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 Update Message 
From the Chairperson
Dear Friends
Again another year, and we are approaching Christmas. This was a
year with a different viewpoint for many here in Christchurch. It has
been an exacting year, one filled with challenges, loss and grief, and
a sense of very slowly starting to make progress into new beginnings,
fledging plans and ideas for our future here. Yet there is and always
has been a sense of resilience, courage and hope throughout. It is sad
though, to see the destruction, and hear of the ones in the red zone
having to find new homes. It is hard to hear of those still waiting,
not knowing any firm results or knowing their future yet at all. Even
so, most people will just say ‘there is always someone worse off than
me’.
Through all this, P.A.T.H.S. continues on, as we realise that all
the Trust members are here in Christchurch. We are grateful to know
that our support is spreading so much further afield, and have helped
sustain us over this past year. Thank you. We are continuing to
develop and grow our PCP (P.A.T.H.S. Counselling Partners) nationwide,
which is exciting and great for clients in other parts of the country.
We have also refurbished our web site. We now have our newsletter available on line. and there is a blog too.
Thanks go to Phil and Carolina’s
for their efforts. Another new development this year, was the starting
of an 0800 number, which connects to a cell phone, which is manned
24/7. We are in the midst of working out the viability of this
project.
Our year then has been one of quiet steady progress, and a holding
together and supporting of the team here in Christchurch. It is as if
we have been receivers of what we offer the people coming to us for
help, when they suffer from their abortion. We offer safe, comforting
place that supports, and is able to listen, and understand the pain,
confusion and wondering of ‘what’s happening and where from here?’.
On that note, to help us through changing times, we are seeking a
few more people who may be interested in joining the Trust to assist
with governance of P.A.T.H.S. If anyone is interested to apply do
approach us.
May this Christmas mean more this year than ever before. May we see
Christmas with penetrating eyes, with an intensity we have not
experienced before, which shows us the immense love that God has for
humankind. That He should sent His son, in the form of this tiny baby,
Jesus, just for each of us. May this gift bring healing and comfort,
to all who have lost; babies, loved ones, houses, jobs, churches and
much more. May the Christ child, whom we welcome and celebrate, bring
the joy, peace, love and hope to each and every one.
A very Special Christmas to you all
Jan Brodie
From the Co-ordinator
Jan has filled you in on how the year has been. I would like to add my
thanks to those who have encouraged and supported us this year, through
what has been strange and trying times. The effects of living in
earthquake city are still being realised in different ways, at
different levels, but we are slowly coming through. We have pulled
together and survived and hope to continue the work before us. Support Group
Please note and spread the word that we will be relaunching our
next year. This is a good place for someone to come and share their
experience in a supportive and non-judgemental place, and to see if
they might also benefit from one on one support. The first step is
often the hardest, but those who have come before have found it very
helpful in breaking the silence and rewarding being with others with
similar experiences.
Building relationships is key to being able to reach out into our
communities to those affected by abortion. The need for sensitivity in
the work and the need for trust is high. So it takes time to become
known and to grow. My sense is we are in for the long haul and
will continue to respond to the needs of those adversely affected by
their abortions as well as respond to opportunities to speak and
generate interest and discussion around the issues. Note that there
will be a two day post abortion seminar in Christchurch in March 2012.
We are ideally placed to speak to church and professional health groups
and would like support and help to do so. If you are in a
position to put in a good word for P.A.T.H.S. in your area of work or
ministry, please do so.
Warm peace to you all over the Christmas Season and all the best for 2012.
Carolina
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