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At
Easter, we are particularly reminded about
the significance of the cross. It’s
headline news; an amazing sacrifice; a powerful
story that is for all people - yet not everyone
realises its relevance to their lives. Many
have heard the name of Jesus, but not all
know how much they mean to God. This is where
the ALOVE essential of mission comes in. It’s
all about being a signpost to the most amazing
story of all time –wherever we are.
It’s always been at the heart of The
Salvation Army, and is therefore at the very
heart of ALOVE.
As part of our one-year anniversary, ALOVE
has conducted an interview with Laura Nairn
from Bradford Holmewood Salvation Army to
see what she had to say about ALOVE, Church,
and mission. Laura is heavily involved in
community youth work and their church has
recently come ‘online’ with ALOVE
as a NEO (“New Expression of”
The Salvation Army).
What
has ALOVE meant to your Corps – has
it helped to focus your mission?
ALOVE has helped focus our attention on our
vision. We are a community centre and we live
in incarnational ministry, by building relationship
and community. With ALOVE, and by becoming
a NEO, we have been able to find our place
within The Salvation Army.
What
mission activities have you been involved
in?
We have activities for all generations. From
Parent and Toddler groups, to after school
clubs, to youth clubs, to lunch clubs, to
Cameo.
How
have young people in the Corps responded to
the challenges of mission?
We are a church plant, so we are focusing
on nurturing the young people to grow and
respond to the gospel. They have many hurts
to be healed, and we offer them God and His
love as a way to start to deal with some of
those hurts. It is a long and challenging
process for all involved – but most
of all for them.
What
has been the greatest success thus far?
Seeing someone who turns their life upside
down so they can follow God.
What
has been your most difficult challenge/struggle?
Sometimes it can be one step forward and two
steps back. When some of our young people
continue to be hurt and damaged by those who
are supposed to love them, it is very difficult
for them to understand God’s love. But
we keep counselling them and being there for
them when they are at their most vulnerable.
What do you
think can be improved for next year?
We have a vision to see the church grow, and
people come to know God, and be healed by
Him.
Any
great ideas bubbling away that you would like
to share with us? Something for the rest of
us to steal (er, copy)?
We would love to have a café so that
we can be more available for people who just
need somewhere to go. We also have in mind
a building project to convert some loft space
into a creative arts / music area, which we
can use to teach music and grow self-esteem.
What are your
expectations for NEO?
We are a new expression of church in community.
The value it brings to those who live in this
community can surely only enrich the work
of The Salvation Army. |
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| If you would like to find out
more about becoming a volunteer on ALOVE’s
NEO programme, click
here. |
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Youthwork -
The Partnership ...
ALOVE,
Youthwork Magazine, Youth For Christ, Spring Harvest and
Oasis are working together to equip and resource the Church
for effective youth work and ministry. |
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