Church Army's mission project has once again proved to be fruitful, as StreetReach has scooped an award in its Belfast programme.
Streetreach has carried out various activities and projects during the summer, and mobilised teams of volunteers to put Christian faith into actions by serving one another. The projects include cleaning the streets, painting positive wall murals and cleaning up graffiti, doing up gardens, taking the elderly on outings, hosting street parties and community barbecues and running events and activities for children.
Streetreach is an initiative by the Church Army and Summer Madness working in partnership with local churches and community projects, especially in areas that are less well resourced.
In Belfast, Streetreach project has scooped this year's Brighter Belfast Award in the anti-litter category. Church Army's Chief Secretary, Philip Johanson commented, "This is an excellent accolade which supports the hard work and commitment that has led to Streetreach making such a difference for Belfast."
Neville Willerton (project co-ordinator) and volunteers Ruth Petticrew and Sr Anne McCourt attended a gala dinner with around 140 other nominees held in Belfast City Hall earlier in December.
Receiving the award on behalf of Streetreach Neville Willerton commented, "I am pleased to receive this award for the young people who have been recognised for the work they put into the project. It is great to see these young people get some positive recognition and to show others that this generation are committed to their city and want to make a practical difference to improve the situation for everyone."
"This year over 330 young people were on the streets of Belfast making a real difference by sweeping streets, giving away food and making time for the community- they did this without any payment to show that the only thing that matters is faith expressed through love," Neville testified.
Church Army, an advocator of the "Mission-shaped Church" report, is very well-known across the UK for its commitment in developing new evangelism method and training evangelists that fit the new era.