Helping Others

Street Ministry

A group from CPC assist NightShift Street Ministries, a Christian multi-denominational front-line street ministry, reaching out to the disadvantaged homeless in the Whalley area of Surrey.

Currently, CPC's involvement with NightShift has mainly been through supplying, delivering and distributing clothing, basic toiletry items and blankets and talking to and praying for individuals there who request prayer. During the school year, this has been happening one or two evenings every two weeks, more often during school holidays.

The street clientele is mainly adult (young and old, male and female) and we call them our friends on the street. There are also many caring youth involved in this outreach from many different churches. Some church communities have committed to one specific night each month, bringing enough volunteers to staff both trucks (one for distributing food, the other for handing out clothing and blankets), or combined church groups.

Volunteering

It is strongly advised to call ahead and arrange to attend a special orientation rather than just showing up (to observe or volunteer) without understanding Nightshift's specific goals and organization, the clientele, and necessary health-related and safety precautions. The street orientation is equivalent to Volunteer Basic Training Level 1: the How To's of Street Ministry.

As a volunteer for this, or any ministry, one is merely an instrument of God's love. That is how we see our involvement, as we reach out to the marginalized individuals of our affluent society. The people who receive our gifts of clothing are so appreciative and marvel that others even care about them. It is so easy to show them Christ's love in tangible and practical ways and also with kind words of hope and encouragement—to look them in the eye, to listen, and to pray for them throughout the week. It is a privilege to serve them.

For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose –Philippians 2:13.

Other Ways to Help NightShift Street Ministries

Current needs include the following. Please drop off clean items you no longer need at the Cedar Park Church office and they will be delivered by Kathy to NightShift Ministries. Bibles Outdoor survival: blankets, comforters, pillows tarps, pegs, ropes umbrellas rain jackets back packs tea light candles Clothing: (Men: S, M, L, XL —darker colours preferable;  Women: S, M) jackets hoodies jeans sweaters, shirts, T-shirts (long and short sleeved) socks boxer underwear** (no large-size for men) men's pants (the average man has a 32" waist so no large or extra large sizes are needed). shorts women's bras and panties** (suitable for women aged 19 to 45, small to medium only) ** There is a huge need at this time. Footwear: runners work boots women's sturdy shoes/boots Toiletries: scented hotel soaps, shampoos, conditioners, mouth wash, deodorant toothbrushes and paste combs disposable razors cologne (men and women) bandaids hand cream and lip balms Please keep in mind that it is difficult for individuals to keep their meagre belongings mobile and "intact", so small containers are preferable. Most of the clientele is male. No children's clothes are needed at this time.