ashgrove's flood response

This week we hear from Stewart Beveridge to find out what has been ashgrove's response to the January floods.

Dear ashgrove,
Thanks for the opportunity to share a few stories about what we have done in response to the recent floods.

I began with an investigation through conversations with church leaders of the Lockyer, Ipswich and Goodna areas.  Several of the church's leaders commented how self sufficient people were - the attitude of "others worse than me" were common. One church leader said that the local community was non-existent.  The streets were clean, houses gutted and uninhabitable. It was difficult to know how to respond to these issues - money has a minor bearing on the reality these church leaders face.

The city of Brisbane amazed even itself at how much 20 000 volunteers could achieve in the clean-up and removal of flood damaged effects.  ashgrove has a unique opportunity, to help in the restoration of people's lives and rebuilding of community. The ashgrove flood appeal raised a total of $13,758.19 through our efforts in the aftermath of floods and cyclones. You gave so that we might assist local church groups in the affected areas to act with compassion and insight to the needs before them.

 My conversations led me to three groups:

 Kruger Parade Baptist (Goodna)

Pastor Peter Richards organised a recovery support initiative that connected with the seven local schools in the area, including a special school.  Last Saturday the church met with sixty-three families from the local school communities to discuss needs and offer practical responses. We recognised the impact they are having with people in the Goodna area and forwarded them a gift of $11,000 to assist in this effort.

They have distributed 63 x $100  Bunnings and Woolworths vouchers so far, due to the generous giving of ashgrove. Families have also received 27 bibles on request, as well as the delivery of clothes, food, furniture and toys. There will be a second interview day on Saturday 2 April. It's estimated that they will interview at least another 40 families. They have heard many accounts of the physical and spiritual needs of people. Most people remain determined that they will make it through their difficulties, and that they are willing to build upon new priorities in life.  

 Silkstone Baptist (toward the heart of Ipswich)

Pastor Daryl Rossow recognised the need people have of someone to talk to, now that the business of cleaning up and returning to 'normal' is underway. Daryl is keen to offer people the opportunity to debrief and reflect on their experience with a professional counsellor. ashgrove offered Daryl a gift of $1,200 to assist with this support work.

Murphys Creek 

The community at Murphys Creek sits below the Toowoomba range and caught the business end of the surging flood waters as they poured into the Lockyer Valley on 10^th January. ashgrove is working as a partner with Oakleigh Primary School to support the local school in Murphys Creek. Oakleigh is hosting these students and the school community for a day of fun and games in early April. We have gifted $1,500 to this event as it supports families directly affected by the floods and enhances our relationship with Oakleigh State School as an ongoing presence through RE and community engagement. I have been asked to participate on the day and am recruiting people who can give some time to serve as volunteers on that day.

ashgrove, thank you for your generosity and compassion for our neighbours. It is being used to assist families and individuals as they recover from January's floods and the personal loss they have experienced.

The Church leaders and School staff have verbally thanked me (on your behalf) for the generosity and support they experienced through your love, kindness and generosity.

God bless and keep you in all your ways, 

Stewart Beveridge