elishacare

We don't all dress like these two

2012-02-17T08:52:00.005+11:00

Danny and Jase, in one of their better moments.

Another great Community Day

2012-02-17T08:37:00.004+11:00

They do work sometime, above the boys just chillin.

It was a bit of a comp to see who could put down the most scones and cream, Jase the rumour is you have the title.

Has anyone seen James?

It was another amazing day hanging out at Jay & Beth's house, a little work, lots of play and heaps of food.

Thanks Jay & Beth for flooding us with your hospitality....

Geoff

Food Bank

2012-02-17T08:25:00.006+11:00

Here are some pictures of how it looks in The Sharpies lounge as the team share around all the food from Food Bank. It is a lot of fun, but also pretty crazy sometimes.......

So many families are so touched as they receive these parcels.

Geoff

The Boys and their Big Brekky's

2012-02-16T16:17:00.002+11:00

Here are some pictures of some of the guys recently gathered in the "Lounge"(our hangout place in Croydon), for a Big Brekkie. It was a great chance to chat about our Organic Community and ask some questions like "how are we doing?" and "how can we develop more?"

We have decided to come together monthly like this, but are exploring lots more ways of life together.

Thanks to you guys that cooked up the amazing Brekkie......

Much more than a working bee

2012-02-03T17:26:00.003+11:00

The photos below give you a real picture of what some of our working bees turn into, and the real value in having them. You may of seen in other blogs, we use any excuse to get together, and love to help out someone with a need at the same time.

On this occasion a Mum of one of the guys in our community needed some long grass cut around her Dam, the guys rallied together, some on whipper snippers, and others on push mowers, flew into it and had it done in a couple of hours. The rest of the time was spent sitting around the Dam with a rod in (waiting for the big one, or any one actually), or sitting around after a Barby sharing stories and life with one another.

It was one very special day........

Thanks Pat, Maurine & Maree, loved every moment of it.......

Geoff

Hanging out in Healsville

2012-02-03T17:07:00.002+11:00

The boys doing it hard

2012-02-03T16:22:00.003+11:00

Getting connected

2012-01-29T17:06:00.004+11:00

As we kick off another year, we would love to invite those of you that are seeking a small community to come and connect with. As you can see from the photos above, we love to come together to do practical jobs for people that are struggling to keep up, and we also use this as a good excuse to just get together. Many in our team have time during the week to gather, and this is just one way we do it. We also have regular get together on Fridays, starting with a support group in the morning and then a BBQ around lunch time, both these kick off from our community room in Croydon.

Also Thursdays has become a great time for some of the girls to get together in the community room. The girls have been gathering around 10ish and you are most welcome to bring your kids.

We do have a camp coming up in the next month or so, and will be going down to our favourite little spot at Torquay, so if this interests you we would love to hear from you.

If you would like more details about any of this, give us an email or you can call me (Geoff) on 0417 393 014

Love to hear from you

Geoff

Kicking off another year

2012-01-29T16:35:00.003+11:00

Hi Guy's,

It has been so great to see our little group coming together again this year to help others in their time of need. We had our first working bee last week helping someone in Yarra Glen, and the guys loved pulling together to watch the very overgrown garden be transformed into something now very managable.

Photos above, are us again getting stuck into a very overgrown back yard in Heathmont. It was so amazing to be able to connect with this special Women in her time need and help out in a very practical way. It was also amazing to hear the guys sharing their stories of Hope with this Lady struggling to make life work.

Awesome job Guy's........

Thoughts on authentic community...

2012-01-17T09:57:00.000+11:00

Over the years, I have found myself questioning, "what is community" and "where is community"? The kind of community where people are real and authentic with each other, feeling free to talk about what is really going on in their lives and share themselves openly with others.

For the past seven years, my husband and I have been seeking to know God more personally and follow after His heart. We have desired to experience what the early Christians experienced together as it is described in the Bible and we have been seeking after what Jesus meant when He instructed and taught his disciples about life together and how to live that out ourselves. We have been in many 'communities' in the last seven years - Youth With A Mission in particular, a few churches and now Elisha Care. But in all the 'communities' that we've been involved in, rarely did we experience that kind of authentic relationship which underpins the very nature of authentic communities. Without authentic relationships there can be no authentic community life together.

Having 'joined' several Christan 'communities' in the past and having tried to 'join' a church or two here in Melbourne, I have come to the conclusion that an authentic community is not something that one can 'join.' Rather, it is something that grows - something that God grows in you as you grow with Him. At least that is what He has been doing with me.

My community is not something that I now define with a ministry name or one particular group of people, and it's not made up of only Christians. It is defined by the authentic relationships that have slowly grown between myself and others over the past three years. It required me to put myself aside and learn to understand others despite our differences; to pursue and persist in the relationship even though I had to initiate contact every time; and to dare to trust that person with who I really am, allowing them the freedom to do the same.

Everyone is hungry for real community - a place where they feel loved; a place where they feel safe with others. But few are willing to give of themselves and be that community - that safe place - for others.

The opportunities to give of myself to others that the banner of Elisha Care allows are something that I thoroughly enjoy. It's part of my everyday life - not something that I compartmentalise and label as 'ministry'. It's not always easy or comfortable, but I learn so much from the experience.

Women's Retreat in Balnarring

2011-08-31T17:29:00.000+10:00

The sun was high, the breeze was light but chilly, the sand was warm, the water calm and we were smiling. That was the beach at Balnarring, where about 9 women went for a retreat last weekend. We all appreciated the time away - just to get to know each other better and relax together. We were amazingly blessed to have Robyn along with us, who spent time involving the children in activities while the Mums had time out.

We did many different things together, but it wasn't what we did that made it special, it was the fact that we did them together.

-------------------------------------------------------

On Thursdays from 10am until about 1pm, we hang out at the newly named 'The Lounge' in Croydon - previously known as 'The Croydon Room.' This is a women only hang out time.

Emma.

Croydon Room Progressing

2011-07-09T14:57:00.011+10:00

If last Friday morning is an indication of the life that will come out of the room we are setting up in Croydon then , bring it on. We had some of the guys working, some of the guys just hanging out relating, and lots of Mum's and Dad's with their kids, the place was buzzing. Over the past couple of months we have been preparing this space, believing that it will become another place to hangout, meet people and build on the relationships that are already developing.

Tuesday 2nd of August, we will be officially open , but it really looks like it has kicked off already. The "Inside Story" group has been meeting there on Friday mornings and plenty of life is already flowing from that.

Also, it has been wonderful to see a bunch of girls coming together to dream and relate, our Father is up to something.

Geoff

Morning tea on Main Street

2011-07-07T09:22:00.002+10:00

Community Painting

2011-07-07T09:01:00.004+10:00

We had the wonderful privilege last Friday of painting the outside of "the Allan Jackson Room" in Croydon. It is situated in the Main street where many of the guys we have developed relationship with over the past 5 years now, hangout. The front of this room was looking really shabby and the council and Croydon Safety Group wanted in cleaned up, so we put our hand up and took on the job. It was so amazing to see about 20 of our community turn up to either paint or come and have some coffee and morning tea as a community. Robyn (team leader from the Shire), was amazed at the group that turned up and said she really loved what was going on amongst us.

It is so special to be apart of a wider team, (Shire, Police, Traders, Businesses, and our little awesome community, not only helping clean up Croydon but seeing it being transformed, one by one

The Guy's helping clear a fallen Tree

2011-06-18T10:19:00.005+10:00

Here are some pictures of some of the boys helping clear up a large fallen tree at a women's refuge close to home. It was such a great morning and then to top it off, the girls at the refuge fed us a feast for lunch. A great team effort by all.......

More pics of room in Croydon

2011-06-06T19:18:00.002+10:00

Some more Pics of Croydon room

2011-06-06T19:02:00.004+10:00

Elisha Houses Update

2011-06-03T18:19:00.001+10:00

Guys House, Lilydale - currently three guys. These guys are doing pretty well together. One of them is going through methadone withdrawals at the moment, as the other two support him. Please pray for his full recovery from this drug, physically, mentally and emotionally. Pray for the two guys supporting him, that they would realise the blessing of being there for someone else.

Girls House, Croydon - currently two girls. Currently one stable girl and one girl with metal illness. The latter has secured a place in a supportive home for people with such illnesses and will move out in the next few weeks. Please pray for wisdom as the Elisha Care board considers the future of this house.

Guys House, Montrose - currently three guys. Please pray for these guys to be continually encouraged by the love of Jesus; that their hearts would be open to His touch. Pray that they would find something deeper in Him, as they seek to live in community with each other.

Things are happening in Croydon!

2011-06-03T18:02:00.002+10:00

Today Geoff, Ian and lots of guys 'got into it' at the community room in Croydon... adjusting the walls and doorways and putting in the kitchen. There's still lots to do, but this is a great start!

Josh and Geoff, cutting strutts for a new wall; and on the right is Gunnar cooking the sausages!

Stay tuned for more action at the room in Croydon! :)

Emma.

Our Flowerdale visit

2011-04-04T14:10:00.007+10:00

A small group from elishacare were recently invited out to Flowerdale (an area effected by the 2009 bush fires), to share some stories of Hope. It was a very special morning starting with a big brekky and some wonderful chats around the tables, then an opportunity to share some stories with the locals of how Jesus reached deep into our lives and our darkest moments.

Pictured above from left to right is: Noel, Josh, Ulf, Jason, and Dee with me and Rod on our knees.

Rod then took us on a tour of Kinglake West, the area he was living when the fires chased them out.

Geoff

Girls house working bee

2011-04-04T13:56:00.004+10:00

Some of the elishacare gang after helping out with some gardening at the girls house.

If you are living in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne and interested in joining us as we go out and help people with needs in our community, give us an email and come and join us, we have lots of fun and would love to share this joy with you.

Geoff

Camp Torquay

2011-04-04T13:28:00.003+10:00

Our most recent camp to Torquay (March), about 15 of the guys went down to our favourite little spot for some time out. We love hanging out here, building on the friendships that have began, sharing stories and using this time to encourage one another in their journey with Jesus.

Ulf & Geoff posing for a photo

Josh, Anthony, Danny and Robby, as you can see life is pretty hard on these camps.

Pete and his family catch up for some lunch together while Jason is never to far away from the food

The boys relaxing on the foreshore of the beach

James with his sausage rolls, that he reckons are the best in the world. He made them for the boys on the first night of camp, they were pretty good (but don't tell James that or you will never hear the end of it)

prayer

2011-03-04T11:05:00.002+11:00

prayer will be at our house this monday, 56 pascoe ave croydon, see you there

2011-02-15T12:57:00.003+11:00

PRAYER

dear all, our next time of praying will be monday night march 7th either here or at croydon main st--- to be advised. For all our great efforts, there's nothing like a bit of throne room dialogue to get things moving! love peta

Ladies' Craft Group

2011-01-21T10:48:00.004+11:00

I just wanted to share something about ladies' craft group, which has been happening on and off for the past year...

I've really enjoyed getting to know a few ladies in our community whilst being creative together. It's one of those things that you can't make happen unless you always turn up and spend time with people.

I have to admit that I'm not the most outgoing social person in the world! I like being at home and I like having time alone...

In the beginning I think I was very much focussed on the craft as I was a little uncomfortable being in close proximity to new people. However, as time went on I found myself caring less and less about what we achieve creatively and simply enjoying spending the time with ladies that I've come to care about.

I still enjoy being creative with others, encouraging them and helping them to find things to do that they enjoy, but it's the journey in life that we're taking together that matters more.

Emma.

Our Christmas Break-up

2011-01-05T16:50:00.007+11:00

Over the past few years now we have gathered at the "cornerhouse", a central place in Croydon to meet those in our community that are looking for another way of life, and wanting to explore this Jesus we talk so often about.

What makes this gathering so dynamic is that we encourage everyone to be involved, from the setting up, cooking the barby, making coffee's, looking after the fire (in winter) or just keeping an eye out for someone that needs a listening ear. I just love watching people connect, feel safe enough to share their lives with us, and then before long are on a journey with us, not quite knowing how it all began or where it will end. Some this past year have changed in dramatic ways without us knowing how or when it all took place.

Our Break-up

For the past few years now we have had our christmas break-up at the cornerhouse, and it has been a real community celebration. Again with so many taking responsibility to set up and contribute to the day (thanks everyone). We had another great turn out, with many we had met from our local community during the year come, as well as some local Traders and those we work with from the Shire, and then the many that have become the elishacare community. It was also really exciting for us to see some that sit on the fringe, and a little hesitant to connect during the year come and enjoy the celebration.

We would really value your prayer this year as we continue to connect with and support some of the most broken in our community.

Geoff

(sorry no pictures of break-up)

Grateful Hearts

2010-11-24T12:51:00.004+11:00

I just wanted to write a thankyou to everyone that has been so generous over the past week, helping us replace all the things lost in our container fire. We have had donations come from a variety of different sources, Rotary helped out after hearing what happened, individuals dug deep, and I even got a special email from a friend at our very first church, saying they would love to help out. Another inspiring gift came from our wonderful friends "Betel" , who themselves went through the Marysville fires in 09, losing everything.

It has also been wonderful to watch our community get closer, support one another more and have eyes and ears open to see and hear what our Father has for us through this time.

Thanks you Guys for all your love and support.

From the elishacare community

Burnt Out

2010-11-23T10:59:00.000+11:00

A couple of weekends ago, our container full of BBQ gear for Fridays was broken into and set alight. It was a bit of a shock, but none of us were really freaked out about it or worried that Friday BBQs might not happen anymore just because our gear was torched.

It's sad that someone would go to so much trouble in order to keep us from gathering in Croydon, but I feel that the quality of our relationships and what God is doing amongst us is so much stronger than the destruction of one angry person.

Some of the guys in our group simply said, "It won't stop us."

Last week we cleaned out the container together and worked on the lawns and gardens to keep the property maintained.

Amazingly and beautifully, supportive people in our community have rallied around us with support and encouragement. We've had people donate BBQs, chairs, and funds, and we're well on our way to continuing our BBQ-ing in Croydon!

The burnt out container.

Some charred remains: pages of a Bible; an onion; an urn (back); a mug with some melted plastic on it; and a 4L tomato sauce bottle.

Emma.

Camp Photos

2010-11-09T17:28:00.003+11:00

Vashti & Kylie
Dougy and the kids,

check this out Dougy getting salad to eat, you really are a changed man DougThe Boys on the bank of the Howqua river

And yes, the one that didn't get away, well done Damo

Camp Howqua

2010-11-09T16:50:00.003+11:00

We have had some amazing camps over the past few years, this one was no exception. A really good mix of people (nearly as many girls as guys), and a real openness to share the weekend with each other. Emma and the team excelled with the meals, there were some amazing conversations happening around the fire and other places, playing sport together, or for most of the time just soaking up the views and incredible mountains around us.

And of course I mustn't forget Damo's trout he caught.

Camp Howqua!

2010-11-08T16:48:00.000+11:00

This is the amazing view from our campsite at Camp Howqua, just south of Mansfield.

And this is the view from the other side, showing the Lodge where we stayed.

Here's the girls, piled into the van... Vashti, Esther, Kylie and Cecelia.

Having a hit on the tennis court, and a few guys shooting hoops down the other end.

There's me in the kitchen... being attacked by Cecelia!

Geoff, Damian, James and Doug...

We had a great, relaxing weekend together.... sitting around the fire, sharing and being together, but we also took advantage of the facilities and played some tennis, basketball, volleyball, had fun on the low ropes, and enjoyed the river as well.

It was so nice to be in such a beautiful, peaceful place together.

Emma.

prayer

2010-11-02T12:36:00.003+11:00

thanks for coming together for prayer last night guys, it was very encouraging. I was going to cancel because of overwhelming feelings of inadequacy and despair but my mum-in-law put her foot down and wouldnt let me. It is pretty lame reasons when you think about it; God is so much bigger than me and all my feelings.

There are times in your life when you just need to hang on to the post you stuck in to your bit of land (or to the work or promise that God gave you) and wait for the storm and the crap to settle down. At least at the end of it you can say... "I'm still here, I did not bail"...........it will surely count for something, I know it will......

First post, working bee.

2010-10-30T18:25:00.005+11:00

Hi its brad! Thanks for the invite to add to the blog Emma. Just wanted to share a picture from the recent girls house working bee. Thanks to everyone who was there, including ray who took the picture, and to Esta for an amazing morning tea. Looking forward to the next time we get to spend time together and make a place look good!

Brad

Upcoming Camp!

2010-10-23T11:59:00.001+11:00

Our next Elisha Care Camp is coming up on November 5th-7th! Put it in your diaries...

This time we will be going to Camp Howqua, near Mansfield, which is being made possible by a Community Grant given to us by the Maroondah City Council.

Camps are a great time for us to get to know each other better, and hang out with God together. Our camps are lots of fun and are always talked about among our group for many months afterwards.
If you want more info, email me ASAP at contact@elishacare.org

Emma.

Prayer

2010-10-21T21:27:00.003+11:00

hey all, prayer is on again at our house monday night from 730pm 1st november, hope to see you here.......... Dave and Pete

Elisha Houses Update

2010-10-02T16:56:00.000+10:00

Guys House - currently two guys. Please pray that God would encourage the guys to reach out to those around them and draw them into community with them. Pray also for another guy to come along who would be looking to stay long-term.

Girls House - currently two girls. Another girl must move on. The girls who stay here continue to come and go, so please pray for one or two long-term, stable girls for this house. It is very hard to build relationships and trust with the girls when they only stay for a short time.

Second Guys House - currently three guys. The family/single parent house has turned into a second guys house. Pray for relationships to develop well, building trust and centered on Jesus.

The Second Girls House has been handed back into the hands of the church who owns the property.

House for Betel - This house has been sold and is no longer under our care, although we have an ongoing relationship with Betel. Please pray for the guys that come to them for help. For more information, go here http://www.betel.org/au

If you have any prayer impressions that you wish to share with us,

please email them to contact@elishacare.org

Working Bee, Wednesday September 22nd, Emerald

2010-10-02T16:39:00.000+10:00

Men at work...

At Emerald, the guys (and me!) had a great time weeding, mulching, spreading crushed rock, and burning off cuttings and weeds (James likes fire!). It was a touching gift for the single Dad in whose garden we worked. It always amazes me how simple things like this make people feel loved.

Emma.

Fare-Sharing

2010-09-02T10:58:00.001+10:00

Emma and Brooke in the middle of their 'Fare-Sharing'!

Last week we did up boxes of food for about 10 different households, which include fruit and vegetables, packaged goods and frozen meat. It's great to be able to re-distribute and bless others with food that would otherwise be thrown away. We are very thankful for all that we receive through Fareshare and we enjoy giving others these 'goodies', both to those who ask for help and those who don't. A gift is a pleasure to give, no matter who receives it.

Emma.

Some of the Boys

2010-08-29T18:15:00.003+10:00

We recently picked up a job, where the guys had to move and spread 40 metres of mulch, if you're not sure how much that is try about 40 trailer loads. It was truly amazing to see these guys working together, as well as plenty of mucking around and sledging each other to get this job done.

Thanks John and Lou-Anne for the opportunity to do your job but even more to have the opportunity to get to know you both. Your hospitality is still being talked about.
Well done guys for an amazing effort.

Geoff

The Dirty Dozen

2010-08-27T09:50:00.007+10:00

Recently about a dozen of the boys went to play in the mud on some dirt bikes. Thanks Dan, for letting us rip up your paddocks as the adrenaline kicked in and the competitiveness took over. James (middle picture) took home the prize for most annoying on the day, spraying mud over the boys whenever he had opportunity.

It was a great day and always exciting to see these guys connecting, having fun, and looking out for one another.

Geoff

Elisha Houses Update

2010-08-03T17:24:00.001+10:00

So here's the latest... this information is always viewable on the 'Elisha Houses' page - click on the tab above to find it.

Guys House - currently three guys. Two guys have moved on, which has been a good move for at least one of them. Continue to for the relationships in this house, for a deepening of their relationship with Father, for good communication, personal growth, and healing.

Girls House - currently three girls. One girl has moved on - she found a great place for her to live with a member of her family, which is great. Continue to pray for good relationships to build up between the girls, so they can understand and trust each other more. Pray that Jesus would be known among them as they learn and grow together.

Family/Single Parent House - the single Dad has moved on. This house is possibly becoming a second guys house. Will update on that again soon. The two single guys that are looking at moving in are in need of prayer - that they will understand the idea of community and take ahold of the opportunity to grow that in this house.

Second Girls House - currently two girls and one baby. One girl has returned to the house after some time diong her own thing. Please pray for her to settle in well and to build trust with the other girl. Pray for good communication here also and a growing relationship with each other and Jesus.

House for Betel - This house has been sold and is no longer under our care, although we have an ongoing relationship with Betel. Please pray for the guys that come to them for help. For more information, go here http://www.betel.org/au

If you have any prayer impressions that you wish to share with us,

please email them to contact@elishacare.org

Ladies Camp was AWESOME!

2010-08-02T13:32:00.001+10:00

On the weekend just gone, a bunch of us ladies went away for the weekend to relax, and hang out with each other and God. We went to Benwerren, which is surrounded by beautiful bush, and has a cosy fireplace for the evenings.

It was a very special time together - there was just such a sense of acceptance and peace there. On Sunday, several ladies expressed their desire to not go home! We're all looking forward to the next time we can get together and enjoy hanging out with the girls!

Emma.

As natural as it gets

2010-06-25T09:37:00.005+10:00

Wednesday nights are our normal nights we gather at the boys house for some community time, but this one was to be a little different. Same crew, many of the people we have met along the journey and that want to share life with us, but it was far from a "meeting".

Sorry the picture above doesn't give you the real picture.....

Try and picture this........A full house, men, women and kids, most of us coming from lives of abuse, addiction, self destruction and pain, coming together for a family meal. This was one of those "naturally-supernatural moments, and one I won't forget for some time.

Guys serving alongside each other cooking, or preparing the meal.

Others setting tables, stoking the fire, collecting chairs, or just hovering around ready to fill a gap as one arose. The kids playing, amongst the organized chaos and everyone involved in this family time.

The conversations around the table were so natural, that when the meal had finished, the conversations hadn't and they flowed over into all different rooms of the house, it was priceless to see us "one anothering" with each other and with Jesus.

Our prayer has become, Father show us how to take this natural way of Kingdom activity into every part of our lives. Please pray for us as we seek Him more...

What an awesome community

Geoff

Elisha Houses Update

2010-06-21T17:00:00.001+10:00

Guys House - currently five guys. A fifth guy has officially moved into the house. This makes the house very full indeed! Please pray for a deepening of their relationships with Father and with each other, for good communication, personal growth, and healing.

Girls House - currently four girls. Another full house! One girl is still looking for another place to live as she wants to live with her family. Please pray that she would find what she needs and when she needs it. One of the others may only be with us for a short time, but she is doing well in the house and feels at home there. Please pray for good communication among the girls, that they would learn to understand and trust each other. Pray that Jesus would be known among them as they learn and grow together.

Family/Single Parent House - currently a single Dad. He is recovering well from his accident - praise God that he has almost full movement back! He also now has access to his children again, so they will be visiting him regularly at the house. Please pray for him as a father, and also that God would help him to grow in community with others.

Second Girls House - currently one girl and one baby. Mother and baby are doing well. Please continue to pray for their health and for adjustment to all the new things. Pray for a deeper understanding and awareness of God with her as she cares for her baby. The second girl has collected her belongings and moved out. Please pray that God would bring another suitable female to the house.

House for Betel - Betel are doing well and have fortunately been given longer in the house. They now have until September to find a new home. Please continue to pray for an adequate home for Betel when the time comes. Also pray for the guys that come to them for help - for the desire in their hearts to know Jesus.

If you have any prayer impressions that you wish to share with us,

please email them to contact@elishacare.org

Not Happy James

2010-06-08T19:13:00.006+10:00

Finding the way out......

Some of the boys (not naming them... Doug, Danny, Jase & Josh) pulled down James's tent (while he was fast asleep in it).

It's pay back time I reckon.

Buxton Burger Boys

2010-06-08T18:57:00.017+10:00

I had to put the pictures of the boys eating their Buxton burgers on the way home from our camping weekend. The record for eating these burgers is a couple of minutes, these guys were still going after 20, still a good effort boys.

Pictured Josh in the purple , Doug with the hat and James in white.

Don't forget boys we are going back for the cathedral burger next time

Boys in the Bush

2010-06-08T17:27:00.006+10:00

A bunch of the guys from our community headed bush for the weekend, many of them taking their sons for some quality time. It was so awesome to see Dad's hanging out with their kids, chasing bears (let your imagination run), camping in tents, cooking around the massive fire, or just enjoying the bush. We were camped in the Cathedral Ranges, deep in the bush and right beside a Pine forest, so can you imagine how exciting it was for these kids to make cubby huts, hunt together, or go exploring with Dad.

Thanks Danny and Jase, for organizing this weekend, gathering all the camping stuff and making it such a memorably weekend. It will be etched in our memories for years to come.

Geoff

The Blokes Camp

2010-05-31T17:08:00.004+10:00

Yes I can hear you asking, "what has this picture got to do with a blokes camp coming up". Well, Danny (pictured), Jason and myself went for a drive to check out the site we are camping at this weekend (4th June) in the Cathedral Ranges, and on the way back from the bush had to stop in at Danny's most favorite burger spot in the world, "Buxton Burgers".

Love you to be praying for the guys that will come bush for the weekend, and for their boys that will spend the weekend with their Dad's having some father/son time.

Will have some pics for you after the weekend,

Geoff

Cooking for Terry's Tucker

2010-05-31T09:37:00.005+10:00

A group of us from elishacare had the privelage of preparing and serving the meal Terry's Tucker (the local community meal) in Lilydale.

Isn't it amazing that in the midst of serving others, we are the ones that are most touched?

Well done team for such a great arvo and night serving together, and a special thanks to Emma for guiding the team.

Geoff.

Elisha Houses Update

2010-05-28T18:17:00.001+10:00

To bring your attention to what's happening in our elishahouses, here's a little update for your prayers...

Guys House - currently four guys. One guy has moved on and two new guys have moved in. Please pray for a deepening of their relationships with Father and with each other. The owners of this house have decided not to put it on the market! Praise God that we can continue to house the guys here! There's a fifth guy staying as a guest at the house at the moment. Please pray that a God would provide a good home for him, as it's not safe for him to return to his previous home.

Girls House - currently three girls, and one more moving in this weekend. One girl is looking for another place to live as she wants to live with her family. The two girls that are staying on are doing well. One of them is unsure whether she will move on soon or not. Please pray that God would make it clear to all involved as to what would be best for her in the long run. Continue to pray that the girls would learn to love and care for each other in a real and deep way.

Family/Single Parent House - currently a single Dad. He is recovering well from his accident - praise God that he has almost full movement back! Please pray for wisdom and guidance for his future accommodation arrangements, as he desires more community life than what he experiences living alone.

Second Girls House - currently one girl and one baby! Congratulations! Mother and baby are doing well. Please continue to pray for their health and for adjusting to all the new things. The second girl has half moved out - her belongings are still occupying a room. Please pray that she can finish up well at the house, collect her belongings and move on to a safe place.

House for Betel - We were able to provide a temporary home for Betel, a Christian Drug Rehabilition group who's previous home in Marysville was burnt down in the fires. This house has been sold and settlement is in June 2010. Please pray for an adequate new home for Betel before June.

If you have any prayer impressions that you wish to share with us,

please email them to contact@elishacare.org

"fareshare"

2010-05-26T21:17:00.007+10:00

We have just been introduced to an amazing place in Abbottsford called "Fareshare". Its a not for profit organisation that rescues surplus and close to use by date foods, from going in the bin. Each day they have vans that go around Melbourne to different grocrey outlets and pick up fruit, veges, meats etc. They then support other not for profit organisation with this food.

So once a fortnight Danny and I (sometimes Leanne or Esther) head into town with the eskys in the back of the wagon to collect the food. We then get it all back to our place and Leanne and I divvy it all up into hampers and share it amongst elishacare community and anyone else in need. Fortnightly we get about 50 kg of various meats and 30 kg of fruit and veges and whatever other goodies they have around the place. The thing that amazes me is that its perfectly good food that would otherwise go in the bin. Its really exciting to be apart of giving out this food and blessing families and individuals.

Brooke.

The Boys in the Bush

2010-05-18T18:19:00.008+10:00

Recently a bunch of the boys went bush to cut some fire wood for the guy's house wood fire. Their heater had recently broken down so it was time to get the wood fire going and a good excuse to go bush.

A couple of really good chainsaws, a few splitters and some really good men to use them and we were into it. But as you will see in the photos, more time was spent sitting around a nice fire drinking coffee and havin a chat, it seems like we do that often........

It was another great day, thanks guy's

Geoff

Working Bee, Switchback Road, 29th April

2010-04-30T08:52:00.003+10:00

As you can see, we only work to have an excuse for fellowship. Amazingly we still get heaps done! Here we transformed front and back of a house which is soon to be put on the market.

Ulf

Safety and Snags

2010-04-29T18:58:00.001+10:00

On Wednesday a few of us had a great time helping a Safety Group of the Maroondah City Counsel do a survey about the perceived safety in Croydon. They put on a free barbie and asked passers-by to complete a survey. For the barbie bit they had asked us whether we could lend them our barbie that we use every Friday at the 'corner house' and maybe also be around and help with the survey. We had a real fun time mingling with and getting to know people that we normally don't spend much time with, because they like offices and we like fresh air. ;) People that are part of our 'family' or we would hang out with on Croydon Main St. would come over and start a conversation with the nice policeman or other safety people that normally they would have nothing to do with, or would run away from for that matter. We are continuing to see walls come down in our community and are very excited to be apart of it. We now have a wonderful relationship with The Shire, the local Police, and many of the Traders, thankyou to all that make up our special community and to those that continue to support us and pray for us. It was just beautiful to see such a variety of people mingling and having fellowship together. And the snags were 1st class. Thank you Father. Ulf

farwell chris

2010-04-27T15:22:00.001+10:00

boo hooo we will really miss you chris

Farewell Chris!

2010-04-20T12:19:00.005+10:00

On Saturday, 17th April, we gathered to farewell Chris, who has been living in the guys' house, supporting and encouraging them, for the past year. He leaves us for an adventure with God, to Samoa. We have been incredibly blessed to have him be part of our lives, getting alongside others and sharing Jesus around.

Right: Chris shows us where he's going...!

Right: We gather to pray for him.

Bye Chris, we'll all miss you!

Emma.

Danny & Brooke on Family Life Radio

2010-04-14T16:24:00.003+10:00

A couple in our community were recently on Family Life Radio. The interview can be heard at the Family Life Australia Radio & Pods Page. Just scroll down in the displayed window to find it - it's titled "They met in a Detox Centre", on March 22nd, 2010.

You can also see it directly on their Marriage Family Life Program Facebook Page.

Emma.

Working Bee, Benwerren, 22-09-09

2010-03-19T18:27:00.002+11:00

On Thursday, 22nd September 2009, a group of seven guys and one girl gathered on a creek bank to pull down dead branches and burn them..... not our usual type of working bee, but all who went had loads of fun!

It was a great opportunity to lend a hand at Benwerren, a women's refuge in the Yarra Valley, who needed to get their property ready for the upcoming fire season.

Emma.