City food bank running out of basic supplies

It was reported in the Southland Times on Friday, August 8, 2014 that a ‘City food bank (was) running out of basic supplies’.

The following article was written by Nicci McDougall and shows that The Salvation Army Invercargill Community Ministries Food Bank has seen during July a slight increase in demand compared to last year.

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An Invercargill food bank is struggling to keep up with demand as southern residents battle to make ends meet. Salvation Army Invercargill community ministries food bank co-ordinator Brenda King said demand for food parcels was high, but changed daily. Some days, 10 to 12 people applied for a food parcel but the next day there may only be one.

The food bank supplied 79 food parcels last month, to the value of $7305, up from 73 in July last year and valued at $6640.

The food bank was running low on some basics, such as Weet-Bix, and had recently run out of rice and pasta and breakfast spreads. It was uncommon to run out of items, King said. Staples such as rice and pasta could make meals and it was not good to have them missing from the shelves, she said.

However, Southland Girls’ High School year 10 students, who were undertaking studies focused on poverty in New Zealand, offered to fundraise and had also donated food items. Teacher Michelle Diack said the students held a sausage sizzle and cake stall at the school, raising nearly $300. The students then went shopping and restocked the items the food bank was missing.

If people wanted to donate to the food bank, there were specific items that would help it out the most. They include pasta, rice, dishwashing liquid, laundry powder, toilet paper, toothpaste, soap and cans of fish.

Food could be dropped in to the community ministries building on Leven St.

The Southland Food Bank Charitable Trust had also had an influx in clients, but had adequate supplies. Chairman Peter Swain said while he did not know how many more clients had come in during the past few weeks, the food bank had been very busy. Some of the reasons included unemployment and the strain of the winter months. “People just aren’t coping.”

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Sold Out for Jesus

This mornings introductory reading came from the book entitled “Sold Out for Jesus” written by G. John White and refers to the passage in 1 Timothy 2:1-7 (I used The Message version).

“Sold Out for Jesus” is a book of 366 perennial daily thought provoking nuggets on 12 vital themes of the Christian Life.

God wants all men to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth

This is the fundamental desire of God.

‘God wants not only us but everyone saved, you know, everyone to get to know the truth that we’ve learned…’ 1 Timothy 2:4 (MSG)

Some say “What is the meaning of life?” I say “this is it!” Everything else that happens on earth is secondary to this. This is the great ‘plan’ of God. This is the whole reason for Calvary, for Bethlehem, for Moriah, for putting the angel to guard the way to the Tree of Life. There is no “greater plan!” – there is no other “Grand Design” – this is it!! Plan A – there is no Plan B!!

Until we, like the Apostle Paul, grasp this truth we shall, forever, be “looking in the wrong place” and trying to achieve something which is at best only secondary to the real plan, purpose and heart’s desire of God.

Why is it God’s No. 1 plan? Because He loves His Son so much He planned to have millions upon millions more of “them”. He sees every new baby with the potential of being “like Jesus” – not only in heaven but on earth too. God looks at you and expects you to be like Jesus – someone He loves to talk with, walk with and be with. He sees phenomenal potential in you. Isn’t that terrific? Doesn’t that thrill your heart and soul?

Well, He sees your neighbours in exactly the same “light”, in just the same way. God wants all men to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth. He will do all He can to make sure that happens – and that is one reason you are living next door to and opposite your neighbours. That’s why you have the job you have and mix with the people you mix with at work and at sport . You are part of that plan of God’s, that they should be saved.

We either run with the plan or thwart the Will of God.

What are you doing about it?

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Election 2014

Ahead of New Zealand’s General Election on 20 September 2014, The Salvation Army’s Social Policy for Parliamentary Unit has prepared a six-episode video series to help voters be informed about key issues facing the country.

 

These videos won’t tell anyone how to vote, but they will raise awareness around – housing, our children, social hazards, crime and punishment, and work and incomes. We hope this series encourages people to be active citizens who take their opportunity to vote seriously.

Click here for more information.

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Sunday Sermon

I’ve uploaded this mornings Sunday Sermon transcript in which Annette shared about a meagre lunch having such a great impact on the crowd that had gathered, as they all got to share not only in the miracle but also in the meal.

This is part of the Sermon Series ‘Planting Seeds of Hope’ which coincides with this years Self Denial Appeal. You can either download it by following the links on the [Pages] side menu, the link above or you can download it here.

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Prison Fellowship

Last night at the AGM of Prison Fellowship Invercargill I was nominated for the Chairman’s role for the year. For the past 9 months or so I’ve been doing the Interim Chairman’s role since Bill Cunliffe relocated back up north. It has been an interesting 9 months getting my head around what Prison Fellowship is all about, how it’s been operating here in Invercargill, what it envisages doing into the future, and how we can foster relationships with those working in “Corrections” as well as those working in the prison assisting inmates. Also how we as an organisation can provide support for those that are both in, and who have gone through the corrections system, along with their families in the community.

This is no easy task especially when the dice often appears to be stacked against those coming out of the corrections system. But is something in which we need to do our bit if we are to help them contribute positively in the community.

In my years serving with The Salvation Army so far, I have been hugely encouraged by the massive turn-around that some previous inmates have had when they are befriended by people and made to feel as if they are valued and loved. Many of whom go on to recognise that they have a contribution to make within their community to provide a safe environment. I have seen hardened criminals literally come alive and strive to make a difference in the lives of their previous gang associates, families and friends.

Therefore, it is important for us all to treat others the way that we would like to be treated as we don’t know what one simple gesture of kindness could do to impact the life of another person regardless of what they have done in the past.

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