serve - kirilee luxford
22nd June 2009 by Julia Hosking
Hi! I'm Kirilee, just your average teenage girl from Campsie, and I survived STUMP!
STUMP is a Short Term Urban Mission Project. It is run from The Salvation Army's Streetlevel Community Centre, in Surry Hills, in the heart of Sydney. The mission trip lasted only a week, but has left an everlasting imprint on my heart.
There were six of us staying at STUMP together. Most of us had never met before, so it was a great opportunity to meet other Christian young people who had a heart for the homeless. I learnt so much about myself through the five people God had sent to STUMP with me.
On the Tuesday of STUMP, we all headed out for a Street Walk. We had dinner at a food van, met plenty of homeless people and went to Kings Cross, which has the reputation of being Sydney's "red light district". I personally met a sex worker, who was one of the nicest people I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. She was lovely, and only working the streets because she didn't know how else to get money. It was so sad and eye opening.
The journey wasn't just about me; it was about the people who belong to the Streetlevel community, the people who had some amazing stories of hardship to tell. They taught me so much about what life is really about.
Going into STUMP I had a pretty rocky relationship with God; it'd be a good week if I remembered to pray, a miracle if I went a day without swearing. But now I'm proud to say that I pray every single day, even if it's just one sentence prayers. I'm getting better at biting my tongue and I'm living day to day, trying to be a better Christian. I really think that if this is something God wants you to do, don't put it off!
Contact the Edify team and secure your place at next holiday's STUMP. =)
save. grow. serve.
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Comments
Hecks yes, Kiri this is a fantastic testimony and the fact that you are continuing to live it and move forward is what is most encouraging.
Can't wait for re:STUMP, shall be good times, good times ;-)
does edify or STUMP have a website that I can check out? Is there a STUMP coming up soon at all?
hey yeh its http://salvos.org.au/edify/ ....
i did STUMP too last holidays..one of the best but most confronting experiences of my life..would highly recommend it :)
so cool to hear what God's doing in your life...word up for your honesty and willingness to step out a little ;)
Yeeew love it Joe, much love for the STUMPy bunch in April ;-)
In terms of upcoming STUMP's we have one in July, from Sun 12th - Sat 18th July, don't miss out if you're ready to stop talking about mission and doing it.
Walk the Talk !
how awesome to hear this stuff! it's so encouraging to hear of people who are willing to take a step out of their comfort zone and have their heart break for what breaks Gods. Keep at it champ! :-)
STUMP was the best week.. it was such a good experience... Good work Kiri on sharing your testimony of the week.
Good work Button! You put the rest of us to shame by not sharing our testimonies yet. So good to hear God is challenging you and working in your life since that awesome week. Keep in touch with Him, and He'll continue to do good things in your life. It's so encouraging to read your testimony, and I hope others are encouraged as well. Love you beautiful!
- Pixie
I love you button!
STUMP was an AMAZINGLY eye opening experience. It was such a great way not only to learn how to serve the community, but a great way to grow in my relationship with god.
It was a challenge, but MAN it was worth it.
BUTTON, YOU ARE AMAZING BABE!
-Buzz
Great stuff, Button!
During STUMP I personally saw you grow from strength to strength despite the tough situations that were thrown at you, and you always picked yourself up and became more resilient as the week went on.
Thanks for sharing your experience at STUMP - places for the July STUMP are filling up fast - contact us if you want to be involved!