Reflections
The Revd Chris Thomason Chaplain
Last month marked my second anniversary at Anglicare WA. I started as the Lay Chaplain two years ago and that time has flown for me. As I reflect on that milestone, I find it hard to believe that it was that long ago, and I am still amazed everyday by the good work that I see at Anglicare WA.
I have met amazing people who work for Anglicare WA and our partners. Staff from the Northwest, places like Kununurra, Karratha and Broome. From our southwest, places like Bunbury, Collie, Albany and Katanning. From the East, our staff in Kalgoorlie. As well as those who work in our Metropolitan offices from Joondalup to Mandurah and east to Midland and Armadale.
Two years in and I can quote astounding statistics - Anglicare WA has more than 750 staff in more than 150 locations providing more than 100 different services. That Anglicare WA reached more than 82,000 West Australians in 2023-2024. And, no I haven’t met all the staff yet, though; it is on my to do list.
But the statistics don’t tell the real story; the way Anglicare WA staff care about what they do and about the people they support. There is nothing like hearing the joy, when one of our staff in Financial Counselling and Wellbeing Services assists someone in making sure they have enough money to pay their bills and put food on the table. There is nothing like hearing about the people helped in our Youth and Housing Services. Hearing about young people thriving as they navigate homelessness, as they are welcomed into a space where they can live, work and learn. Hearing the good news stories from Foyer Oxford as it celebrated its 10th anniversary. Hearing about the people supported through some of their most difficult times dealing with family and domestic violence, parenting issues and other stressful situations.
We help lots of people facing very difficult challenges; it doesn’t stop there though. Anglicare WA does great work in prevention and postvention services. And, in education, with Student Wellbeing Officers in 27 schools, our Schools Ambassadors program and the Anglicare WA School Sleep Out to name but three.
But we need your help both financially and in prayer. You can do this by using the link to donate. Please join me in adding this prayer to your prayer life:
God of Life-Giving Creation,
You call us to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with you.
We pray for the people of Anglicare WA
who are working across this vast and ancient land.
Enable them as they strive to meet human needs through loving service and build communities of resilience, hope and justice.
Encourage them to work in mutual partnership to affect positive change.
Empower the people they serve to reach their full potential, especially those who experience disadvantage and injustice.
Guide them in their advocacy for social justice and strengthen their determination to respond with compassion.
Remind them to care for themselves and for each other as they face the challenges of their work, and as they seek reconciliation, healing and community transformation.
All this we pray in the name of Jesus Christ, our servant leader and friend.
Amen.