church army logoSupporter's Day Sheffield: 6th March 2010

Church Army Mission Partners - Jeff and Vanessa Kirby

Please do uphold them in your prayers.       Mel Downs

 

The day began with coffee and biscuits for 20 supporters from afar a field as Filey, Middlesbrough and  Merseyside.  Jeff and Vanessa stated that it was hard to measure the progress of their projects so they outlined a chain of events and experiences that occurs when they make a person- to- person contact.
The  Experience of God comes from their ENGAGEMENT which could be as basic as finding out their names and where they are from moving onto CONNECTION which might involve sharing a meal or an activity with them to then developing a RELATIONSHIP. - The person's experience of God would lead them to an:
  • Understanding of God which may then lead them onto taking part in - 
  • Religious activities whether that would be going to a church or a prayer group or simply praying and reading the bible.    The final link in the chain would then be to -
  • Influence others around them. For example the men and women have passed word on about the projects to other people.
 Kirby's display table
Group seated in Church at Sheffield

They explained that the people could be at any one part of the chain at a time and might stay at one link or move quickly onto another.

After a wonderful lunch provided  by them we split into groups to hear first hand about each of the projects.

Jeff had photographs of the men camping, cycling, working in the bike workshop, sharing meals together and sleeping in the night shelter.

Vanessa had photographs of some of the women she works with and gave us their potted histories to talk around.

We watched a short film  produced by Jessica Kirby which showed Andrew, one of Jeff's men, talking about his experiences as an asylum seeker.  We then had a tour around the night shelter in the church hall.

Some of us went in the car with Vanessa to drive around the red light district to get a feel of where she works and then other supporters went with Jeff to see the areas where his men live.

The whole day was a great success and we all came back with a better idea of the commitment and love that Jeff and Vanessa have for the people of Sheffield.

It was a real privilege to be there today and know that the monetary contribution that St Barnabas makes to their work is so valuable.

 Group discussion at Sheffield

Last Updated ( Wednesday, 17 March 2010 18:55 )