Celebrating five years of Brisbane Streetlevel
Major Bryce Davies conducting the Brisbane Streetlevel 5th anniversary celebration service, enrolling Brisbane Streetlevel Mission Corps church member Denise Smart as a soldier.
There was a keen sense of anticipation at a recent chapel service at the Brisbane Streetlevel Mission. 25 September was the fifth anniversary of the opening of the centre, situated in the Fortitude Valley area of Brisbane.
The team leader Major Bryce Davies welcomed everyone present to share in the celebrations.
A large crowd including those who are homeless, some in addiction, some in recovery from addiction, workers and supporters gathered to enjoy a night remembering and celebrating the achievements of the past five years.
An earlier storm had threatened the activities but after it passed over a magnificent rainbow appeared above Streetlevel, a surreal reminder of the goodness of God.
The night commenced with a meeting where many of the community members came together to share in a spirit of equality and friendship.
"The open sharing time happens each week," says Major Davies. "It's a time when we listen to stories of what's going on in their lives, who's going well and who is having a hard time. It's followed by prayers and is a really lovely time."
After this a gourmet barbeque meal was provided by Printcraft, a local Brisbane printing company, and was shared with over 140 people.
In the following chapel service, Territorial Creative Ministry Coordinators and Worship Facilitators Sheldon and Louise Mathieson led worship.
Major Davies then conducted the enrolment service for a Salvation Army senior soldier. Denise Smart first came to The Salvation Army seeking help for some of her life issues and became the newest soldier of the Streetlevel corps. Other testimonies of changed lives were also shared by community members.
"Denise has a wonderful story and there are many others who have powerful stories to share," says Major Davies. "Dave grew up in Melbourne with an abusive father and lots of problems. He became an ice addict, his family life fell apart and he made a run for it. He came to Brisbane and ended up at the Salvos. He is now 18 months clean and is one of our key volunteers."
A slide show was presented, depicting some of the highlights of the five years of Streetlevel ministry, including its monthly Sunday roast lunch, prison visitation and post release support, women's and men's groups, and teaching and fellowship groups. The centre also has a ute to help people move from emergency shelters into more stable accommodation.
The guest speaker for the evening was Mr Dave Andrews, who challenged all present with his message.
"Streetlevel is an expression of a faith community that is not seen in very many places at all. We need to take seriously the challenge to be an authentic community serving the needs of the broken and the marginalised," said Mr Andrews.
"To be a part of a ministry like this, which is growing and flourishing and has an energy and life to it and a dynamism that is undeniably of the Lord, is something that terrifies and excites me all in one."
Mr Andrew’s closed in prayer with a rewording of the familiar ‘Serenity Prayer’. His version stated: "Lord grant me the serenity to accept the people I cannot change, courage to change the one I can and the wisdom to know it’s me!”
The evening concluded with community members and friends gathering in a group hug to pray for and to support each other in the days ahead.
"Here's looking forward to the next five years," said Major Davies.
By John Allen
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