Support

I am prayerfully seeking to support my serving amoungst the homeless and disadvantaged.

In an attempt to fund my ministry and efforts within the community, I am seeking to raise support for my work as a Pastor, Counsellor and Community Development worker with the homeless and disadvantaged in the local community of Croydon and surrounds. To begin with, I want to match the Government “New Start” Allowance — $409 per fortnight. I believe this is achievable as a base to start from — 41 people supporting this ministry for $10 per fortnight. I am currently on the “New Start” Allowance but believe that my time is spent serving and is not the realm of the Government, but the Kingdom.

My ministry here involves several aspects including Pastoring and Counselling, as well as advocacy and Community Development.

Currently, my week consists of several firm time commitments that can be measured by time and results. These are;

• Monday — Teaching a class, “Hearing the Voice of Culture” for students at Big House Communities studying a Diploma of Ministry
• Tuesday — Preparing, Organising and being part of the team that prepares and runs The Dining Room — a community meal that serves over 100 people each Tuesday.
• Thursday - Part of the team that interacts and is part of the community at Vive Cafe — run by Re:Vive Church

Most of the week is often spent pastorally caring for and advocating for the guests and community that revolve around the meals. This often includes visitation and liaising on their behalf with agencies and Government bodies. Further more, I am an Advocate and Community Development Worker, seeking to build relations and foster connections within the community to support the guests — this includes speaking about poverty and homelessness to schools and churches, as well as representing the work with the homeless in organisations such as the Eastern Homelessness Network.

Sadly, the need for full-time ministry amoung the homeless and disadvantaged, including pastoring, counselling, advocacy and community development is rapidly growing.

This is due to many facets, including the economic crisis and other factors. 2008 saw a 25% increase in average weekly attendance at The Dining Room — with most weeks seeing 110 people attending. Many of these face addictions or mental illness and both meals provide a safe place and kind ear. A majority of these people are also involved the welfare system — feel trapped and caught in the dependency. Through efforts like this ministry, the aim is to stand with the oppressed and provide justice and support.

This year, there are many plans including the planting of a church amongst the community — called “Sanga’s”, the lunch based fellowship will be a time to share a meal, discuss spiritual and issues brought to the table by the guests, as well as pray for the guests and community. Further along, there are plans for the formation of a Sunday gathering centered along a community meal and worship. In addition, a second-hand bookshop and cafe to support the ministry and community meals is being prayed for and discussed.

So, please, I urge to join with me in this ministry. To start with, I am asking for just a commitment of $10 per fortnight from 41 people around the World. I believe, even in these tough economic times, that I serve a King, and that there are folk in the kingdom who can support this ministry. If you’re in the USA or UK — AUS $10 is alot less!

To summise;

To begin with, I am after 41 good folk to support me in my serving amongst the homeless, at $10 per fortnight, the same as the Government Allowance. If you feel lead to contribute more, please do.

Support via PayPal — Credit Card or PayPal
One Off Donation	$10 — Fortnightly Support	$260 — 1 Year’s Support

For those who support and are interested, I will provide monthly updates here on this page, and for those who supply an email address, a  fortnightly prayer email. So, I urge you, to please take the time to consider supporting this ministry.

Please note, at this stage donations are NOT tax-deductible. In the near future it is hoped to be able to offer this.