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Read MoreBarney and Sara's News
Barney & Sara August 2024
Unfortunately the need and busyness of our youth and community charity Boundless Trust seems to be growing. The need usually dips a little in the summer as there is more seasonal work available and energy bills are lower. Having had a few years of struggling with over tourism, Cornwall has suffered this year with a 40% dip in visitors. The increased need has meant we have had to tighten the criteria on our bi-weekly community meals. These are meals cooked by local restaurants and delivered twice weekly to those in need. We are seeking to help those who don’t meet the new criteria in other ways that are hopefully a better fit, more sustainable for us and more empowering for them. However it never feels good and isn’t always well received when you have to change a service.
We hope some of our increased busyness does come from more people in Looe knowing that we are here. We certainly have seen some growing press interest in our activities as well as increased referrals from word of mouth and other agencies.
One of the press stories can be found here.
Our latest offering is a befriending service. We were finding many of those receiving community meals didn’t see anyone other than the delivery driver twice a week. Not only are people very isolated but the drivers have picked up other issues where people have become vulnerable. One man literally had his life saved when he hadn’t answered the door to receive his meal we were concerned so persisted in gaining entry to find him in a very poor state. We now have people who visit regularly with time for conversation and to check in on wellbeing.
Currently we are in the midst of holiday clubs where we open up opportunities for children and young people to enjoy activities on their door step that often they wouldn’t otherwise afford or access. It’s always great fun although very tiring!
Local Ministry
We continue to gather with a group of local Christians. Some of us have grappled with faith, some of that as a result of some difficult experiences in Churches. Whilst we hold space for doubt and struggle we also encourage each other to rebuild a faith that is loving, gracious and authentic. Despite the struggles some have had with belief, all of us in different ways are living out the good news in Looe and our places of work.
Sara and I continue to try not be too busy so that we have availability for God and for others.
I (Sara) am particularly keen to be ‘available’ when invited as I have recently experienced the fruit of these occasions both in my own personal nurture and in the conversations that are had. When I have been available it has been fascinating to hear others. One woman who I had not met before came out swimming with myself and another friend. When offered coffee after the swim I accepted and the woman shared how she had recently been away and stayed on a camp site that happened to be run by a Christian family. Whilst away she damaged her shoulder and could not lift her arm above waist height. When paying for the trip the family owning the site offered to pray for her shoulder. Though she felt this was a little weird she still said yes and they laid hands on her. She spoke of her surprise when after prayer they asked how it was and she lifted it above her head. The woman shared this with her husband who scoffed at the story but she confessed to me she thought it was magic. I said that I believed God was the one who does magic in healing.
My second opportunity to be available for coffee gave a chance to hear about a lifetime of knowing God. This had been stunted by a church dismissing domestic violence disclosure and alienating them when they had the courage to leave. She spoke of the comfort in finding people who loved God but did not make people feel pressured or wrong. Once again they could see God in their midst. When we have time to accept invitation God gives us ears to hear.
Wider Ministry
I (Barney) have been travelling further afield recently which I have really enjoyed. In particular I had opportunity to go with friends and colleagues from Incarnate (Anabaptist Mennonite Network) to Zimbabwe. We heard some powerful and very moving stories of those who are working to bring peace and reconciliation to a very trouble and divided country. I was literally moved to tears hearing the stories of violence and suffering. Yet the hope in those prepared to set aside revenge to build peace and trust was inspiring. As we witness the terrible violence and division on our streets in the U.K. at the moment I am wondering what we might learn from our friends in Zimbabwe.
I have recently been invited to co-lead Urban Expression with Alex Ellish as Stuart Murray-Williams founder and leader for twenty-six years moves on. Stuart has been a teacher and mentor to us both so it feels an immense privilege to take on this role and I am really pleased to get the opportunity to work with Alex.
I (Sara) continue to work with National Estate Churches Network which is growing in influence to host more conversations and understanding of ministry in low income communities and social housing estates. The role however often fills more than its time so finding a balance between the different elements of work has its challenges as I seek to remain available to God and our local community.
Partner with us
There are various ways that you can partner with us.
Pray for us:
For wisdom as we find the best and most empowering ways to work with people in our community who are struggling.
For our faith group as we seek to grow in our own faith and live that out among our wider community.
That we will be discerning with our time and remain available to God and others.
We really appreciate phone calls, emails, letters and visits. There is only so much we can put in a newsletter! We would be happy to hear from you or even host you on a visit to Looe.
Financially:
We continue to partner with financial supporters to give us more freedom to be available to God and to others in a way that even paid ministry doesn’t allow. If you would like to support us financially either with a one off gift or ongoing support the best way is through our Stewardship Services Account. Details can be found at https://www.give.net/20042988
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