Ballymacarrett churches share a food ministry
Can you imagine living on a very limited budget but you can just about get by every week? Then an emergency comes out of the blue. It could be a rise in fuel costs, or a kitchen appliance breaks down, or a benefits mistake has occurred and one week you get nothing, or a child comes home with information about an activity in school that is going to cost money. It could be any number of things and you just don’t have the extra. Can you imagine having to choose between fixing the washing machine and heating the house or buying food, especially if you have children? Perhaps there are other circumstances that make your life very difficult and you just don’t know where to turn.
Down in Ballymacarrett a number of churches have agreed to start collecting food. It is then delivered to St Christopher’s church buildings in Mersey Street, at the entrance to the Oval. Distribution is by referral only. No one can just call in to get food instead of going shopping.
Boring Wells, a Church of Ireland missional community, working now in the Mersey Street area alongside Ballymacarrett Parish has organised this, but realises that the need is too great to be met by any one church. We anticipate that business will grow as agencies beyond the churches become aware of the possibilities. In the first four weeks eleven adults and thirteen children were given food for up to three days each. We even had some selection boxes and chocolates donated by January dieters (!!) so we were able to give some surprises as well. Just this week someone gave us their winter fuel allowance, which allows us to give some electricity/gas to some who buy it on cards.
If you are collecting food or would like to, all the usual stuff is very much appreciated. The things that most of us would not think of are breakfast cereals, and basic washing and cleaning materials like shower gel, toothpaste, washing–up liquid, kitchen rolls…as we work our way from month to month we can keep everyone up to date with need and facts and figures.
Thank you if you have been collecting food and/or distributing it in your own area. Thank you if you have just read this and are wondering if you could do this as well….thank you if you are just pleased to hear a wee bit of good news.
Adrian McCartney