As a large number of individuals drew around him by the hillside, an even larger crowd gathered to hear him speak. The first group were those who called him teacher and master, the others came from neighbouring towns, eager for healing and hope in their lives. As he opened his mouth to speak to his disciples, his words stirred the attention of all who were present.
Among the many amazing things that this new teacher from Galilee began to say were these incredible words; “But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you… if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you?” He went on to tell his hearers even to lend to their enemies without expecting to get anything in return. His point was this – they were to be merciful to others just as their heavenly Father was merciful to them.
These words of Jesus have lost none of their impact, even in our highly sophisticated culture today. They embody an essential aspect of Christian care, which is reaching out in love as Christ has reached out to us – even to those that we may not naturally choose to help. In addition, Christian care is generous. It does not expect a return and takes no account of the barriers that divide people. We care for all in need.
As ANGLICARE begins another period of key planning for its future, Christian care is at the heart of all our plans and strategies.
In each of our programs we seek to embody Christian care. One such program is Foster Care. Sue Madden has worked in this program for 13 years and now as Deputy Manager has lost none of her passion or concern for the many children we help each year.
“Most of the children we try to place in foster families have experienced neglect or abuse. It is heart-breaking when you learn about their circumstances. The majority of people would have no idea of what some of these kids have been through.”
There is a continuing need for people who are prepared to open their homes to these children. “The demand on placements for these children keeps rising. In particular, children who are older, those with special needs, indigenous children are the most difficult categories of need.”
Typically, it can take between four to six months to prepare a family for fostering, especially when trying to match children with an appropriate family. Speaking about what it takes to be a foster carer, Sue says, “You don’t have to be a superhero. When people read remarkable stories of foster carers who seem almost out of this world, they may feel that they could never measure up. But more than anything else we need people who are simply prepared to care for these kids – people who are flexible, resilient and can provide a caring family that offers security and acceptance to a child. It would be great to see more people from our churches putting their hands up to do this.”
Perhaps you may be one such person? If so, please contact our Foster Care program on 9890 6800.