For the past year every Friday evening Christians from different churches across Walsall have been offering free (non-alcoholic) drinks, and a listening ear to people in the centre of Walsall as part of the ‘Ministry to Drinkers’, which takes place on Darwall Street next to St Paul’s Church..
This Friday night ministry has been grabbing peoples’ attention as a positive Christian presence in the town centre. Walsall has a considerable alcohol problem, particularly binge drinking amongst women and young adults. The Drinkers Ministry is mentioned as a positive initiative in the 2007 report of the Director of Public Health entitled: ‘Alcohol in Walsall - a public health perspective’.
Each night there are the regular visitors, who come and have a good chat and a laugh with us; and occasionally a prayer, and there are the people who are just passing through, but which ever they are they all say that what we are doing is a good thing, and because we offer soft drinks it helps water down the alcohol people have consumed!
The door men on the pubs and clubs all say that the town centre is a better place since we have been there - there appears to be less violence and the atmosphere has changed for the better. That is fantastic news. I have been involved with the Drinkers Ministry for over 6 months, and consider it to be one of the most enjoyable and fulfilling things that I do. Why don’t you come down and see for yourself - we need more helpers, especially men, and you can help as little or as often as you want. Oh and the title? - well that’s the most frequently asked question every night!!!
God bless,
Simon
Saturday 11 August 2007
Two Horses: Newsletter 5th August 2007
Just up the road from my home is a field with two horses in it. From a distance, each looks like every other horse. But if you stop your car, or are walking by, you will notice something quite amazing.
Looking into the eyes of one horse will disclose that he is blind. His owner has chosen not to have him put down, but has made a good home for him. This alone is amazing.
If nearby and listening, you will hear the sound of a bell. Looking around for the source of the sound, you will see that it comes from the smaller horse in the field. Attached to her halter is a small bell. It lets her blind friend know where she is, so he can follow her.
As you stand and watch these two friends, you'll see how she is always checking on him, and that he will listen for her bell and then slowly walk to where she is, trusting that she will not lead him astray. When she returns to the shelter of the barn each evening, she stops occasionally and looks back, making sure her friend isn't too far behind to hear the bell.
Like the owners of these two horses, God does not throw us away just because we are not perfect or because we have problems or challenges. He watches over us and even brings others into our lives to help us when we are in need. Sometimes we are the blind horse being guided by the little ringing bell of those who God places in our lives. Other times we are the guide horse, helping others see.
Anon.
Looking into the eyes of one horse will disclose that he is blind. His owner has chosen not to have him put down, but has made a good home for him. This alone is amazing.
If nearby and listening, you will hear the sound of a bell. Looking around for the source of the sound, you will see that it comes from the smaller horse in the field. Attached to her halter is a small bell. It lets her blind friend know where she is, so he can follow her.
As you stand and watch these two friends, you'll see how she is always checking on him, and that he will listen for her bell and then slowly walk to where she is, trusting that she will not lead him astray. When she returns to the shelter of the barn each evening, she stops occasionally and looks back, making sure her friend isn't too far behind to hear the bell.
Like the owners of these two horses, God does not throw us away just because we are not perfect or because we have problems or challenges. He watches over us and even brings others into our lives to help us when we are in need. Sometimes we are the blind horse being guided by the little ringing bell of those who God places in our lives. Other times we are the guide horse, helping others see.
Anon.
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