Sometimes, life just isn't fair
13th May 2009 by Julia Hosking
Two lives...
Stefanie* had a life that some may call ‘normal'. She lived at home with her parents and sisters. She did dancing after school and attended church activities. Her parents helped her with her homework, and her teachers encouraged her to think about her future employment as a doctor, a teacher, a receptionist. She hung out with her friends, and went to the movies. Her biggest concern was finishing her assignments and avoiding pimples. Overall, in her life, she had fun. Some would even say that her life was lived to the full.
Jeremy* is very different to Stefanie.
His family life was far from ‘normal'. It was chaotic. It was broken. No one offered to help with his homework, and he didn't dare ask when he didn't understand how long division worked. He didn't do dancing lessons (or play soccer), and he didn't attend church. Instead, he witnessed horrible things that Stefanie wouldn't even see in her worst nightmares.
He eventually left home, and lived on the streets. There, his concerns were far bigger than assignments and pimples. While Stefanie came home from school to dinner and a bed, Jeremy worried about it all day. Where would he eat? Where would he sleep? Would he be warm enough tonight? Could he find a blanket somewhere? These issues were so worrying that Jeremy was violent and aggressive to almost everyone.
Life on the streets wasn't fun for Jeremy, but that was what he was faced with. That was the life he lived. They were the cards he thought he had been dealt.
"That they may have life..."
The Salvation Army believes that no one should ever have to live a life like Jeremy. They believe what Jesus says in John 10:10 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (NIV).
The Salvation Army want to see everyone in a home with food in their stomachs. They want to change this unjust society that we live in. Because of this passion they have homeless centres set up across Australia. And Jeremy found himself at one of them. At first he was very negative towards it. But eventually he appreciated the help and support that the centre and its staff offered.
Following this, Jeremy's life began to improve. He took up a job as a landscaper and was able to move into stable accommodation. He attended a film and television training program. And now he has a dream of becoming a cameraman.
Jeremy's life was changed by coming to The Salvation Army youth homeless centre. Jeremy moved from the streets into a flat. He went from a menace to society to an employed, confident young man.
"And have it to the full..."
No one should witness the things that Jeremy witnessed. No one should be forced to live a life on the streets. No one should have to starve or sleep on a park bench. It's wrong. It's unjust. It's inhumane. And yet, unfortunately, it is a reality for so many.
However there are Salvation Army homeless centres that exist to help people like Jeremy. They provide food, shelter, showers and a bed. They provide love, support and hope. They assist the youth to develop skills, gain employment, and find stable accommodation.
All of this is possible because 1000s of people collect every year for the Red Shield Appeal. Without the support of collectors and donors, these centres can't support those who need it. The more money raised, the more food served, beds offered and hope given.
Remember that Jesus came so that we "may have life, and have it to the full"? Well think about Jeremy. Is his life on the streets what you would call life "to the full"? Or is it a life that has been stolen, killed and destroyed?
The Salvation Army aims to show who Jesus is to the community. They believe that a life with Jesus provides hope, purpose, joy and fulfilment. Do you agree with this and want this for all people? If you do then sign up for The Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal Doorknock on 23-24 May. Help to share Jesus and make a difference in the lives of people like Jeremy.
For more information visit our Red Shield Appeal page.
*This is based on a true story; however the names and some minor details have been altered to ensure the privacy of people involved.
Julia Hosking is a journalist with The Salvation Army, writing for the MORE website and Pipeline Magazine. She is a perfectionist at heart and loves eating chocolate, drinking coffee and chilling out with her husband, Michael.
Julia and her husband worship at Menai Salvation Army, and during their honeymoon they discovered a passion for lying on Thailand beaches.
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Comments
Thanks for another fantastic article Julia, I hope and pray that we are a generation who'll be life givers and hope bringers, and that we won't sit back on our laurels this weekend, lets rise up guys!