We had a stand representing the work of Jesus Centres at the Housing Justice Conference in Birmingham last week. There were a wide variety of organisations present with interesting talks and workshops. The 'Choir with No Name' added a musical touch to the proceedings.
What was a common undertone to the day (re-enforced by some of the e mails that were waiting for me when I got back) is the fact that we are in a time of rapid change. The determination to end rough sleeping by 2012 by central and local government raises many issues about compulsion and the role of voluntary sector organisations who tend to respond to need in a simple way. The new government is moving briskly to make inroads on the desperate financial situation that the country faces. Already in Westminster we are hearing of cuts in spending which may radically change the face of the voluntary sector. All of this, I believe, presents a terrific challenge and opportunity to faith based projects like the London Jesus Centre. Our motivation and provision is above all of the world's pressures and problems (although we may suffer like anyone else) we are able to say: "..in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us." (Romans 8:37)
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