“The arc of the moral universe is long but it bends toward justice” – Dr Martin Luther King Jr
I have long believed it takes a community of contributors to achieve real and sustainable social change in lives and communities. It also seems to me that our Lord’s instruction to put love into action is well summarised in Romans 12:9-13.
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
There are many and diverse ways in which followers of Jesus take action to extend the kingdom of God.
Recently we highlighted the amazing work being undertaken by local Baptist churches through Collaborative Community Projects. Their dynamic responses to the needs of local communities is aided by the generous support of the Baptist Care SA Foundation (donor support very welcome!).
As we re-emerge from the COVID-19 emergency, Baptist Care SA is urgently seeking to mobilise volunteers for areas of service at the WestCare Centre, including:
Kitchen Assistants who help prepare and serve 100-120 meals to homeless people each day.
Pastoral Care Assistants who can sit, listen and encourage
people who are living life under layers of adversity.
Community Food Hub Assistants who learn retail skills whilst providing low-cost food to low income and vulnerable people.
Pre-COVID, the WestCare Centre was enriched by the daily contributions of a dedicated team of 60+ people who contributed over 250 weekly hours of volunteer support.
Post-COVID our WestCare services are constrained due to only having approximately 50% of our usual volunteer workforce. If you would like to help out this critical work, please register interest via our website.
In closing, I encourage members and friends of our Baptist Movement to find ways to strengthen the community by responding to the needs of vulnerable and disadvantaged people.
Inspired and empowered by the servant heart of Jesus Christ, may each of us to ‘dare to do’, and find a way to participate in a community of contributors that reflects good news in local circles as each is enabled.
Yours in Christ,
Graham Brown
