We were informed about Charles and Dora and their family when Social Services came to us and said they could not help them anymore, and asked would we house them. We were able to rent to them a three-bedroom house in the centre of town.
On meeting Charles and Dora, they sounded very articulate and seemed to know where they were going, but after having had them for a year, we realised that their lives are total chaos. If you went to their home then you would find many of the bags that they had moved in with, were still in the front room unopened and certainly not put away.
I am telling you this story because again, these are realities that are within our society. They have children and they care for the children well, but actually have no experience of running a home and putting things away and just being in order. Those that are in the public sector call these skills 'Life Skills' and that is a good description. These can often be lacking. This is where real voluntary care in the community can be so helpful: delivering food and fresh veg and being there to talk to them and help them at times when they feel they need that little extra help; filling in forms to make sure the benefits come through correctly for them; making sure that all that they need is there. It is so important.
This is one of the wonderful things that the Church can be involved in. Jesus said: "When I was in need you met my need, when I was hungry you fed me." Surely this is part of the real care of the Church that needs to be more in evidence within our communities?
Read some of their stories as recounted by Pastor Pete Cunningham, director of Green Pastures.