School Evangelisation - Street Retreat

This photo was taken in Brisbane. If you look closely, you will see a rough sleeper whose ingenuity created a makeship home, using shopping trolleys. 

It may have been the home of an incredible chef who volunteers full time at one of the ministries we visited. He’s homeless. 

This ‘home’ has probably been moved on now by Council. It’s near a walking path and people don’t like to look at it on their morning walks. 

The incredible school excursion, called “Street Retreat” involves Year 11 students from across the Lismore Diocese from Port Macquarie to Banora Point, and including Coffs Harbour, Kempsey, Lismore, Casino and Murwillumbah. 

Our students worked with many different ministries across Brisbane, providing the basics for people who are suffering hard times. “Suffering” being the key word. 

It was an eye opener.

Our kids were challenged.

Our kids saw kids just like them who were homeless.

Our kids worked their butts off, cooking, cleaning, sorting, talking and just being present.

Our kids are now advocates for social justice.

The face of the homeless is too often stereotyped by a wizened, weather-beaten dude wearing dirty clothes and sleeping rough in the local park. Well, that guy represents only 7% of the homeless population, the rest are young people, families and individuals. People living in cars. People couch surfing from place to place. People living in grossly overcrowded accommodation. Mums escaping domestic violence who cannot access emergency accommodation.

Our incredible young people acted with care, compassion and empathy, showing resilience and an incredible work ethic.  To Taj, Jude, Cooper, Claire, Maria and Cassidy, and our YMOs, Gabi and Darcy: you are our heroes. 

Emmanuel City Mission
Romero Centre- Mercy Community
Rosie’s Streetery
L’ Arche
Vinnies Youth
Conservation Volunteers Australia
Local Vinnies
Coffs Uniting Church Soup Kitchen           

Janine Sawtell
Leader of School Evangelisation