The best of times and the worst of times

There is something in us that loves it when a record is broken. And what a summer it has been for records. But just when you thought nothing could outdo the Olympics for breathtaking achievements I found myself watching on TV the fearless skydiver Felix Baumgartner leap from edge of space, beating as many as three world records, including the highest freefall jump.

He becomes the first man to break the sound barrier in a record-shattering, death-defying freefall. He reached a top speed of 1,342km per hour and travelled 39 kilometres.

As I watched from my conservatively 18-inch high comfy chair seat I thought, you have got to be insane! I quickly made a promise to myself to never ever contemplate going up in a hot air balloon without a short chain first attached to the ground. But, still, what an achievement.

Of course, not all broken records are to be celebrated. Recently I read that the demand for emergency food by struggling families was on the sharp incline. According to food bank charity The Trusell Trust, four years ago the number of people in need of its services was 26,000. In 2012-13 it is predicted to rise steeply to 200,000.

If I may borrow from Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities, these are then “the best of times and the worst of times”.

Last month I shared some of my own personal journey how, by faith in God, I came to have my heart broken for the most harassed and helpless in life. Also, how our church, Stour Valley Vineyard, in its small way, is wanting to make life better through Storehouse, our compassion programme.

What I wasn’t expecting was the response.

We have simply been blown away by the response of local schools, churches and organisations who have been in touch to hand us cheques. You are all amazing people. It says a lot about our community. Thank you.

As we hurtle towards Christmas, there is now another opportunity to do something for those going through “the worst of times”.

Our church’s Storehouse has been asked to partner with Waitrose for a special seasonal food bank initiative. On the last weekend of November and first weekend of December we will be there, collecting items of food for our Storehouse Christmas Hampers. We want those who have been bruised, crushed and beaten up by life to experience a Christmas like no other.

As Christians celebrate the birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ, so we would like to see the birth of new hope for many living in gloomy circumstances.

Last year, with the help from a couple of local churches, we were able to provide a record 43 hampers (we started our first year with seven), but by the grace of God and the goodness of people’s generosity, I would love to see that record smashed.

As you arrive at Waitrose some nice person will give you a suggested Christmas shopping list and doubtless a smile. We are not saying buy everything on it, but if you could purchase maybe a couple of items you’ll be doing a fantastic thing for someone in desperate need.

If you are unable to get to Waitrose or don’t usually shop there, don’t worry. We also have an online Storehouse Christmas Hampers online shop.

Meanwhile, as Christmas draws ever nearer, I pray that out of the darkness, out of the toughest and longest of recessions, out of “the worst of times”, comes “the best of times”.

As someone whose own life has been changed by the one who put Christ into Christmas, may the lives of others be changed too and given hope for a brighter future in 2013.

Together we can make a family or individual in crisis this Christmas a time of joy.  On their behalf, we’d love to have your support.

ASD