“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6:9‬ ‭ESV‬‬

There is an old adage “do not bite the hand that feeds you”, this came sharply into focus this week as the daily takings at the centre where I work was stolen, allegedly by one of our clients. The centre provides a place for people to meet, get an affordable hot meal, and services for the homeless, such as a free shower, internet access, locker storage etc. It is at times like these when we feel like giving up.

The same day, the Major of the Salvation Army came to deliver some items for the Foodbank, and was about to go and buy food for five families who would have nothing to eat over Christmas. The day before we had three hampers of food delivered so we donated these and other goods to make two more hampers for these families. This why we do not give up.

During this week we have had three of our clients that we now only occasionally see, come in to say how they are doing. One has now got a full-time job and is looking forward to a paid Christmas break, another started work, sustained an injury, but is now back working and doing well. The third when he first came to the centre, was mentally unstable, homeless and caused us, countless problems. His erratic behaviour caused him to be recalled to prison and we did not see him for several months. When he returned we genuinely did not recognise him, he was stable and calm. Over the coming weeks we were able to support him with clothing and food while the council found him accommodation. He now has a place to live is volunteering with another charity two days a week and he came to say Merry Christmas and thank you. This is why we do not give up.

It is now just a few days before Christmas and I am so thankful that God did not give up on humankind. He stepped out of the glory of heaven, was born as a baby, knowing that He was going to suffer at the hands of those He had come to save. Thirty three years later he went to the cross and died, so that we could live, paying the price for our sins. Three days later He rose again and is alive for evermore. Before ascending to heaven he commission His followers to make disciples to the ends of the earth. I am privileged to be able to serve, to be in a position to reach out to a group of people, that are marginalised by society and through our acts of love and kindness demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ.

Please do not give up.