The Light shines in the darkness
Whilst the last few months have been pretty gloomy for many of us, somehow the light that is embedded within the spirit of humanity continues to shine.
John’s Gospel begins by reminding generations of believers that even in the darkest of circumstances:
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it”. John 1:5
Let me share a few insights with you about how Baptist Care SA, has continued to shine warm, comforting light into the lives of thousands of people who may have otherwise collapsed into the darkness of despair over recent months:
- FOOD – Tons of food donated by the churches have been distributed to people who are poor and vulnerable;
- SAFETY – 60-70 children and young people who are unable to live with their birth families have been provided with warm, safe homes along with support and encouragement from our Care Pathways team;
- HOPE – Baptist Care SA has played a key role in SA’s response to the needs of vulnerable young people who are dealing with pain, trauma and loss in their lives, being supported through alternative education pathways;
- RECONNECTION – Our innovative Tumbelin and Tumbelin Farm programs continue to build and restore supportive relationships with young people who are struggling to address substance abuse habits;
- SUPPORT – Our specialist Aboriginal Homelessness Team has provided accommodation to over 200 vulnerable people including 80-90 who were sleeping rough in and around the Adelaide CBD when the threat of the coronavirus descended upon our State;
- SANCTUARY – The Mylor Adventure Camp has provided safety and support for 60-70 Anangu women and children who were stranded in Adelaide, away from their APY homelands.
Amazingly, in the depths of a global pandemic, our society is learning fast about social responsibility, about our interconnectedness and about the need for respect and justice for all.
Ironically, out of the darkness of global pandemic and tragedy rises the “Black Lives Matter” movement which calls us all to account and I am reminded of the famous words of Dr Martin Luther King Jr: “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter”
Like a shaft of light, these rallying voices call all of humanity into action… especially those who love the people that our Lord loves.
What will your response be?
- One colleague said:“I can’t help feeling that the issues encompassed by the Black Lives Movements both internationally and here in Australia around Indigenous deaths in custody is the kind of issue Dr King was talking about”.
- When making $5000 gift to our Winter Appeal, one new donor said “everyone can do something” and this is what I can do… so I will!
- Another new donor – mentioned she was cold that morning and it made her realise that “our homeless community feels cold a lot! “.So her gift was her way to help.
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 to find a way. Perhaps you could consider making a generous donation via our Winter Appeal in this extraordinary year or perhaps you could write Baptist Care SA into your will?
Your support is vital to sustaining Baptist Care SA’s transformational work amongst the most vulnerable member of our society.
Blessings to you as you consider your response.
Graham Brown
Chief Executive Officer
Baptist Care SA
