Dear Circle of Hope,

Just last week I had the privilege of sitting in a room of people tasked with leading services that are targeted at working with the marginalised in the Byron Shire, particularly those sleeping rough or without homes. It was an inspiring group of people. During this time I noticed two things. Firstly, a deep tiredness and exhaustion, a noticing I would describe as compassion fatigue. These people have been on the front line of working closely with people who are really struggling. They are working in this space, not to be seen as heroes (though in my opinion they are), or as a way of seeking adulation or even financial security, but because they have a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of the people in our community, those that are often overlooked. Their tireless efforts, particularly in the past season where the effects of natural disasters and recovery efforts have flooded our community with extra stressors and pressures, weigh heavily upon them. The situation was already bursting at the seams and in recent months, just since the start of this new year, the numbers and stats of those who are vulnerable and sleeping rough and those who are accessing these services have continued to rise. It is confronting to work so tirelessly in this way and to make such monumental and transformational differences in so many lives, and to not see the numbers reduce, but to only witness more and more people in such need. We see this deep need in our small patch of Byron Bay, where people sleep roughly under our verandahs, where people visit our Op Shop to access much needed essential items and where people come to access food and supplies each Tuesday afternoon from another service operating out of our facilities. It seems there is no end in sight, no easing of the need, no reduction in the numbers of people who need support. This space is tiring and exhausting.

The second thing I noticed in that meeting was the way these people celebrated success. How they communally celebrated the progress of the individual. There were smiles, head nods and deep breaths as the story of the positive process along the path of transformation of just one person was acknowledged by the group. My wise mum has always reminded me on my journey of life, faith and ministry that what she calls ‘ministry to the one’ is just as valuable, important and monumental as making a difference in the lives of many. The transformation, or even trembling baby steps, of one human being on the path of healing, recovery or reintegration is worthy of recognition and celebration. It is this ministry to the one or valuing the individual, that we need to recognise in our community and it is this ministry to the one that should inspire us all in our own efforts to love our neighbours and to make a difference in our world, beginning in our own neighbourhood. I was also reminded in this noticing that hope in the midst of what can feel like an overwhelming and sometimes hopeless endeavour, can be witnessed and found in the smallest steps of the one.

Thank you for being part of our Circle of Hope,

Grace and peace,

Phil