“Take Care of my Sheep” says our Lord
Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” John 21:16
The COVID-19 Pandemic invoked fear, anxiety and uncertainty as it swept across our nation, our communities and our homes. For some it has meant loss of life, and for others loss of freedom to move at will around our great nation.
But spare a thought for those who are a long way from home…
Think of the thousands of International Students that have ventured to live and study our fine city… many of whom now find themselves alone and unable to make ends meet because:
- The financial support they normally rely upon from parents has ceased because family members are now unwell, unemployed and unable to send money to support their sons and daughters studying in Australia
- They can’t get work in hospitality and other casual roles as businesses are now longer employing staff
- They struggle with speaking our anguage, so they don’t know how to ask for help.
Our Inner City staff team at the WestCare Centre has been playing a prominent role in response to the desperate needs of these students by providing free or low cost food and other Emergency Relief services. One day in mid-July, 560 basic food hampers were provided to international students who had queued for hours in Wright Street. Most days there is a long line of students waiting to access low cost food from our Community Food Hub.
We give thanks to God that with the generous support of our donors, Baptist Care SA’s compassionate and dedicated staff are enabled to stepping up to the challenge in response to pour Lords’ directive to “Take Care of my Sheep”.
By working together, the Baptist Movement of South Australia continues to make this sort of compassionate response possible. We thank you for your generous financial support and ongoing commitment to care and be in prayer for all those whom our Lord dearly loves.
So if you haven’t already found a way to respond to the needs of others, to shed light into the darkness… I urge you once again to find a way to be blessing to others.
Perhaps you could consider:
- Making an Impact NOW – by making a personal or business donation to Baptist Care’s Winter Appeal, or perhaps,
- Make an Enduring Impact – have you considered writing Baptist Care SA into your will so the impact of your faithfulness and generosity can be sustained for many years to come.
When you “Take care of my sheep…” you are making a highly valued contribution sustaining Baptist Care SA’s missional work ‘on earth as it is in heaven’, amongst the most vulnerable members of our society.
Blessings to you as you consider your response.
Graham Brown
Chief Executive Officer
