In God's corner - Easter 2016 - Wesley Mission
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Easter 2016 In God’s corner Mitch’s bout against ice A new life from the shadow of trauma Overcoming the struggles of alcohol addiction Generations baked with love A family’s joy in selflessly helping those in need
Wesley Impact! Hello
Easter 2016
04 “ God surprises us...by
breathing hope into
Features
In God’s corner......................................... 04
what we thought were
A new life from the shadow of trauma....... 08 fruitless situations... ”
Generations baked with love..................... 10
Regulars When Jesus Christ was crucified on Good
Hello......................................................... 03 Friday even his closest friends believed that
Wordwise..................................................12 was the end of his story.
Wesley News.............................................14
Those who went to his tomb on At the heart of Easter is a person who
Easter Sunday found it empty. Their might even go unnoticed. This person–
Contact immediate thought was that someone Jesus Christ–healed the sick, brought
had stolen his body. Hope was almost good news to the poor and loved those
08
Executive Editor: Rev Keith V Garner, AM lost as his downhearted followers who were rejected by so many.
Superintendent/CEO were overwhelmed with grief.
As Jesus considered his destiny at
Editor: Graeme Cole Then came Sunday and the promises the cross, he told his followers that
made by Jesus Christ made sense there was no greater love than to lay
10
Writers: Gavin Hanbridge, Alexandra Peard, “In his great mercy as he appeared to his friends. It is down your life for one’s friends. That
Graeme Cole
reassuring to know that the hope of is the nature of the love that took him
he has given us a
Design: Eleanor Rennie Easter comes in the midst of people to the cross and still endures today.
new birth into a whose lives had been shattered and This can be seen in the ministry and
Project Manager: Olga Korobko
living hope…” who were not expecting anything. work of Wesley Mission and those to
Photography: Tim Pascoe, Luke Reynolds Every day of the year Wesley Mission whom we offer fresh hope.
1 Peter 1:3 cares for people who have been
May you and those you love reach
Printing: Finsbury Green
Wordwise overwhelmed to the point where they
do not expect anything at all because
out and grasp the hope and love of
the Risen Lord this Easter.
12
220 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000 hope has been lost. Many feel
PO Box A5555, Sydney South NSW 1235 unworthy of kindness.
(02) 9263 5555
communications@wesleymission.org.au Yet God surprises us even in the
wesleymission.org.au most routine parts of life by breathing
Superintendent/CEO: Rev Keith V Garner, AM fresh hope into what we thought were
fruitless situations. We can respond
ABN 42 164 655 145
and take hold of this opportunity if
Wesley Mission is a part of the Uniting Church we open our hearts and minds to Rev Keith V Garner, AM
in Australia. his possibilities. Superintendent/CEO
Wesley Impact! is the magazine of Wesley Mission,
Wesley Mission
In this edition of Wesley Impact!
Sydney, and is a member of the Australasian
Religious Press Association. Articles from the magazine you will read stories For more visit
magazine may be reprinted with the permission of of people doing remarkable and Rev Dr Keith
the publisher. surprising things–from a volunteer Garner’s blog
whose life and selfless giving is a
“But if Christ is in you, then even though your body
is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives
life because of righteousness.”
14 model for us to follow to a young man
who found faith and new hope during
his battle with drug addiction.
Romans 8:10
The owner, operator and trainer of the old. Mitch would smoke a cone in
gym, has a heart for both boxing the bushland across from his high
and people. He sees value in every school and then head in for roll call.
drop of perspiration that his pupils Once that was done he would go
exude. It is a place where folk of all home to be by himself. He said the
ages come to train, learn new skills drug was his constant companion
and test their abilities. Here, lives are and he carried a bong in his school
both changed and sustained. bag for whenever he wanted to light
up. “Cannabis calmed me down,” he
At his trainer’s direction, 23 year-old
said. “I experimented with other drugs:
Mitch strides into the ring. He shuffles
MDMA, ecstasy, acid and speed. But
and keeps his guard up, ready for the
they didn’t do much for me.”
blows from his opponent. Mitch trains
four times a week with his eye on the Then on the verge of adulthood Mitch
prize–his first competition bout in three headed into much darker territory.
months’ time. It has been a hard slog What began as light banter with a
for the kid with the intense eyes and friend, ended in crippling dependence.
dancing feet. The coming bout is the “We were joking about ice and I said I
result of not only his relentless training wanted to try it,” he said. “My friend
but a preparedness to fight a bigger wasn’t keen but I was determined, I
personal battle–addiction. don’t know why.”
It has been more than 280 days since Ice, the crystalline form of the stimulant
Mitch used cannabis or ice. It is a drug methyl amphetamine, is more
new beginning following a decade of addictive the purer it is. A 2013 Australian
In God’s
dependence which took him to the Crime Commission Report on the
depths of psychosis and violence. It is illicit drug market in Australia reported
an achievement as great as any title significant increase in the importation
fight that has left him wondering how and use of the drug after 2010.
he ever survived.
corner
Mitch’s introduction to ice began in
Many troubled young people like Mitch an auto shop which was also home
have been mentored at this gym. to a known dealer. Mitch and his
The trainer is a survivor of domestic friend found the dealer sitting in the
violence himself and as such, he can shop, toying with a handgun. When
empathise with what many of the he heard what they wanted he asked
young people are up against. “In the if they had tried it before. “No,” Mitch
ring they gain confidence to overcome answered. The dealer shook his head
The no-frills boxing gym in massive challenges in their lives,” he and laughed, “Oh boy.”
Sydney’s south is a haven said. “I see Mitch as David up against
Mitch bought and tried half a gram
a Goliath. It’s not necessarily about
for the purist. The worn going up against an actual opponent
then and there.
in ring, the smell of sweat but looking what scares him in the eye “When I first used ice, it calmed me
and the thud of leather and wrestling it to the ground.” down like no other drug,” he said. “It
also helped me feel connected with
creates an ambience When Mitch was in primary school he
was lonely and coming to terms with
those around me.”
that is purely pugilist. his parents’ divorce and his mother’s But whatever calmness he first felt,
excessive drinking. Mitch had to was quickly replaced by a storm
contend with bullying at school and the of aggression and paranoia as he
verbal abuse of his mother’s boyfriends. became addicted, using up to one
He longed to connect with the other gram every day for almost three years.
young people but began to distance He regularly experienced psychosis,
himself. “I always had this growing seeing apparitions of himself staring
feeling of dread,” he said. “And I was into his own eyes.
really uncomfortable around people.”
Like many users, Mitch said ice could
To ease the anxiety, he became a make him extremely aggressive. “You
daily cannabis user at just 15 years really think people want to attack
Wesley Impact! In God’s corner
you, so you start attacking them life, the Christian faith was always he could be homicidal.”
first,” he said. present–even as a moral compass in
Mitch’s treatment started with a
the midst of despair. It was a glimmer
Mitch had stewed for years over detox of the drug from his system
of hope.
how his stepmother had ill-treated his and then Dr Davies worked to
dad. “In the blink of an eye one day I In time, Mitch grew tired of looking at stabilise Mitch’s mood. The
decided to kill her and I grabbed the his incredibly gaunt self in the mirror psychiatrist said this was the
meat cleaver. It was the ice that made and decided to try rehab. His initial young man’s biggest challenge.
me really aggressive really quickly,” attempt was unsuccessful but his
he said. His dad managed to detain family stood by him and encouraged “Mitch’s relationship with his parents
him to try again–this time at Wesley could be a trigger for extreme
him in the house long enough for the
Hospital Kogarah. behaviour but while in rehabilitation
police to arrive, preventing him from
he worked on his connection with
acting on the feeling. The day before the program began,
them,” he said. “I’m really impressed
Mitch was naturally thin, he had he walked into Gymea Peoples’
by how far he has come.”
become even thinner because of the Church on a quiet suburban street. It
drug, and it still took several police was empty and he sat and prayed for Mitch said a key benefit of the program
to restrain him. “One policeman almost an hour. “I sat and asked God was the group sessions with a therapist
was holding a gun to my head, just to give me strength,” he said. that taught him skills and ways of
because they weren’t sure what I thinking that he still finds very useful.
Mitch was determined to beat
would do,” he said. “Addicts are the addiction and throughout the “We looked at Cognitive Behaviour
very unpredictable.” rehabilitation he prayed for courage Therapy (CBT) and how to challenge
Even after this swirl of violence and resolve. unhelpful thinking styles and
Mitch said he continued to use ice. One of the health professionals who negative thoughts,” he said.
“On ice, you can be willing to kill worked with Mitch was Dr Matthew Mitch also learned mindfulness, the
someone but it doesn’t strike you Davies, consultant psychiatrist, practice of staying focused and in
that there’s a problem,” he said. Wesley Hospital Kogarah. Dr the moment during difficult situations.
Davies said Mitch was diagnosed with He said this was particularly helpful
While in the midst of the addiction,
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder as he experienced the normal
he remembers trying to limit his
(ADHD) and a phobia of people. stresses of life without drugs
behaviour, willing himself not to steal
or hurt people. Despite the many “Mitch had a propensity to anger propping him up.
contradictions and paradoxes in his before using ice,” he said. “On ice
addicted nothing else gives you joy,” he training at the gym and studying for his
“ We need to
said. “And when you are without it and
suffering the come down, you’d be
Certificate III in Fitness. “I’m thinking
about becoming a professional boxer
happy to die. But I’m really feeling the joy and maybe one day I’ll run my own
go out into now without needing to use anything.” boxing gym,” he said.
Mitch is now part of the day patients Mitch continues to pray and give
the world
program at the hospital, coming once thanks to God for helping him through
a week for a day of group therapy and rehabilitation. Currently he is not part
seminars. He meets with Dr Davies of a church but prayer is ever present.
with love ”
once a month and with a hospital Before each bout their trainer leads the
psychologist much more frequently boxers in prayer and they give thanks
as he continues to resolve the deep- after their fights. It is in the confines of
“Addiction once made me think that seated issues in his life. the ring that young people battle not
drugs were a way to live, now I look When he arrived at the hospital Mitch only other boxers but their inner issues
back and see the insanity of those could not even lift his arms above his rising to the challenge to find a much-
grim automatic thoughts,” he said. head without feeling dizzy. Now he needed balance between physical
fitness, emotional and mental stability,
At first, Mitch found group work at radiates physical agility and power.
an attachment to those they love, and
the hospital difficult because he was Before Christmas last year he won the a spiritual way forward.
anxious about meeting new people. gym’s Rookie of the Year award and
However, the hospital’s therapists As their trainer stands leaning against
accepted it to the cheers of his boxing
the ropes, he reflects on what it
and nurses put him at ease with their peers. It was clear to everyone how far
means to live in a very difficult world.
regular encouragement. he had come. It was a great motivation to
To find out more about how Wesley “Carrying anger around is not going to
Mission can help with drug addiction keep training for his first competition fight.
As the hold of ice eased, he began to help us,” he said. “We need to go out
visit wesleymission.org.au feel a new sense of joy. “When you are Mitch said his life now revolves around into the world with love.”
phone 1300 924 522 or email
hospital@wesleymission.org.au 7
Wesley Impact! A new life from the shadow of trauma
Tina was in her thirties when she sometimes seek drugs like heroin in Therapy helpful in processing her
went from being a social drinker to
A new life
an effort to slow themselves down.” painful traumatic memories. “As
downing two bottles of wine a day, a consequence of this intense
As her three children became young
but the trigger for her addiction work, Tina was able to have a better
adults, Tina remembers becoming
occurred much earlier in her life. As perspective about her past,” he said.
argumentative with them as she
a child, a casual family acquaintance “She came to realise that her life had
became progressively drunk during
sexually abused Tina over a number
from the shadow the evening. She said they would leave not been ruined and that there was
of weeks. She did everything she in fact much to live for.”
the house at 5 pm and only come back
could to block out the memories,
when she was asleep. “I really wasn’t a
of trauma but the trauma left shadows in her
mind that sent her spiralling out of
nice person at night,” she said.
During her seven week’s treatment,
Tina’s family would visit and take
control in adult life. As bad as Tina’s drinking became her on drives and picnics. It
The first thing you notice After she married her husband
she didn’t recognise it as a problem
until she was in her mid-40s. She
encouraged her and gave her hope
as she confronted her problems.
about sixty-one year old Norm and had children, sex became
sought counsel from a psychologist Encouragement from hospital staff
uncomfortable and disconcerting
Tina Penny is her cheeky because it gave her flashbacks of the
for 10 years but the sessions did was also crucial to her recovery.
not help her resolve her trauma or
smile. Broad, bright and abuse and she started using alcohol
drinking. It was only as Tina neared
“Everyone was so supportive,
understanding and caring,” she said.
usually accompanied to cope. “I would start drinking at 5 to
ready myself, by 8.30 I’d be slurring
her 60s that a crisis brought the full
Mark Stevens said this connection is
by a deep belly laugh, it my words and by 9 I’d be literally
nature of her problem home to her.
very much the launch pad for people
is hard to reconcile this stumbling off to bed,” she said. One Friday night, Tina was sitting with as they rebuild their lives; often
a glass of wine when she received an
smile with the dark story “Norm knew the problem I was
urgent call: her sister Karin had been
facing tough questions physically,
having and has always been very emotionally and spiritually.
she shares of her struggle understanding and supportive. In
rushed to hospital with a suspected
“This is where I see people come
with alcohol addiction and those days it was very difficult to
heart attack. Tina had a few more
drinks to ready herself to visit her back to life,’ he said. “People re-enter
childhood trauma. find any sort of help.”
sister but she was stopped in her their lives–that’s the resurrection
Tina’s story is not an uncommon tracks when Karin’s husband called you see.” There is no denying that
one—different changes in life can back and asked her not to come, in many rehab programs, as well
trigger past traumas and it is then knowing she would be drunk. as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), the
that many people seek solace in
“I realised if she had died from a heart sense of having the guidance of a
alcohol or drugs.
attack in hospital, I would never have higher power is a critical component.
Mark Stevens, who is addictions seen her again because I was too “When people understand that
recovery program coordinator at drunk,” Tina said. there is something greater than
Wesley Hospital Ashfield, said them, it keeps them humble,” Mark
On the following Monday, Tina
the majority of trauma leading to said. “They start to soften and accept
went to her GP to ask about rehab
addictions starts in childhood.
and eventually booked into the they don’t have to control everything.
“Childhood trauma and hereditary
rehabilitation program at Wesley It’s a huge relief for them.
predispositions to addiction often
Hospital Kogarah. She was terrified
requires a further traumatic event to “The story of Christ is an archetypal
of going into the program but her
turn into substance abuse,” he said. story for all men and women. Just
husband Norm went with her on the
“The trauma creates stress and then as Christ surrendered himself to
first day, supporting her as he had
people seek something to contain the cross, for all of us including
always done.
that pain and stress.” people with an addiction, there
During the program, Tina worked is a surrendering to allow a
There are two general types of
with therapists to understand and transformation to take place.”
responses by children to trauma:
resolve the issues at the heart of
children who ‘act in’ and children Tina is excited about becoming an
her drinking. She learnt that she
who ‘act out’. Mark said children who imminent grandmother. She also knows
had Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
act in internalise dysfunction and how far she has progressed when her
(PTSD) because of the abuse
tend to develop depressive disorders son and daughter-in-law presented
and Wesley Hospital Kogarah
as they grow up. “Kids that are shy her with a bassinet and cot so that she
clinical psychologist, Dr John
because of this may be attracted to
Kearney, helped her understand the could look after their baby.
drugs or alcohol because it helps
To find out more about how Wesley complexity of PTSD and its ongoing
them find their voice and lose their “There are so many positives in my
Mission can help with drug addiction effects on her daily life.
fears,” he said. “Kids who act out the life since I stopped drinking,” she
visit wesleymission.org.au
dysfunction often become bullies and Tina found Dr Kearney’s Trauma said. “Their gift was an inspiring
phone 1300 924 522 or email
Tina overcame adversity are prone to violence later in life. They Focussed Cognitive Behaviour sign of trust.”
hospital@wesleymission.org.au 9
Wesley Impact! Generations baked with love
Generations
baked with
love Robyn and Michelle
Robyn Jeney’s kitchen seems to be
almost permanently veiled in a soft
volunteering and doing all she can to
help and care for others. “You miss out
who has been diagnosed with autism.
Robyn says the relationship works “I don’t want
together doing something they both
love. They have been actively involved
do that. If, like Robyn, you would like
to join in serving Jesus Christ and in
white mist of baking flour, and the on so much if you don’t give,” she said. because Michelle and she are on the in volunteering at their church and Wesley Mission’s concern for those
to rust out;
calendar on her fridge is a collage of “This is what Jesus teaches: it is about same page. She aptly describes it as a visiting a nursing home monthly for 10 in the wider community who are in
tasty stains–a thumb print of icing here, doing what you can for others and team effort in the “seamless flow in the years where they play, sing and provide need of compassionate care inspired
a splotch of cake batter there–with looking to their needs. care that Mia receives”. afternoon tea for the residents. The pair by the gospel, contact the volunterring
not an inch of blank space. Every
day is written over with details of a
church, school or community activity
“I’m not the most adventurous person
in the world but sometimes you just
This mother and daughter pair share
a very strong and special bond. They I want to has also fundraised for youth projects
at their church and Michelle has
attended various mission trips helping
team in Community Engagement:
communityengagement@
wesleymission.org.au
wear out
have to give it a go. This is what I spend a lot of time together, from
that Robyn and her daughter, Michelle, disadvantaged people overseas.
say to people who are my age and shopping or going on outings to, of
are volunteering their time to organise
say they are bored, they haven’t course, doing volunteer and church For almost four years, Michelle has
or contribute to in some way. And it Last November, Robyn Jeney
doing good
got anything to do. ‘Why don’t you work together. been volunteering at a local kids’ club
almost always involves baking! was honoured in Wesley
volunteer?’ I say, ‘Just give it a go.’” for disadvantaged children and over
Like treasured family recipes, the Mission’s inaugural Making
Robyn is a mother, a grandmother and the past year Robyn has also started
Robyn began volunteering when she joy of volunteering and giving time to
for others. ”
a life-long volunteer who is genuinely helping out, earning the name ‘Gran A Difference Awards.
was just 15 years old, playing the 120 help others has been passed down
driven and energised by the joy she Red’ from the children because of her The awards, which attracted
bass piano accordion on the street via generations of women in Robyn’s
feels from helping people. “I don’t distinctive red hair. They play games with countless nominations across
outside the local pub to support her family and can be traced back at least
want to rust out; I want to wear out having three bouts of cancer, she is the children and provide food, do Bible seven categories, give us
church’s outreach services. Since then, to Robyn’s grandmother, who was
doing good for others,” she said. still fiercely independent, living on her study, sing and provide the children with the opportunity to recognise
she has built up an extensive volunteer the organist for many years at the
“People don’t realise what a privilege own and remaining actively involved the opportunity to access support. the invaluable support of our
portfolio that includes fundraising Methodist Church she attended on the
it is to volunteer–your own problems in her church. She even runs a weekly 3,500 dedicated volunteers.
for church activities, running a café Central Coast. Robyn’s mother, Eve, It is obvious how much Michelle loves
don’t seem as big, don’t seem as prayer meeting in her home.
through her church, and teaching continued the tradition of volunteering. and cares for the children, “The kids “We recognise and appreciate
overwhelming when you see what
Sunday School. “For me, this is what She wrote birthday cards for every It is no wonder the desire to do need to trust somebody and they trust each and every one of our
others are going through.”
living the Christian faith is about; it is member in the church they attended good runs so deep in Robyn, and [Michelle] completely,” Robyn says. “She volunteers, but these awards
For the past three years, Wesley a natural part of your life–helping and for more than 10 years. no surprise that she has passed it understands them and because she allow Wesley Mission staff
Mission has been blessed to benefit loving others,” she said. on to Michelle who, until recently, also has a daughter with autism, she has to nominate individuals that
“My mother is at her very core, a giver,”
from Robyn’s time and skills, and not volunteered at Wesley Mission. When patience with those with special needs.” have gone above and beyond
Robyn and Michelle enjoy a Robyn said. “She is the kind of person
just in the baking department. As a she is not volunteering, Michelle works in their roles,” said Wesley
partnership of deep trust and true love who you will give a birthday present to Wesley Mission is blessed to have
volunteer, Robyn provides invaluable at a local hospital and for her church. Mission Superintendent the
that expands well beyond the kitchen. and the next thing you know she has thousands of people, just like Robyn,
support, drawing on 26 years of Rev Dr Keith Garner.
“What we do, we do together,” says given it to someone else because “they For Robyn and Michelle, volunteering who are dedicated to helping people
experience as a school administrator
Robyn. They are both legal guardians need it more than I do”. Eve has led a not only allows them to contribute in need through volunteering–and who
and a lifetime commitment to
for Mia, Michelle’s 10 year-old daughter life of servanthood, and at 91 and after and help others, but to spend time chose Wesley Mission as the way to
10 11
Wesley Impact! Wordwise
The
hope that
free
sets us
with Rev Keith V Garner, AM
1 Peter 1:3
the twentieth century, Bertrand Russell, that this is the basis for our praising freedom from all that would spoil life. a 1977 article talked directly and less distressing of human experiences.
when still a young man of only 30, God and a new birth which makes all This has two aspects to it: the saving flippantly about the futility of life, “The Is there anything more fearful than
expressed his conviction that “no fire, things possible.3 power which releases us from the guilt fundamental thing behind all motivation death? The Apostle called it ‘the last
“In his great mercy he has given us a no heroism, no intensity of thought and of the past, but also a transforming and all activity is the constant struggle enemy’. In Paul’s great chapter on
During his earthly ministry, Jesus
new birth into a living hope through feeling, can preserve an individual life spirit which has the capacity to change against annihilation and against the resurrection, he explores the link
was well aware that the disciples
the resurrection of Jesus Christ beyond the grave … the whole temple the present. death. It’s absolutely stupefying in between resurrection and hope and
were dependent upon him. Without
from the dead.” of man’s achievement must inevitably its terror, and it renders anyone’s clearly sees our hope as related to
be buried beneath the debris of a
him they were often faithless, fearful The hope of Christ sets us accomplishments meaningless.”6 that which is eternal. “If only for this life
Once again we prepare ourselves for
the unique and enormously important universe in ruins.”2
and foolish. It is what gives context free to enjoy God Thankfully the living hope of the
we have hope in Christ, we are of all
to those words of Jesus, “O you of
season of Easter. It should not surprise This hope which we encounter in It was the Apostle Paul who reminded people most to be pitied.”7
little faith.” After the events of the New Testament is not merely that of
us that we return to some of the Christ is what gives me as a pastor cross, there would be a sense of utter us, “You, however, are not in the realm survival, but of a whole new way of The Christian knows that because of
central words of our faith–and there is the confidence to reach out to those futility had it not been for the fact that of the flesh but in the realm of the looking at life. We can be released the death and resurrection of Jesus
none bigger than the notion of ‘hope’. who are grieving. It gives me as an the risen Lord came alongside the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives from the power of fear and gain a that even when death comes we will
evangelist a message which can disciples and opened up for them in you. And if anyone does not have transformation through the redemptive never be separated from God’s love.
It has been argued that there are
breathe new purpose into lives that the possibility of a new beginning. the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong work of God which we know in Christ. On Martin Luther King’s memorial are
four basic ingredients of Christian
to Christ. But if Christ is in you, then these simple words, ‘Rev Martin Luther
discipleship–worship, faith, obedience are set on a journey in search of God. The humanist, Walter Lippman, made even though your body is subject to
The hope of Christ King, Junior 1929-1968 Free at last,
and hope.1 When John Stott made It gives me as a Christian engaged
in social welfare a vision that takes
this perceptive comment after the death because of sin, the Spirit gives enables us to confront free at last, thank God Almighty, I am
this case, he did so in the context
of responding to the word of God. me beyond mere ideas and thought
Second World War, “We ourselves were life because of righteousness.”5 all fear free at last.’
so sure that at long last a generation
All four basic ingredients would be patterns into a conviction that this As Christians we are confident about Fear has an extraordinary ability to hold
had arisen, keen and eager to put this Rev Keith V Garner, AM
irrational without an objective basis world can actually be transformed into the future and we understand our a powerful sway over people’s lives. I
disorderly earth to right … we meant so
in God’s revelation. For me, the something refreshingly new. Christian hope in terms of a sure discover this fear in the lives of many
well, we tried so hard, and look what we 1. Stott, John R W, The Contemporary
resurrection of Jesus Christ is that people. Invariably it is expressed in a
which makes sense not only of the
The hope of Christ have made of it … what is required is a expectation. Apart from Christ, the
fear of the future and in those things 2.
Christian, IVP, p.176
Russell, Bertrand, A Free Man’s
fear that we have about death and
ministry of Jesus Christ, but also opens up the possibility new kind of person.”4
disillusion is almost universal. I have which cause us great uncertainty.
Worship, Unwin, p.p.10-17
our own personal discipleship. of new life In the past year, we have lived
often heard Woody Allen quoted We cannot of ourselves live the
3. Perkins, Pheme, First and Second
Peter, John Knox Press, p.29
through the huge difficulties of trying to 4. Quoted by Billy Graham in World
The resurrection of Jesus gives us Our forthcoming Easter Mission will when he jokingly said in the New Christian life. It requires the liberating Aflame, Doubleday, p.138
understand a world that is marred by
insight into God’s ultimate triumph. It is focus on the new life which Christ Yorker magazine, “It’s not that I’m power of the Holy Spirit who sets us 5. Romans 8:9-10, NIV
human selfishness and torn apart by the
in direct contrast to the hopelessness brings to us. This is the message that afraid to die, I just don’t want to be free and, in doing so, enables us to 6. Stott, John R W, The Contemporary
evil that such self-centredness breeds. Christian, IVP, p.84
that is often to be discerned in the the author touches upon in the early there when it happens.” Once again it handle the impossible, deal with the 7. 1 Corinthians 15:19, TNIV
world around us. In the early part of section of this epistle and suggests God offers us in Jesus Christ a was Stott who pointed out that Allen in unthinkable and confront the most
12 13
Thousands in need touched by Plight of Coffs homeless opens hearts
Christmas generosity
Frankie Mayes (left) delivering care bags to the team at Wesley Youth Accommodation Coffs Harbour: (from left) Julee Townsend, Sally
Hudson, Lisa Johnson, Allison Fleming and Meena Johnson.
Thanks to volunteers like the Commonwealth Bank staff, Wesley Mission delivered more than 2,500 hampers of food and toys In 2015, Frankie Mayes formed a young people in need. “It really hit home to me the situation
to struggling families last Christmas. hamper collection group through young homeless people face daily,”
“They were facing a rough
Facebook called Care Bags for she said. “All that young man had
Christmas with no family around
Thousands of individuals and power of redemptive love but how People phoned counsellors on Coffs Coast Homeless, rallying the were the clothes on his back.”
and without anything good to
families in need were helped by despair can be acknowledged and issues ranging from loneliness community to donate anything from Frankie had also given clothes she
look forward to,” Meena said. “We
Wesley Mission at Christmas 2015. finally overcome. No matter how and being estranged from family, toothbrushes to clothes and gifts had collected to three teenagers at
wanted them to have some nice
bad things get, God’s presence to dealing with grief and loss to be distributed to people who are the centre.
The church and community things on Christmas day.”
means that He will be with us and experienced during the year to homeless in the area.
responded to Wesley Mission’s However the truck did not arrive “I took the clothes in and now those
help us.” financial stress and its impact on
call for support with more than In the days leading up to teenage boys get to wear fresh
family members at Christmas. and things were looking bleak until
2,500 hampers of food and toys People eager to contribute at Christmas last year, Meena Johnson clothes,” she said.
Frankie arrived with 23 care packs
delivered across Sydney and the Christmas dropped off beautifully Others phoned about coping with Team Leader Wesley Youth
she had gathered. It was an emotional meeting for
Hunter region. wrapped gifts and hampers at parenting, visiting extended family Accommodation Coffs Harbour,
centres including Wesley Centre was waiting on a truck that would Frankie met one homeless young Frankie and afterwards she made
and difficult relationships. Some
Many of these were supported by Sydney, Wesley Counselling a heartfelt Facebook video to talk
are overwhelmed by sickness and deliver gifts, food and clothes for man who was staying at the centre
local businesses, corporations, Services, Wesley Family about that special day.
chronic pain others discuss anxiety homeless young people in the area. when delivering the care packs to
including the Commonwealth Bank, Services, Wesley Auntie &
and depression. This delivery was a boost to local Wesley Youth Accommodation.
individuals and churches. Uncles and Wesley Youth
Accommodation Coffs Harbour. Wesley Mission reconnected more
“Each day at Wesley Mission
than 325 children in foster care with
we help people who face up to Fifty eight dedicated Wesley their birth parents on Christmas
enormous personal challenges: Mission volunteers continued our Day across western Sydney, the
poverty, homelessness, mental ever-popular gift wrapping stall at Hunter and Central Coast. Rev
illness, loneliness, fear and family Sydney’s Kinokuniya Books and
Keith and Carol Garner welcomed
breakdown,” said the Rev Dr Keith Piccadilly Centre, raising $17,009
large numbers at the Shepherd’s
Garner in his Christmas message as shoppers flocked to finish their
Tucker and Christmas with Friends
which was broadcast to millions Christmas shopping. lunch. Worship services were held
on television and radio news
Wesley Mission’s Lifeline volunteers at the Wesley Centre, Wesley
across Australia.
were also busy. Lifeline Sydney & Edward Eagar Lodge, Wesley
“These people choose hope and Sutherland answered around 100 Mission’s residential aged care
move forward in life. They can phone calls from people in crisis on centres and many other venues
teach each of us not only about the Christmas Day. across Sydney.
14 15
New program unites elderly, disabled Wesley School for Seniors
Residents of Wesley Mission’s experiences. Out of these social showcase their talent
Frank Vickery Village and clients gatherings there was only ever
of Wesley LifeSkills Woolooware going to be positive outcomes Students from Wesley School Oliver by Serendipity Singers;
are showing how aged care for everyone involved: having more for Seniors, situated in the heart Winter Vivaldi by The Music Theory
and disability services can work fun, helping others, and the clients of Sydney’s CBD, showcased their Class; The Evergreens Rumba by
together to achieve mutual and and residents feeling positive array of talent at their End of Year Latin & Social Dance; Monologues
complimentary outcomes. about themselves and their Concert held at the Wesley Theatre. by Voice & Theatre Acting; What’s
Frank Vickery Village is an new found friendships. Bugging You? Effective Speaking
The school offers people over the
independent living village located & Forum; a guitar rendition of His
The social events have been held age of 55 the opportunity to extend
at Sylvania in Sydney’s south. Also Hand is Mine; Brooklyn Baladay–
at the two centres and have been their skills and keep active through
located in Sydney’s south is Wesley Gypsy’s Black Peares by American
supported by staff, with more a variety of leisure, lifestyle and
LifeSkills Woolooware, a day Tribal Style dance and many more.
gatherings planned. educational courses.
program for adults aged Performers and guests mingled
18–42 with a disability. Activities are planned around the The Rev Keith and Carol Garner
after the concert as they enjoyed
seasons. The spring gardening attended the sold out event which
When Frank Vickery Village light refreshments. Handcrafted
project involved selecting and was a great success. The audience
manager Jodie Hopkins was beaded jewellery and Tunisian Performing the Haole Hula
planting the seeds, watering, was dazzled by the talent. (Hawaiian Hula).
approached by service coordinator crochet items were also on display
Wesley LifeSkills Woolooware, harvesting and then eating the
Acts included a performance of and available for purchase.
Michelle Rogers, with an idea crop; and the summer project
for clients and residents of both included creating murals, calendars
centres to socialise together and do and birthday cards to be displayed
projects, they both knew it was the at Frank Vickery Village.
start of something good. The gatherings will continue in 2016
The idea was to enhance the lives with some great events already Residents of Wesley Mission’s Frank
of each client and resident through planned including an Art Exhibition Vickery Village and clients of Wesley
LifeSkills Woolooware unite to have
socialising, working on projects, and morning tea on Wednesday 30 fun and share experiences.
forming friendships and sharing March at Frank Vickery Village.
Village life snags Japanese students
Japanese nursing students are students also enjoyed the lighter
regularly visiting Australia and side of village life. Students were
making Wesley Mission’s Alan pitted against residents in indoor
Walker Village a priority place bowls, croquet, snooker and table
of learning. tennis. The Japanese were novices
Nursing practices in retirement in croquet and indoor bowls and
villages in Japan are very different the residents always had the edge.
to those in Australia. In Japan, only The students also performed
the most prestigious families can a song and dance much to the
afford to live in retirement villages. delight and enjoyment of the
The students are always amazed at residents. Afterwards, Alan Walker
the diversity of village residents and Village residents shared with the
the professional support and care students another typical Australian
they are given. tradition–a barbecue. Snags and
Students enjoyed the lighter side of
Apart from seeing aged care sauce and not Sashimi were on village life including playing table tennis.
nursing practice first-hand, the menu.
16 17Food challenged students Meeting the needs of more
than 200,000 Australians
The number of people in need who “We recognise that to achieve and Wesley Hospital Ashfield
were helped by Wesley Mission our goals, we need to focus on experienced a combined total of
increased to over 233,000 during supporting and developing our staff 881 in-patients and 5,009 day-
the last financial year–a 12 per cent and volunteers, continuing careful patient visits during the year
growth on the previous year. management of our finances, • the number of young people
identifying further operational who engaged with Wesley
Wesley Mission experienced
efficiencies and exploring StreetSmart program grew
substantial increases in the people
opportunities to grow our income.” from 1,277 to 1,773
assisted through Wesley Out of
Home Care, Wesley Help at Lifeline Sydney & Sutherland • Wesley Homeless Services
Home, Wesley Family Services, answered more than 34,860 assisted 1,696 homeless
and Wesley Suicide Prevention crisis calls from people in people and provided 73,735
Services, all of which saw their desperate need. nights of accommodation
client base grow by approximately Gambling continues to be one of • Wesley LifeForce Suicide
25 per cent. Australia’s greatest social problems.
Prevention Networks increased
“We also performed strongly Wesley Mission gambling
from 37 to 57 nationally
in a number of areas including counsellors helped 636 people
and their families through 2,597 • eleven new programs were
implementing Consumer Directed
counselling sessions during the implemented by Wesley
Care–a new model for aged care
year, addressing issues such as Disability Services
delivery that allows clients to
choose their own packages of dependence, addiction and debt. • the number of older people
services,” said Superintendent and More than 1,330 people received who enjoyed social interaction
CEO the Rev Dr Keith Garner. Wesley Financial Counselling through Wesley Seniors
and 145 individuals and families Social Hub grew from 161 to
“This will set a pattern across
received legal support, while the 531–a 230 per cent increase
all our services as the future of
community care takes shape. number of families supported
• Wesley Foster Care helped
through Wesley Family Centres
Wesley Community Engagement Manager, Richard Duncan (back right) pictured here with students from Knox Grammar School who organise more than 2,750 visits
participated in the Wesley Homeless Food Challenge and generated enough food to feed over 30 families in need. “Wesley Mission returned a grew by 58 per cent to 2,853.
between foster care children
sustainable annual surplus which
Other highlights included: and their birth parents.
will enable us to continue helping
Forty students from Knox Grammar As well as resourcefulness and Grammar are long term supporters more people in need in the future. • Wesley Hospital Kogarah
School became the latest group to encouraging team work, the of Wesley Mission’s work,” said
successfully complete the Wesley challenge helps participants Wesley Community Engagement
Homeless Food Challenge, donating understand more about the Manager, Richard Duncan.
over $1,500 worth of food to Wesley hardship facing homeless people. “Their most recent efforts
Connect food and care program.
Wesley Connect offers people generated enough food to feed
There are 17,000 children under experiencing homelessness or over 30 families through Wesley
the age of 12 without a safe place facing hardships non-perishable Connect and resulted in them
to sleep in Australia. The Wesley food items and personal care being finalists in the 2015 annual
Homeless Food Challenge helps items, and helps connect them to volunteer awards.”
teach students about this important other sources of assistance within For more information or to find out
community issue while underlining
Wesley Mission and beyond. how you can take part in the Wesley
the practical role they can play.
Homeless Food Challenge contact
This is not Knox Grammar’s first
School and community groups who Wesley Mission’s Community
though. Their most recent efforts
take part in the Wesley Homeless Engagement team (9263-5555)
mark the school’s ninth year
Food Challenge are tested to see or visit weselymission.org.au
working with Wesley Mission.
if they can feed a family for three for more information on other
days with just $10. “The staff and students of Knox fundraising opportunities.
18 19WIM1602_1602 We help where others can’t because every life matters Your donation will help people living with disability to build independence, achieve their goals and lead more fulfilled lives Please donate today wesleymission.org.au/donate or 1800 021 821 Do all the good you can because every life matters
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