Day 134: Praying for people experiencing homelessness and those journeying with them (2007)

Join with Salvationists of the Wales Division for day 134 of 150 days of prayer.

• 'Listen, all you servants of the Lord, come and praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, all you who serve him in his temple during the night. Lift up your hands towards his Holy Place, and praise him' (Psalm 134:1 and 2, EasyEnglish Bible). 

2007

Lieut-Colonel Sandra Moran, former divisional leader, writes:

‘During our time at South and Mid Wales Divisional Headquarters (2003-2012) we had a lot of interaction with the Army’s work among those experiencing homelessness. The TŶ Gobaith hostel in Cardiff was well established and had a good reputation with the Welsh Government and the public. 

‘My husband Peter and I spent happy times with the men and women during some of the social events that were arranged for them – for example, presenting certificates for their educational achievements and watching the pantomimes they put on. We also had the privilege of leading worship at Tŷ Gobaith and were delighted, and sometimes challenged, by their enthusiastic approach. 

‘There was also an outreach centre, Crichton House, and one of their highlights was when they launched their Purple Bus ministry. An old-ish bus was bought and refurbished to become a mobile support to homeless people: a place where they could come for food, advice, shelter, acceptance and support. It was such a good initiative and the bus was further refurbished in 2011. Peter was invited to inspect it at the opening ceremony. He jumped into the driver’s seat with a big smile on his face. I’m not sure how someone caught this on camera, but the photo certainly made the rounds over the following weeks!’ 

Prayer

• Homelessness becomes a struggle for people trapped in its web of uncertainty. Pray for those who support and journey with people who find themselves struggling without a permanent home.