Day 26 : Anglicans on the Streets | St. Helen’s Compassion Action Team

In the Gospel according to Matthew, chapter 4, we find James and John mending nets. In their world, this was a regular, if not daily, process of scanning for worn and weak areas and restoring them to strength and vitality.

In Jeremiah 29, we are told to seek the welfare of the cities in which we find ourselves.

On nearly every street in North America, we can find places of disrepair. Places that are worn and weak. Places that need restoration and renewed vitality.

As Christ followers, we are called to be repairers of the breach, those who see areas of brokenness, and bring gospel restoration to those places.

In Beaufort, South Carolina, the historic St. Helena’s church is actively at work, mending and restoring aging and broken places. Founded in 1711 and one of the oldest cities in South Carolina, Beaufort is adorned with moss-draped oak trees and antebellum architecture. Over its long history, this congregation has seen many cycles of renewal and decline. Today, they again bear witness to Jesus as they reach out to their neighbors, those whose homes and places of refuge have succumbed to the relentless aging of time.

"I rescued the poor who cried for help, and the fatherless who had none to assist him." – Job 29:12

"Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings." – Isaiah 58:12

In the process of building this team, St. Helena’s also recognized that as “fishers of men,” mending nets isn’t simply bringing restoration to homes and living spaces. They acknowledged that it also involves relationship.

Because of this, the Compassion Action Team also extends grace and friendship to those they might otherwise not have been able to reach. Their work is also opening other doors in the city to other like-minded organizations Their efforts not only helps those who are in need but it also bridges gaps and builds trust for the long term.

What nets in your city need to be mended?

Where are the places in disrepair and needing restoration?

One practice many churches have is inviting small teams to walk the neighborhoods around their places of worship. The goal is to observe. Where are places of brokenness? Where are places worn and showing weakness? Engage your neighbors. Are there places of great safety concern, like those that St. Helena’s found?

We may not be able to do everything, but likely we can, and should, do something. What is your sense of your own response?

As St. Helena’s walked in their neighborhood and engaged with their neighbors, they realized that many were in great need. Realizing they couldn’t do everything, they knew they must do something.

In response, they created the Compassion Action Team to care for vulnerable individuals with nowhere else to turn. As they looked deeper, they were amazed to find the depth of restoration and help needed:

They had neighbors needing emergency repairs to stop ceilings from leaking or falling in.
Others needed repairs for unsafe porches and sinking floors.
Others, often elderly and/or disabled, needed hot water heaters, beds, ramps and toilets.

For more information,

see Compassion Action Team.

The Sun, by Edward Munch

Allow your eyes to rest on this image above of the light and how the warmth and hope extends. Reflect for 2 minutes on the vision that God has for all to thrive, for all to flourish. Take a few seconds to pray for all those struggling with despair, disrepair, and experiencing what feels like insurmountable obstacles. Respond with gratitude in prayer that you and God's people get to be a part of this vision of hope and light.