It was good to meet up with those who worked with the
charity. Not least to talk to the North East Regional Manager who I first met
at St. Andrew's more than five years ago as we hosted the first ever such event
in the north east. Compliments of thankfulness from that time which gave them a
springboard to bigger and better events in the years to come. A sense of
thankfulness of the appreciation of the hospitality the church showed them on that occasion.
It was also a deep sense of
thankfulness, as on arriving I realised we would be sleeping on the concourse
of the stadium. At least shielded from the rain but not the cold and the wind.
A night of fitful sleep not least a time to reflect on the impact Centrepoint
has made since setting up its north east base in Sunderland. One of those God
coincidence moments as their centre was set up in the parish in Dundas Street
and a new centre opened across the town recently.
Gazing across the football
pitch covered by lights and heaters to make the grass grow, and the field of
dreams of hoped for victories in the future left one pondering on the dreams
for the future being fulfilled in the many young people being helped by the
charity. Practical help and training that sets them off on the right path in
life for the many disadvantaged and sometimes homeless young people.
Dick and I survived the night
and following a bacon butty and a cup of tea at 7 a.m. it was time to depart
and back to normal life. Well you could see in the photo that Dick was wearing
his survival suit! I say normal but in fact such an event impacts on our own
life journey. But also a further opportunity for the church building its
relationship with community. A night of discomfort but a small price to pay for
the gospel values by which we live. The field of our Christian dreams united
with these young people in building a society for the future.
May I take this opportunity to
thank all in the parish who sponsored us in the vital work of the Centrepoint
charity.
John
Pattinson
