Catering ministry opens doors in Lockyer Valley
Catering ministry opens doors in Lockyer Valley
6 July 2016
Photo: Obed Hernández
Skate parks and backpacker gatherings are now regular venues for a rapidly growing community catering ministry in the Lockyer Valley, 90km west of Brisbane.
The focus, though, is to provide much more than that. “Our emergency services trailer ministry has gone viral,” said Captain Craig Harlum, Lockyer Valley Corps Officer. “We were blessed to get the trailer through community and local grants, as well as sales of donuts from our donut machine, and God is really opening up doors for us.”
Each month, the corps caters for a backpackers gathering, run by the Lockyer Valley Regional Council. They serve burgers, salad, drinks and donuts, while council employees share information with the backpackers on fair work regulations and laws to help them avoid the exploitative and illegal employment practices on the rise in the area.
“We also spend time chatting with the backpackers as well,” Captain Harlum said. “It’s a blessing to help meet the unique needs of our community, contribute to social justice, and the council pays us to do it, too. Once we buy our supplies, there is a small amount of money left over which goes back into the ministry.”
The council has also asked the corps to cater at the regular skate park workshops they run around the region. “They pay to cover our costs for these sausage sizzles, and we have a donation box out as well, but most importantly, we are connecting with parents and their kids,” Captain Harlum said.
Again at the council’s request, the corps also catered for a local multi-cultural festival on Red Shield Sunday, with all proceeds going to the Red Shield Appeal. Other events catered for include a local Hope Community Church event, with money raised from donut sales going to chaplaincy; a music festival and community fun day.
“We are feeding people but also now training corps volunteers who are passionate about sharing their faith, to share the Gospel at these events,” Captain Harlum said. “We are also looking at running a homework club and really focusing on children and families. We are willing to follow God and believe he is showing us the direction in which he wants us to go. It’s all part of his plan.”
Comments
What a great ministry!