Christmas message...

Love God, Love Others ... Serve the World!
When I read the text on a bracelet of someone, it made me think again .. (as usual) ;-)
You all know what the reason is of my departure from the Netherlands and what I want to achieve. And just exactly those little things can make a difference .. simple things, so here in Melbourne I can already start with it. On the basis of YWAM where I live now they have a project for the homeless in Melbourne. Meals are prepared to be shared among drug addicts and the homeless of St. Kilda. I was supposed only to spend my time with my TEFL course but this is something that I started to do for giving my contribution for a different world.

Homeless but not forgetten

What is it like to be homeless? What is to have no one asking you "how are you?". What is it not to know what to eat and when and we're where to sleep etc. During the distribution of these meals, we also held conversations with them and I was curious about the stories behind these people. Why are they there, what happened to get there and how can we can help to get them a better life. It is good that they get a meal but that is not enough.

YWAM Soupvan

These meetings just before Christmas put me even more thinking. Because what does really counts with Christmas, is it the food or the presents? 2 things that homeless people can't afford. And what will I do with my Christmas. I'm far from home, away from family ... and yet the temptation to join the same habits as everyone does here, food and gifts, is big.







Having fun preparing the meal



Christmasmeal for the homeless



Christmas should go about Jesus, the prince of peace in this world. For me the key word for Christmas is the word: PEACE. Let us together strive for a world in which peace can and should be there for everyone. For those who are oppressed, forgotten and lost. It's never too late to turn the tide and do something to help. During the Christmas meal for the homeless, there was a girl eating in a corner... I went to her to have a chat but she said she wanted to talk to NOBODY and did'nt need anybody. At that point you should respect her, you can not force someone to talk to you. But before I went home I saw her crying ... how lonely is she feeling? At night in my bed I could not sleep well and I cryed and prayed for her situation ... I can't wait untilwe're going again on Tuesday. Because again, I'll try to talk to her .. not for myself but for the fact that she may that she's not alone and God has a plan for her life.

Let us don't fotget her...



And then it was Christmas time in Melbourne, Christmas for a group of people who were all far away from home and without family (including myself). We ate together, laughed, enjoyed without knowing eachother very well... one thing we had in common: there was peace from above between us. The peace of Christmas. And I hope that one day everyone can experience the real miracle of Christmas.

A Merry Christmas to you all, friends and family!

The Best Christmas Gifts:
To Your Enemy: Forgiveness
To an opponent: tolerance
To a friend: your heart
To a customer: Service
To all: charity
To Every Child: a good example
To yourself: respect
And LOVE to everyone!

Christmas in Melbourne