Just Trying Hard Not to Have Concrete Feet

Written by Anthony Douglas | 12 November 2009

Berkeley, in the south of Wollongong, has plenty of concrete. It's a suburb with relatively small blocks, lots of public housing, high unemployment, and other social problems. It's a tough neighbourhood. At the start of 2007, a small group of Christians decided to reach out to Berkeley. Their approach was simple: doorknocking. It's daunting normally, but in Berkeley, there wasn't much reason to hope for success. But one Saturday afternoon, they decided to give it a try. Dave was nervous: he confessed that he was 'just trying hard not to have concrete feet'.

Ever since, that's what they've done, every single weekend. The same pair knock on the same 30 or 40 doors, and chat. Over time, the residents of Berkeley have grown used to the idea, and gradually, more doors have opened. Stories have been told, friendships have been made, and lives have been shared. In the first year, the locals asked the Christians to start a church in Berkeley. So they did, amazed at God's kindness...and now there are as many people at church in Berkeley as there are at St Peter's. Even if they don't go there, the people of Berkeley feel ownership for their church.

As we embark on our doorknocking adventure, it's encouraging to know that even in the toughest neighbourhoods, people care that we care. Genuine Christian love is a recognisable, valued gift. Of course gifts are costly, but the rewards can be marvellous. Let us all pray that God would be kind to us, and to the people of Shoalhaven Heads.

How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!

(to read more of the story of Berkeley, see The Briefing #374 (Nov 2009)