Our Flowerdale visit

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

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

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

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

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

 
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

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)