How amazing it is to see God growing his kingdom!

Since starting work as a community chaplain, I have had the privilege of witnessing God’s work in the lives of many people in our community. Thank you to the many people who have been praying and partnering in this ministry. This partnership between our church and Anglicare enables Jesus’ love to be shared in Bellambi, through practical care and gospel proclamation.

Here are some reflections on my learning from the past 9 months of community chaplaincy.

Learning about Community Chaplaincy

Community Chaplaincy involves lots of learning on the job. Instead of revolving around formal ministry structures, Community Chaplaincy is all about relationships. A helpful definition of a Community Chaplain is: Someone set aside for generous kindness and Gospel friendship with the marginalised to point them to Jesus and into church community.

One key goal of my chaplaincy this year has been to get to know the community deeply. While it can be tempting to rush in and start formal programs, it is so important to spend time listening and learning from community members about what is important to them. Unless we understand the key features and relationships within our community, we can only make guesses about the strengths and needs of that community. We can only begin to understand some of the values and needs that our community has when we ask, listen, learn, and build relationships. As a result of this, community chaplaincy can be messy and slow. It takes lots of prayer, time, and consistent presence to build relationships, trust and understanding.

As I look back on the year, I rejoice at seeing fruit of the work God has been doing for generations in the community of Bellambi, through the prayers and work of many faithful saints. It’s been a privilege to see God continue to work and answer prayer this year, in deepening our relationships and connections with many people and groups in Bellambi.

There is only space to share a few brief stories and prayer points. Feel free to contact me if you’d like to hear more stories and prayer points. Details and names have been omitted to protect people’s privacy.

Some Joys

Hosea and I have loved becoming a part of the community of Bellambi! It has been so special to learn more about this strong and diverse community and its rich indigenous history. Below are just a few of the many joys from the past 9 months.

I have the privilege of volunteering at the Bellambi Neighbourhood Centre, helping with the daily breakfast program, community lunch, community events and food security program. This work has enabled connection and relationships with over 90 students and their families and countless conversations and relationships with community members, volunteers and staff. Throughout each week, there are many opportunities to connect with people and talk about the ups and downs of life that they are going through. I’ve been thankful to have the privilege of praying with and for many community members, as they go through times of difficulty or rejoicing.

It has been wonderful to connect many community members with services that Anglicare provide, such as food and financial assistance, counselling and assistance with securing safe and affordable housing. In partnership with our church, Anglicare is helping provide practical support for many people in our local community.

Throughout the week, I get to read the Bible with a few women. Both those who are exploring Christianity and those who want to grow in maturity in Christ. How precious it is to open God’s word and learn from him together! I’ve been encouraged by a number of men, women and families who have wanted to investigate Christianity more for themselves. Some of these people have visited church, others have started reading the Bible for themselves and plan to connect with church when they feel ready.

A highlight of the week is teaching one of the four SRE classes at Bellambi Public school. It is just so exciting to share the good news about Jesus with the students and see many of them get excited about getting to know him more. I praise God for the students who have taken a Bible home and are reading it regularly. Some students even bring their Bible to the daily breakfast program to read or share their favourite stories with their friends.

It is such a joy to join in at the Corrimal Mobile Community Pantry and see the faithful team sharing Jesus’ love with members of our community. It is such a warm and welcoming environment, where people from all walks of life can gather and feel at home.

Each week I get to spend time with many people from different walks of life, from volunteering at Corrimal High School breakfast program, to working as the chaplain in Anglicare’s social and affordable housing for women over 55 and serving as an on-call chaplain for foster children and foster carers. I also get to support other Anglicare Community Chaplains working across Sydney through organising training and collaboration for our team. Each day is varied and brings many surprises and joys as I meet with people and get to see God working in their lives.

Some challenges

It has been heartbreaking to walk alongside several community members who dealing with family and domestic violence, homelessness, loneliness, isolation, chronic illness or the death of loved ones. We live in a broken and sin-torn world, and it brings great sadness to see the far-reaching effects of sin. I have the privilege of providing pastoral support and prayer for people in the community as they face suffering and grief. I’m so thankful for our partnership with Anglicare that enables us to provide gospel-shaped support and care for so many people as they face difficulties. I pray for them to discover the precious gift of adoption into God’s family through Christ, and the assurance of eternity with him, where there will be no more suffering, mourning or death.

Recently, I had the privilege of walking alongside one woman as she faced a difficult period of suffering. In our time together, we got to talk about the gospel. She was struck by the hope and life that only Jesus offers and prayed to receive Jesus as her Lord and Saviour. Praise God!

Thank you for your partnership

Thank you to the many people who are praying and partnering in this ministry in Bellambi. It is such a privilege to serve as a Community Chaplain in partnership with our church family and Anglicare. I’m so thankful for the many examples of God’s sovereign work in the lives of people in Bellambi.

Please join me in praising God for how he is working for his kingdom and glory. Please also continue to pray for those who are going through difficulties and suffering and for the many people who don’t yet know Jesus as Lord.

Find out more or get involved

There are many ways that you can be involved in this ministry in Bellambi.

If you are interested in praying regularly for Bellambi or getting involved, I’d love to hear from you!

Jess Luy
Anglicare Community Chaplain – in Bellambi (11:30am)