Love mercy, walk humbly
BCM’s Care Centre Manager, Phil Ansell, reflects on a very special Christmas for their staff, volunteers and guests.
As I drive to work each day I see this building which is located close to the Five Ways roundabout. I’m not sure who owns it, and how long it has been derelict, but there are several people often sleeping in doorways very close to the building.
At the City Mission we believe it is important to put our faith into action, so the week before Christmas we provided two Christmas meals at the Care Centre. We lost count of how many came along over the two days, however out of the 100 gifts for men and 12 gifts for women, we were left with one and a half gifts for women!
Both days were truly joyful, with Geoff bringing his band ‘I’m homeless, “Get me out of here”’ to the first meal on the Wednesday, and BCM’s Chief Exec, Wes giving the message on the Thursday.
There were a couple of heartwarming stories that stood out over the two days. One man was reunited with his son - the smiles on both of their faces as they left with their gifts was truly special.
A lady came to the centre in a distressed state as her partner had recently committed suicide. Ruth (our Assistant Manager) walked the lady over to a local hostel as she had nowhere to sleep and was extremely vulnerable. The next day she returned to say she was feeling much better.
I truly believe the staff and volunteers at the Care Centre live out Micah 6:8 which reads:
The Lord has told you, O people, what is good.
And what does he require of you?
To do what is right, to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.
