Stories from STUMP (part 1)
For a week in July, 14 people entered into a journey of Sydney’s ‘dark places’ as part of Edify STUMP – The Salvation Army’s Short Term Urban Mission Project, based at Streetlevel Mission. What they discovered was light, hope and Jesus. These are their stories:
Day One: Sunday, 8 July
Today started with a meet and greet over a great afternoon tea. Being able to talk to everyone and get to know them was a great start to the week. After a quick discussion of the rules we split into small groups and went upstairs to make our beds – literally! Waiting for us was several bits of wood, some nuts and bolts and an Ikea instruction booklet.
Slowly but surely our group managed to construct a bunk bed. I then walked into the girl’s room to see how they were going. I discovered all three sets of bunk beds were missing an essential piece of framework! After many various plans and ideas we figured out bedding arrangements – only to then find the missing pieces.
Then came a quick tour and dinner which included a talk with Robyn and Mitch Evans about how Streetlevel works and what we could expect over the week. Finishing the day was the Oasis documentary which was very moving and inspirational.
Today’s events, although very low key, left me feeling both excited and apprehensive about tomorrow. It is expected to be a full-on and confronting day and I hope to be able to make the most of it.
Dear God, please don’t let our beds fall apart tonight!
- Laura Tyne
Laura is 17 and is a Year 12 student who lives on the Central Coast, NSW
Day Two: Monday, 9 July
Everyone loves eating pancakes this morning, standing around in the sun enjoying the crispness of the morning air. Mingling with the youth of Oasis, enjoying the company around the BBQ, darting in and out of the kitchen. Sharing stories about our lives and plans. Think we need more pancake mix. Who wants to go on a Woolies run? What a gift it is to serve others. Eyes wide open and ears tuned in to listening and looking for opportunities to learn, to go deeper.
Robbin Moulds (Director, Oasis Youth Support Network) arrives and all eyes are on her. She is a real presence amongst the kids. Watching the eyes of the team quietly scanning the environment. Mixed thoughts. What a faithful team at Oasis, a heart for youth in crisis.
Breakfast at Streetlevel, faith in action. Look deep into the eyes of the one you are talking and listening to, do not avoid their glance. You matter, you are important. God has a different plan for each team member, members of his church, doing his work.
“Boundaries” with Robbin Moulds – powerful grounding information. Homelessness training with Bianca Orsini and Nathan Moulds, all challenged to think about what we can do as individuals to bring homelessness awareness to our communities. Feelings of tiredness, emotional, overload, drained. Thinking about how cold it will be on the street walk tonight, anticipation, all rugged up.
Still night, busy streets and traffic. Not cold at all, on full alert, time flew. So many people at the Exodus food van, so many men all chatting. A real sense of the Holy Spirit’s presence, very orderly, people happy to chat. Recognised a few faces from breakfast at Streetlevel this morning. Big hearty meal served with a smile and a “g’day mate”. Visited various accommodation options for those living and sleeping rough. Awareness of the lifestyle of the sex worker, both male and female, safety, legalities, culture. Bright lights, traffic, people, noise on the streets. What’s happening down the lane, up those stairs, behind those doors, in the darkness?
Woolloomooloo reality check. Silence, stillness, lying alone with all of one’s worldly possessions, book on chest, empty coffee cup. Under the safety of the lights in the company of others, strangers all sleeping. It’s 10.30pm. A real peace over the area, feels surreal, nothing like I imagined, too real. Not just a vision, a number - but a human being, made in God’s image, valued and loved by God. His heart breaks and so has mine.
Injecting room, The Wall, $10 Buck Alley, British Lolly Shop, 7-Eleven slurpees at 11.30pm. Back to a warm room, my belongings dry and safe, a warm bed, privacy and a bathroom. My spirit is stirred.
“Now that I have seen, I am responsible,” – Brooke Fraser, Albertine.
- Davina Smith
Davina is married to Mike and has two daughters. She lives the Macarthur District of NSW.
Photos: 1. Making beds was the first challenge of STUMP, 2. The STUMP participants spent time serving and being taught at Oasis on Day #2, 3. STUMP participants attempting to construct their beds on day #1, and 4. Images from the STUMPER’s streetwalk. (Photo supplied by Edify STUMP)
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