'As hard times hit so many families, we can help the people who need us'

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IN my job, it is not difficult for me to come across people who are experiencing genuine suffering and hardship.

We are living in difficult economic times where the decisions of a few will have an effect on many. There is a real human cost being felt by families across Yorkshire.

When you combine that with news of the Government's austerity measures coming into force, affecting those who may find themselves out of work or on benefits – and further cuts to public services being planned – things can seem very bleak indeed.

Christians are called to rejoice with those that rejoice, when times are good – and mourn with those that mourn, when times are bad. There is a time for laughing, and a time for crying. Undoubtedly, this is a difficult economic period which will bring tears to many local people, and I realise we need to be there alongside those in pain to help them through the difficulties they face.

The Church should always reach out to those who are hurting. The Bible tells us that we are all one body. When we stub our toe, the whole body bends over to see what is wrong.

Every single person is precious, no matter where they live, and no matter what their income is. Everyone has gifts and talents that they can share. Everyone is unique.

Why is it during an economic downturn it can feel like whole sections of communities can be written off or forgotten? It is utterly wrong from a human perspective and I do not believe we should sit back and let history repeat itself.

I believe the answer lies with the principle of that Samaritan who helped a man who had been robbed and left half dead by robbers – when you see someone in need, do you rush to help them, or do you cross to the other side of the road and ignore them?

This is one of the reasons why I have helped to set up a new charity which looks to help families in need in practical ways. The charity is called Acts 435, and has been running as a pilot project across Yorkshire since last year. Because of its success, I have today launched the charity nationally in order to help people across the whole of England.

The Church will always be there for people when times are tough. Local churches have always been able to offer spiritual support, but now, thanks to Acts 435, they can also offer financial support.

So far online requests have been made for basic necessities such as cookers, fridges, washing machines, boilers. Immediate help has been provided to help with unexpected costs and also for those seeking some relief for heating bills. Travel expenses and clothing in order to attend job interviews have been provided. Requests can only be made for up to £100, and may only be requested three times per year for any individual.

Acts 435 works by putting those in need in touch with those who have the money to help meet their need via our website –www.acts435.co.uk.

The process is simple and quick. The person in need applies for help at their local church; the request is then checked, verified and posted online; a donor then chooses to give directly to the need using a secure payment system.

I hope the whole country will support this initiative with the generosity, and enthusiasm, shown by Yorkshire people so far.

This article originally appeared in the Yorkshire Post on 12 July 2010.

http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/opinion/John-Sentamu-As-hard-times.6414031.jp