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to people with life-disrupting problems |
Prayer Letter
January 2010
Praying for Crisis Centre Ministries,
its work, staff
and clients
in the context of Bristol's inner city areas.
Tales from Lisa
Since the last news letter some really special things have been happening...
A woman that I have known for some years now has been in recovery for the last five months, and has really fought to get where she is today. Not only is this just truly incredible to see someone "live and be happy" it has been an inspiration to others.
When out together we bumped into a woman who is desperate for help with her addiction and she expressed that she also wants to be able to break free from addiction , "every night I go to sleep and when I wake up, I just think of her and it has given me hope that I could get clean too!!" "I'm so scared and I don't know how I can do this on my own."
Please pray for both women.
After an ever exhausting Christmas and New Year, I am not looking forward to sleeping out in the cold this year. But what an insight it can bring, it is a fantastic way to meet other supporters of the Crisis Centre, a chance to reflect over the last year and most importantly just a glimpse of how harsh and horrible it is to sleep outside in the cold weather. Fortunately we get the chance to prepare and are surrounded by safe people, toilet facilities, hot soup, drinks and a bit of a laugh and joke before settling for the night.
When in reality people have to sleep in awful unsafe conditions, wet dirty clothes, hungry, trapped in thoughts of pain, feeling worthless, alone and scared. It's at times like this when you are actually sat in the gutter that you convince yourself that you deserve it and all the negative things that have been said to you and the things you have done wrong etc means this is where you should be.. We know this is a lie. I think motivation is fuelled by feeling your contribution is appreciated and needed, that you are valued by others. Let's make others around us aware.
So not only in a bid to raise awareness and money to provide more for those in need, but remember people in our prayers, share a kind smile, highlight individuals' unique talents and gifts and pray we get a chance to tell people how Jesus died for our sins, that God loves us unconditionally and that each and every person deserves happiness and is important.
Brief Prayer Updates
From Paul...
- Our building project. Please pray that we are able to purchase the Queen Vic, that we can arrange for all the building work and fitting out to be done quickly, and for the necessary finance to be made available.
- Our clients. Many have still been sleeping rough in the cold weather. Pray for guidance in helping them, and that they are willing to make the necessary changes.
- Our staff and volunteers. We are under a lot of stress at present, which is not helped by the cramped conditions in the current coffee shop. Please pray for guidance, enthusiasm and safety, grace in difficult circumstances, and for more volunteers to meet the growing need.
- Influence on local strategy. We are talking with the council and Safer Bristol about provision of help for homeless people, and treatment for drug and alcohol addicts. Please pray for wisdom in what to say, and that the money being spent in this area can be used more effectively.
- Give thanks for all that God has been doing in the above areas, for the 307 people we have got off the streets of Bristol in the past year, and for so much more...
Thank you for praying with and for us.
Every blessing,
Paul.
General Manager
Crisis Centre Ministries