Christmas '11 Newsletter

Embracing the hungry and sufferingAlong with our new logo, brochures and signs, the Board of Directors has chosen a new slogan, or mission statement: embracing the hungry and suffering with the love of Christ. It is bold and I like it. Our culture does not value pain. It is simply to be gotten rid of, so we can get back to enjoying life, which for most of us means buying more stuff. But, of course, suffering is always present. We just don't know what it means or what to do with it.

So, we ask 'Why?” Then we are offended when there is no good answer. Not sure where we think that will get us, but that's what many of us do.

C.S. Lewis observed “Pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pains. It is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” That is not a happy thought, but it does give meaning to much of human experience. Lewis does not say that God causes pain. As a Christian he would say that God is not defeated by pain. The Christmas story is about God coming himself, in the person of Jesus into our suffering world – and suffering himself! God is not removed from human suffering, or indifferent to it. He is present in it. It is in suffering that God is most at work in us and the world.

So, at the Ark, we don't run from suffering. We understand that suffering is all around us. The stories of some of our friends here are heartbreaking. But suffering needn't be the final word. Change, growth, hope all can emerge from pain. Many people say there is something different about this place, or that they like the 'atmosphere' here. That is not an accident. It is because we embrace the understanding that new life comes out of death and decay if we will let it.

But there is more. Jean Vanier founded L'Arch, (The Ark) a global network of homes for developmentally challenged adults. One of those homes is here in London. He notes there are five attitudes towards people with intellectual disabilities (and the poor): fear of the abnormal leading to rejection; pity leading to institutional-ization; respect and compassion leading to attempts at integration; wonderment at the transformation in us from relationship with people who challenge our pursuit of personal success and power; and finally the realization that we see the face of God in those who are weak. “Their presence is a sign of God, who has chosen 'the foolish in order to confound the strong, the proud and the so-called wise of our world.' And so those we see as weak or marginalized are, in fact, the most worthy and powerful among us: they bring us closer to God. They turn our world upside down!” (Vanier, Our Life Together, pp.10-11)

Our slogan is on the front of our building on and on the side of our van as it drives around town. We are challenging the dominant themes in our culture. The people on Dundas St. in Old East Village really are the heart of the city. The Ark works because of that. People show up to volunteer (don't let that stop you!). Food arrives at our door without us asking. Without a major donor or government funding, people have been cared for for twenty-eight years. People tell us the Ark is their family. Something mysterious and powerful is at work. Hungry and suffering people are loved here. We all are the better for it.

The Ark Aid Street Mission, Inc696 Dundas Street E., London, Ontario N5W 2Z4

Tel. 519-667-0322 Fax: 226-289-3045E-mail: info@arkaidmission.com Web: www.arkaidmission.com

Ride for RefugeOn October 1, five teams of cyclists braved the windy weather to raise money for the Ark. I am proud to say that the Ark raised more than any other group in London. After expenses, the Ark will have about $7000 towards its operating budget. Thanks to the Ride organizers, to all those who rode and to all those who supported the riders. Stay tuned for the Coldest Night of the Year, a winter walk on February 25 to experience a night in the cold to raise funds to help.

Because of the faithful support of the Ark's friends and volunteers, we have had a productive year. More people were served than last year. The building was improved with new signs, painting and general maintenance, heat where we didn't have it before, a commercial dishwasher and new entrance into the office. The new van is a blessing and gets people asking about the Ark. We've had our own art show and people are making crafts, including sleeping mats for African children. One recent night, a woman in for the evening meal asked Wayde if he recognized her. She had been the bookkeeper at a produce store that gave the Ark food last year. But they closed at the end of 2010, and she said, “Here I am.” That, unfortunately, is our city. Thank you to all those who have contributed in any way this year. Many people make a donation at Christmastime - thanks to all those who will respond to this newsletter. There are several ways to donate. Gifts in excess of $10 will receive a tax receipt.Gift cards: instead of giving another gift to someone who has everything, make a donation to the Ark, check the relevant box on the response card and we'll send you a special card(s) to give noting the donation in their honour. You can also do that for birthdays, funerals or any other occasion.Pre-authorized Giving: Check the box on the response card and we'll send you a form to set up monthly withdrawal from your bank account. It is safe, convenient and provides the Ark with steady income.Online: From the Ark website, you can use your credit or debit card to securely donate via CanadaHelps or PayPal. Regular monthly donations can also conveniently be set up on CanadaHelps or by PayPal..Mail: Donations, including post-dated cheques can be mailed or dropped off at the office at any time.

Thank you for helping the Ark to Reach, Connect, Transform. May you have a blessed Christmas!Doug WhitelawExecutive Director

The Ark in Pictures

New Volunteer T-shirts fundraiser for $15 Art Show at EVAC - 10 paintings sold!

Fund-raising at the Players World Dart Championship

Power out so we had Ark in the Dark