The Favour
The Favour is a ministry that works with the local residents in a Waterloo community housing estate.
We are working to facilitate a less wary, guarded and suspicious culture where people will become more open, aware of each others needs and relate cooperatively with each other in response.
We think that racism, class attitudes and other divisions are ripping the seams of our society. That they stand in the way of real co-operation for the betterment of all, and true reconciliation.
The Favour meets every Wednesday afternoon over afternoon tea with the agenda to build relationships. Sometimes the talk is very ordinary and a way of catching up on the latest events. At other times we discuss very real experiences and problems. In this way we become aware of specific difficulties that people have, sometimes we can help with these.
This can be as simple as some practical work that can be done to make a person’s life more comfortable, such as repairing fly screens, assisting with transport to appointments or help with managing the complex processes of applying for social benefits. These practical activities are where we invite fellow residents to become involved, making a contribution to the purpose of being aware of each other’s needs and responding to them. In this way we are building a kinder and more integrated community.
We do not work to rescue the people in this Community, but rather spark waves of kindness that will be infectious and transformative. We hope to engage people to love and care for each other, realising it is a slow process but a very important one.
Our own motivation is as followers of Jesus Christ, who announced ‘good news to the poor’ and proclaimed ‘God’s Favour’ to ordinary people.
