Just come back from time in a homeless centre (picture below) 'Residents' are able to arrive each night between 5pm and 8pm in order to have a bed for the night. Each morning they are up at 6am and have to leave the centre by 7am. They are not guaranteed a meal each evening but more often than not a hot meal is provided by local churches or charities. Once registered at the centre, the 'residents' can have their own bed for as long as they want. One lady has been staying there for 10 years.

Andy talked with a gentleman whose life fell apart when he was forty. His marriage broke up and he lost everything - wife, family, job, home. He turned to drink and has been homeless for the last twenty-two years. He spoke of the deep hurt and guilt that he feels and how alcohol can drown it out. We were able to share how Christ took that hurt on the cross, so that he can be forgiven and set free. If that happens, then he will not need to rely on alcohol any more.

Another younger woman had only ever lived on the streets since she was a child. She has six brothers and three sisters. She is the youngest in her family and the centre has been her home for the last six years. It was good to see the students getting alongside these people to show something of the love that God has for them. Pray for those from local churches who visit the centre regularly.

(Below) Students practice in the prison reception room before going into the prison compound.

Earlier in the day two more groups of students visited both the Childrens' Centre and the prison. In the prison, following a time of songs, testimonies and dramatised readings (lost sheep, coin and son), we got into three groups (prisoners and students) and talked together of those special times in our lives, the importance of relationships and how we can have the best of relationships with our heavenly Father. Some shared from the heart. We finished with an invitation for the prisoners to apply to come on the next Path of Life Mentoring course starting early next year. Please pray that some will want to join us.

Tomorrow is the last day of teaching at Emanuel University and in the evening we are at a village church.

Thank you for your prayers.