Everyman's Welfare Service is a Not for Profit Charity that is funded through donations from individuals, businesses and churches. All donations of $2.00 or more are Tax deductible.
Please find below a listing of the latest news from Everyman's Welfare Service.
December 29, 2011
A Word from the Chief Commissioner:
2012, the End of the World... Recently I had the pleasure of sharing with a young lad at our Homebush Rec. Centre who was deeply concerned about the world ending in 2012. Such beliefs may sound silly to many, although millions more are convinced that 2012 will see some major apocalyptic events. Proof of this can be found on the internet which is loaded with information spread over 17 million sites and references. Many responsible for these are claiming that Bible prophecy is the source of their revelation.
We look forward to Christmas bringing us some higher degree of happiness and contentment. But what would you do to find contentment if you had the unlimited resources to do so?
My time at the Navy Everyman’s Recreation Centre at Homebush has certainly been a blessing. Near the Centre’s front door we placed Christian posters, tracts and Bibles. Every sailor knows this place is a Rec. Centre but it is also a house of God.
Recently, I had an opportunity to sow some seeds, sharing with a few recruits as they were standing next to the Brew truck at the rifle range. The conversation started with a recruit talking about the effects of post-traumatic stress on a relative who had recently returned from Afghanistan.
The past few months have seen more doors opened to Everyman’s. Newcomers for the first time are hearing something of the Everyman’s story. As such, I believe we are moving in the right direction, heading towards an exciting year ahead. In this, I am looking forward to seeing new opportunities open with new individuals joining us in our journey.
2011 started with diggers being called back early from their end of year break, sent to Toowoomba for a search and rescue mission after the inland tsunami. I (Andrew) followed shortly afterwards. While there, I had one last opportunity to support the soldiers before beginning with QTC Bible College at St Lucia. Looking back, it’s hard to believe 2011 is almost over. It began with such tragedy, continuing through floods, fires, earthquakes, civil uprisings, wars, economic crisis, etc.
The following recently took place. One day while having lunch in the ‘all ranks’ mess, some soldiers listened as I shared about the love of God, and how His love has changed my life. Some seemed interested and others not. One soldier asked, “How does one talk to God?” I said, “Do you believe in God?”
Over the last twelve months God has really opened up our mission field at Amberley RAAF. Opportunities range from: Visiting personnel in hospital, frontline, the gym, the mess, and various units dotted around the base. These activities provide a broad range of people to encourage and with whom to share the love of God. Even the “annoyances” have provided us with an opportunity to conduct a Christ-like attitude which, in turn, has people wondering... and they are slowly warming up to us, and starting to share more openly.
Roni and I have attended the Naval Singles Accommodation Drop-In Centre at Homebush on Monday and Thursday evenings for two-and-a-half years now. The 360 sailors living here enjoy stylish 1, 2 and 3 bedroom, self-contained units. The facilities are excellent, with room for plenty of visitors. We have half a dozen regulars who come by for a chat, while others just come in to use the internet. We are building relationships slowly with the sailors who do drop in.
Rep. Milton Wilson started with Everyman’s three years ago. Milton is based at the Army Recruit Training Centre, in Kapooka. His faithful service extends to both the training staff and recruits alike. On Sunday afternoons, Milton performs the Brew Run, providing refreshments to those conducting manoeuvres in the bush. He also visits the recruits in hospital.
