New Hope for the Year Ahead

A year ago the credit crunch was barely talked about, nowadays we can read how the effects of this severe shortage of money and credit is affecting our daily lives. Over the past year we have seen retailers that have been on our high street for more than a century go into administration, we have heard about the impact that a world wide recession will have on small businesses while others are experiencing the effects of redundancies on families.

You only need to walk around Eastbourne town centre to see how many empty spaces have been left by cafés and retailers that once flourished; or a look at the rising unemployment figures in East Sussex will show the effects the economic downturn is having on our town. There is even talk of a sharp increase in population as ex-patriots are looking to return home because of the poor performance of sterling against the euro.

Peter Moore is General manager of People Matter, a Christian based charity committed to helping people without work. He says, "We are seeing more clients than ever. We want to respond to this current situation by extending our hours, holding outreach sessions and opening a drop in service. We also want to encourage more out of work clients to consider volunteering, as this can boost confidence, contribute to the community, develop new skills and give continuity to a CV."

Here are some practical ideas on how you can help others who are struggling to cope financially with the effects of the credit crunch: Invite them round to your home for a meal. Listen to their concerns. Share the hope that God has given to each of us. Pray with them for the provisions that they need.

Whatever situations or circumstances we find ourselves in during 2009, let us not forget the hope that God has freely given to each us... the hope of eternal life.