How our churches can also help

STATISTICS show that in this recession, people in their late 30s to 40s (even professionals, managers, engineers and technicians or PMETs) are the hardest hit. Once they lose their jobs, they face a long period of unemployment.

In addition to the support offered by the MWS, Methodist churches can come together and provide organised help to support families whose breadwinners have lost their jobs recently or have been jobless for some time. One way is by mobilising cell groups to “adopt” a family or two and give them practical support, such as:

• FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE to sustain the family while the father looks for a job. If the period of unemployment is prolonged, bills may pile up, electricity and water supply may be reduced or cut off, meals may become irregular.
• FRESH FOOD – the rations received from VWOs and government agencies consist of canned goods and packet instant food. A family will be greatly helped with an occasional supply of fresh vegetables, meat and fruit.
• INVITATION by community members/friends to the father for snacks or dinner, keeping in touch regularly and listening to his wishes and dreams and acknowledging his struggles and frustrations.

• OFFERING other ways of finding a job, such as connecting him with friends or acquaintances who may know of a job vacancy or other forms of help the family may need.
  
  

HOPE Recession Fairs, which are organised by Trinity Annual Conference, are avenues where you may be able to find a job and other resources while job-hunting. The next Hope Fair is scheduled for Aug 1, to be held at Pentecost Methodist Church .