A week in the life of Grant Campbell (Just drinks coffee...?)

This last couple of weeks have been quite remarkable in the meetings and conversations that I have had the privilege of being involved in. I’m often asked what I actually do as a Chief Executive, and there are some weeks I ask myself the very same question over and over again. My job is an exciting and fulfilling one, which is sometimes mixed with tensions and frustration, but it’s often wonderful to see what’s happening in our city. God is always working. Here’s a snapshot of the past few days:

Tuesday 28^th January: Hamish Allan Centre – Improvements to the Night Shelter

Our Glasgow Winter Night Shelter has been up and running for two months now. With only four weeks left to run we met with the Hamish Allan Centre to see what improvements we could make to accommodating the men and women who use the shelter. The Hamish Allan Centre is the local authority’s first point of contact for those who present as homeless. We’ve been working closely with them over the past two years and our relationship seems to be getting better and better.

Not all, but some of those accessing the night shelter have complex needs. It can be hard with those who have addiction issues to prioritise seeking permanent accommodation. The Hamish Allan Centre accepted our proposal which improves the way people coming from the shelter can access and engage with the homeless services and increases the likelihood of those with complex needs actually getting the care they need.

Tuesday 28^th January: Kibble – Project OsKar

I travelled west to Paisley to visit Kibble, and more specifically Project OsKar.

This initiative has diverted over 50 tonnes of waste from landfill through a variety of recycling initiatives and by selling furniture through their warehouse showroom. Project OsKar works with six housing associations and has cleared and refurbished more than 10 flats and helped 150 low-income families equip their new homes.

It gives employment and volunteer opportunities for young people on the margins of society. It gives young people an opportunity to grab that elusive second chance. Really inspirational stuff.

Wednesday 29^th January: Granite House – Homelessness Prevention Integration Group

I was invited along to attend the H.P.I.G. (interesting name) which is a multi disciplinary gathering of all the local authority agencies and independent service provides who are involved in homelessness. There was a room full of 25 heads of departments, CEO’s and civic leaders.

There is an air of anticipation right now regarding the homelessness scene in Glasgow. There is a number of new personnel and a willingness to collaborate across different agencies to simply make the system work. We’re please that the Scottish Housing Regulator is holding microscope over Glasgow City Council at the moment and rightly so. This combination of factors is creating some momentum just now, and we want to take advantage of that to see if we can change things for the better. It was great to be able to contribute and for Glasgow City Mission to be represented at this meeting and for our perspective to be taken seriously.

Wednesday 29^th January: Business Partnerships

Had an absolutely fabulous meeting with a local Not for Profit. While I can’t go into all the details at the moment, I must share my surprise and delight at the social conscious that many business leaders have. While some companies are obliged to give a percentage of their profits, or do so for public relations reasons, there are some who simple what to do the right thing because it’s the right thing. How refreshing. While Glasgow City Mission is supported predominately by local churches, increasingly our commitment to social justice issues is challenging small and large businesses. In the run up to Christmas especially, scores of local businesses were only too happy to support our work. Glasgow City Mission, by the way in which we engage with those on the margins of society is challenging others to think about how they respond to those in need.

Thursday 30^th January: Glasgow City Chambers – Foodbank Forum

Foodbanks are never very far from the news these days, and we’re working hard with others in Glasgow and Scotland to ensure that we’re making the best of our resources, highlighting best practice and raising awareness of what is happening in our city. This meeting is an opportunity for foodbanks all over Glasgow to share what we’re are experiencing. While there are large amounts of anecdotal evidence, this group is also gathering data to reveal the extent of the problem in Glasgow and find lasting solutions. I was able to share with several independent food banks, the Trussell Trust and the local authority our findings. On Monday alone this week we had our busiest morning yet with 46 people visiting our own foodbank. There are some desperate stories out there of suffering but I am also encouraged by those willing to go the extra mile to help.

2014 could be a very exciting year for Glasgow City Mission as we work with others seeking to see God’s Kingdom come.   And it’s your praying, giving, fundraising, partnering, volunteering and goodwill that enables this to happen - thank you.

As the week draws to a close, I have the privilege of speaking at a Glasgow church on Sunday, and then enjoying the Superbowl with my neighbour into the wee small hours of Monday morning! A busy week it has been, but one that I pray bears much fruit for the sake of our city’s vulnerable.

Churches Worshipping 24/7

While there is not a guitar, organ, hymn book, worship band or data project in sight, churches all over the uk are worshiping through the night.

I’m delighted that churches are taking action to provide emergency accommodation for some of societies most vulnerable people, and they are doing it as an act of worship. Avodah (Hebrew) can be translated work or worship and I’m often challenged about the link between the two. What if our work is acceptable worship to God? What can we hold up at the end of the week – just like a little child who brings their crayon drawing to their dad – and looking to God say “I did that, do you like it?”

Our work isn't always worship, but it can be and has the potential to be. When our work is done in a way that reflects God and it is to the benefit of His glorious creation and kingdom it can be worship.

Christians are being obedient to the Father and reflecting something of God’s love to the homeless community in Glasgow – we’re giving them somewhere to sleep. We have employed a staff of 7 to deliver the Glasgow Winter Night Shelter service, but we also have a team of regular volunteers as well as further help from churches and others to make it all happen.

The team are working, and working really hard. As they work God is being worshiped, honoured, praised and He is getting the glory for the things he has done. The smell isn't always the best in the emergency shelter, but in God’s redeeming power there is a sweet aroma transcending to heaven and as God looks on at our work, or loving heavenly Father smiles at our crayon drawing and says “well done”. 

A BIG thank you to Renfield St Stephens Church for hosting this year’s Glasgow Winter Night Shelter and also a special thanks to all the partners, volunteers, supporters and fundraisers – “well done”

It’s Poverty & Homelessness Action Week (25 January – 2 February 2014) what could your church do as an act of worship/work to help those in poverty or who are homeless? Ideas are included in our Church Toolkits, why don't you have a look