The effectiveness of story was powerfully demonstrated at the Down and Dromore Diocesan Poverty Forum held in Dromore Cathedral Halls on 26 November.
It was an inspiring afternoon as Bishop Harold Miller facilitated an exchange of experiences and stories among 20 clergy and laypersons.
Some are just setting out on this road and were there to learn. Others are already experienced and had stories to tell of God’s provision and goodness, of the challenges faced and some practical advice to share. It was an intentionally intimate meeting as, more often than not, change comes through one person with a passion to make a difference.
Iris Sherrard from Seagoe Parish is one such example. After reading the Poverty Think Tank report ‘On Our Doorstep’ published in June, Iris was convinced that she had to “Just do something.” After waking up in the wee small hours with the conviction to start a charity shop she did just that!
With permission from her rector, Canon Terence Cadden, Iris asked for volunteers, for donors and for customers and set up the ‘On Our Doorstep Charity Shop’ in the back of the old school.
The project was not without its discouragements but, during the month of October, £2000 was raised for the work of Christians Against Poverty in the area. The charity shop has remained open for November with revised opening times and all proceeds will be given to The Salvation Army Christmas Appeal. Iris expects to be able to hand over a cheque for around £850.
Lynn McFarland is another person who has followed her passion to help the broken in our society. After growing up with alcoholism, Lynn is about to set up only the second Celebrate Recovery® group in Ireland. Celebrate Recovery® is a biblical and balanced programme which can help people overcome hurts, habits and hang–ups and it is based on the Beatitudes. The programme compliments the valuable work of secular recovery groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Gamblers Anonymous. Read about it here.
We heard from John Beatty in Knocknagoney Parish, working with all stakeholders in the community to tackle the roots of poverty, rather than constantly firefighting. This is as simple as giving the elderly the best advice for keeping warm or setting up a GCSE Club to encourage young people to return to school for sixth form.
Canon David McClay shared another simple idea about to be implemented in Willowfield, called ‘Winter Warmers’. In response to the reality of fuel poverty, the church is going to open their cafe at the bottom of the Ravenhill Road and offer a warm place where people can come for a cuppa. For some, the alternative could be hanging around a shopping mall all day in an effort to keep warm.
Christians Against Poverty in Lurgan and District has just had a CAP Families evening which is a night to spoil and bless the families with whom the charity is working. Basil O’Malley shared how over 100 people came along and 16 committed their lives to the Lord. Others made a recomittment and still others received prayer for healing.
‘Via Wings’ in Dromore goes from strength to strength and Gail Redmond and Sue Johnston had many stories to share of the women who have benefitted from the project. Four of their ladies have found employment, two have come to faith and others are seriously reflecting on God’s word.
Other areas touched on were the work of Mother’s Union among women prisoners in Hydebank, the distribution of food hampers and the work of Embrace NI among people seeking asylum, refugees, migrant workers and minority ethnic people in Northern Ireland.
And finally, some quotes from the afternoon…
“This kind of engagement, rather than just ‘keeping the show on the road’ energises us and actually we become a different kind of church.” Bishop Harold in his opeing thoughts.
“The poor don’t have a choice, therefore we need to offer them the very best.” James Odgers, Besom Founder, quoted by Canon David McClay.
“Christianity isn’t for real, it’s only for Sundays.” Observation of a resident of Knocknagoney in an initial survey carried out by John Beatty.
“This is a kind church.” Later observation of a Knocknagoney resident.
“It’s attraction not promotion.” How one of the Via Wings girls described the project’s approach to sharing their faith.
“Our experience is that it’s not the food we’re handing over that’s most important, it’s the hand that’s giving it.” Gail Redmond, Via Wings