(It was actually just featured in the newspaper this week: http://city-messenger.whereilive.com.au/news/story/salvos-start-up-new-saturday-service/.)
We start by serving a home cooked meal, then offer real coffee later in the evening. Throughout the night we have live music being played, XBOX or PlayStation for the clients, second hand clothes and blankets to give away, a room for them to sleep for a few hours, and just generally spend time with them. I usually only stay till about midnight, so I can be up for church the next morning, but some of the YWAM team stays there until 5am. We have a variety of people who come along. Most are homeless, some might have somewhere to live - but can't afford food. There are definitely some characters that come along. Some are challenging, but most of them are so kind & thankful. We've had so much positive feedback. People love that they can come and sit, they don't just get given a box of food, and then sent back out. We're trying to show them God's love and how much he values them in a very practical way.
I've enjoyed the times I've been able to chat with some of the clients. It's not usually deep stuff, but just talking - treating them as fellow humans, not just a recipient of charity. It's also been good to get to know some of the Salvos volunteers.
On a more personal note: It's been a month since I moved off base - and I'm loving it!
The freedom of going home at the end of the day is really helping with my stress levels.
We have also got a fourth house-mateThis is Asher - isn't he cute?
On base, I've been really busy with getting things ready for out DTS (Discipleship Training School) which starts on Monday night. At this point we have 14 accepted students. Three of those students are still waiting for visas, and there's still a few enquiries who might apply.
