Rebuilding Lives

News stories from the Philippines reveals the extent of the damage and destruction following the typhoon. Whole communities look like so many matchsticks, with people climbing over piles of shattered houses. It will take time to rebuild both homes and lives after the devastating power of this storm.

Friends at Tearfund continue to encourage us to give what we can to enable them to play their part in meeting the needs both for immediate relief and longer-term reconstruction. See the latest link.  http://www.tearfund.org/en/news/philippines_typhoon/

More locally, there are plans drawn up by Woking Borough Council to rebuild the Lakeview Social Centre. Over the last 9 years or so, this centre has been the base for community-building activities, such as youth clubs, toddler groups, IT classes and much else. The new plans propose a two-storey building which will be able to accommodate far more community-building activities. People's lives have already been transformed and rebuilt through what has happened in the past. But we want to do more and better.

In order to get as much local support as possible for this project, the Lakeview Community Action Group, of which I am the Chairman, is planning to deliver a letter to every household on Lakeview, starting tomorrow (Saturday) at 2pm. Please join us if you can.

As we know, St. Andrew's Church is about rebuilding the lives of people caught up in the storms of life. It is wonderful to see what God has been doing in recent months.

I often recall the words of Jesus. 'Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” (Matthew 11.28-30)

In my life, and in the lives of many that I know, Jesus has brought rest, refreshment and renewed life and hope. Each of us needs to be restored and rebuilt, so that we can play our part in rebuilding the lives of those around us. 

Best wishes,

Richard