Faith and Mission

On Thursday night the 19th August, we braved the weather to hold the Sleepover for the Homeless at Killester. Raising funds and awareness, there were 28 brave souls who endured time outdoors in the cold with the pouring rain, as our sound background. After experiencing the outdoors in sleeping bags, students came into the Tullow building for dinner. They had a cup of soup and slices of bread for a sparse meal and then we did some awareness raising presentations.

From the housing crisis to domestic violence and mental health issues we also heard from several homeless people and their lives via you tube clips. It was interesting to listen to students' responses about what they valued in their homes from their bed to their shower or their wifi. Family life and support with a roof over their heads was a source of great comfort to them.

We also learnt about various groups that support the homeless from the Big Issue, the Salvation Army and Melbourne City Mission. We did a short prayer service and the closing prayer is just below. The evening finished with the film, “Pursuit of Happyness” and we nodded off not long after the finish, some before. I won’t say it was the best sleep I’ve ever had but breakfast was hearty and the morning greeted us with sunshine.

I must commend the students for their dedication and participation in support of the evening. Thanks to Monet Sedita who organized the evening quiz. They helped set up and pack up and their spirit of cooperation was wonderful. Thank you also to Ms Dunstan and Ms O’Gorman as well as Mr Rahimi for their care and support of the students on the night.