by Tim Parkinson

I am blessed, very blessed in fact. I was brought up in a Christian home, with a family that cared for me, took care of my needs, have supported me, and still do. I now have a family of my own, and live in a house not too far away, and have all the things that I could possibly need.

But for those who we care for at Caring For Life, life's not necessarily been all that good. Life hasn't been a time that can be looked back on with happy thoughts, or sentimental moments. Instead they often come with dark memories, of neglect, abuse, hurt, pain, confusion and rejection.

It's often too easy when we have good experiences when growing up that there are some who wont see things quite the same as we do. A supposedly kind word may have been followed by a hard and cruel action. Love may have been spelt abuse. Kindness may have been spelt neglect.

So it's going to be no surprise that when we start to draw alongside those who God entrusts to our care, we often don't see a change in a person's life for many, many years and indeed if ever.

But what is it that Caring For Life can do to help this process of someone learning to live life to the full?

I think a simple way to explain this is to build a home. I don't necessarily mean of bricks and mortar, but a place to belong. For me a place to call home is a place where I know I can rest. It's a place where I can leave the stresses, and problems, can enjoy time with my family and relax.

I can also relate to this to a verse in the Bible when Jesus says, 'come all you who are tired and weary, let me give you rest'.

If we can imagine that Jesus is a home, a place to go when we need peace, peace will be found. In fact if we take refuge in Him, our life will know a peace like nothing else this world can offer. His peace transforms lives and brings security like no other.

So very simply as Caring For Life is sharing the Love of Jesus, and is making a place for people to live, learn to trust and learn new skills. As Caring For Life continues to make this a place where people can call their own and take refuge, knowing that people will love them unconditionally, as God does for us, we are building a home. A home that is built on the foundation of Jesus' love. The best foundation there ever could be.

We are so privileged to have people we care for, to make this place their home and join our family. If you would like to share in continuing this ministry and be a part of our Caring For Life family, please do contact us and see how you can help.