“ We reach out into our local community through an op shop and cafe that has been running for 10 years .
That gives us a lot of connections and we have been able to build relationships with people in our local community and come alongside them . It ’ s encouraging that a number of them have been open to me praying with them or visiting them in their homes .
As a church , we just come alongside people who come amongst us ! We don ’ t need to go out and look for them - God brings them to us and we take the opportunity to build relationships . We make sure to get to know each person and hear something of their story .
And as we do , we look for opportunities to talk about Jesus and to help them know that Jesus is the good news . It ’ s just about faithfully living alongside people .” - Tricia , Camden Baptist Church
“ Losing your home due to natural disaster is an incredibly traumatic and destabilising event . Over the last few months I have had the privilege of walking alongside folk in our local communities who have lost their houses as a result of Cyclone Freddy .
It ’ s been a slow process as we assess each of close to 90 houses and start to assist with materials and labour for the rebuilding process . As we attend to people ’ s practical needs for shelter , we get to hear their stories of hardship and pain .
Supported by generous supporters in Australia , we are able to provide some hope – both physically and spiritually – to people who have had one of their most basic necessities stripped away from them .
In the midst of their distress though , we also get to hear their stories of incredible resilience and endurance , which is a great encouragement as we journey together .” - Gunther , Malawi
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