You Can Make A Difference
In Matthew 15 v 32 we read of Jesus talking to his disciples prior to the story we know of as the feeding of the 5,000. He says, “I have compassion for these people.” This feeling of compassion for those in any form of need around Him was one of the hallmarks of Jesus’ ministry. One definition of “compassion” is “a deep awareness of the suffering of another coupled with the wish to relieve it.”
What do you feel when you hear of the many, many varied problems that people have to live with and cope with daily? When we look at the world situation we can feel quite overwhelmed by it all and it may be easier to “bury our heads in the sand.”
Realistically we know that there are many small ways in which we can make a difference even in lives of others we will never meet, but what about those who in geographical terms are our “neighbours.” Here we really can make a difference.
Over the last months we have been sharing the vision we have for reaching out into the community of Newhills.
A meeting with local Health Visitors and Community Nurses highlighted to us the great need right on our doorstep. There are folk who once they have been helped out of bed in the morning by a carer never hear another live human voice till another carer arrives to help them to bed. There are housebound, sad, lonely and sick people who would love someone just to pop in and brighten the day. There are carers coping 24/7 who would really appreciate a little break.
There are many other problems and it would be wonderful to be able to help with them all but we have to be realistic and start in a small way. To do this we are planning the next step in setting up our befriending service.
Befriending means just what is says –“to act as a friend to.” I know many of you already do this in many different ways but I would ask you all to consider becoming part of this befriending group.
We will be part of an organisation known as Befriending Network Scotland. This group provides help, support and very good, easy to follow training ideas for possible befrienders. The role of the befriender is in some ways similar to that of a church visitor but it is also quite different. We are not visiting primarily to talk about the church or our faith but rather to show what we believe by our actions.
It is suggested that the minimum commitment required from a befriender would be two or three hours once a fortnight – not a major part out of a week, but one that would make such a difference. A befriender would be matched with one person so that a good relationship can be built up. We will continue to be in contact with our local health professionals and they are willing to tell those in need how they can contact us.
INTERESTED? Come along and find out more. We will be holding a meeting at the church on Monday 26th April at 7.30pm. You will be able to get more details of what is involved then. In the meantime, if you want to know more please contact me.
Catherine Wood