|
Churches step up to severe weather challenge
The snowy weather conditions and ensuing chaos have dominated the news for the last two weeks. With many people unable to leave their homes or make essential journeys without assistance, the community spirit has had to be stepped up a gear.
There have been countless inspiring stories on our local news programmes which tell of neighbours helping each other out in dire circumstances, from providing a hot meal to an elderly housebound resident to organising emergency transport for a mother in labour or a bride to the church.
The most common problem in areas hit by heavy snow was that congregation members could not physically get out to the church. Several churches in areas hit hard by the heavy snow, like Holland Road Baptist Church in Brighton, recorded or videoed their service and posted it on the web so that the faithful could still worship.
These adaptations complement an already existing ministry nationwide. Countless organisations, like Mission in Hounslow Trust, serve the elderly and housebound by providing transport to drop in centres and visiting sheltered housing or care homes.
More and more churches are uploading sermons and services onto the web, and organisations like Through the Roof have a Disabled Christian Fellowship audio ministry. PARCHE (Pastoral care in Residential Care Homes) offer excellent services in homes in Eastbourne but also provide resources CD's, training etc for those who want to conduct services in homes.
Blind and partially-sighted people have special difficulties navigating snowy conditions. Torch Trust, a Christian charity based in Leicestershire whose aim is to overcome sight loss as a barrier to finding a personal faith in Christ and living a fulfilled Christian life, has recently launched an initiative to raise awareness of the needs of blind people called Foursight for the Church. Already nearly 600 churches have signed up to receive a free pack to help them.
Sheila Armstrong is blind and relies on her guide dog Mist to help her get to the office and back.
"A lot of blind people just won't go out in snowy weather and I understand why," she said. "[Mist] doesn't always understand that I need to walk more slowly, especially crossing icy roads.'
John Fuzzard, a cane user, agrees. 'The snow is also very disorientating; blind people often rely on the sounds in their locality, but in the snow sounds are different, muffled.' John has experienced offers of help with shopping from church friends.
"It's all about a little extra awareness and a willingness to serve people just as Jesus did,' said Dr Gordon Temple, CEO of Torch Trust. 'Generally, churches have become very vigilant about the needs of elderly folk in their communities, but are not always as aware of the needs of disabled people. Giving a bit of practical support need not be costly or time consuming.'
|
Share
EAUK.org
