Ballybeen parish reaches out to Belfast homeless
On the first Saturday evening of each month, come rain or shine, a team from St Mary’s, Ballybeen can be found on the streets around the centre of Belfast, reaching out to some of the many people who live and sleep rough on those same streets.
St Mary’s Rector, Mark Harvey, takes up the story…
During Lent 2010, a member of the congregation approached me and shared that she had a real God–given burden for the homeless of our city. She asked if she could organise a group to go into the city centre one Saturday night. We announced the plan in church and a number of people showed an interest. Armed with little knowledge or experience of the problem, but with hearts of compassion and a real willingness to make a difference, a group of 12 began what has since become a monthly outreach initiative.
The team usually divides into three smaller groups. Two groups connect with those living rough, bringing food bags prepared by a small support team at St Mary’s and warm clothing and blankets (donated from the congregation and beyond).
Team members take a genuine interest in those they meet, listen to their often heartbreaking stories and offer to pray with each person. Many have gratefully accepted this offer, and the team have had the privilege of praying sensitively into each situation. Others have declined the offer of prayer but each response is given equal respect.
Whilst these two groups connect with those on the streets, the third part of the team spends the evening giving practical help and support to the Welcome Centre, based at St Peter’s Cathedral on the Falls Road. Looking for a way to connect with those who are involved full–time in this work, members of the team were pointed in the direction of the Welcome Centre three times in one Saturday evening, and regard this relationship as a definite ‘God–incidence’
Whilst we are based in Ballybeen estate, a community right on the edge of the city, we see this ministry as an Acts 1:8 calling, where God moves us beyond our immediate ‘Jerusalem’ to witness to his love and compassion. We are all so familiar with the streets of central Belfast, but the team’s experience reminds us that the homeless too are ‘on our doorstep’.
For more information, email info@stmarysballybeen.com