Annual Report 2005-2006 - Drug Arm

DRUG ARM Australasia · Annual Report 2005 - 2006
7. Chaplaincy Services
23
Reverend Warren Myers
Reverend Warren Myers has been Chaplain of
DRUG ARM Australasia for four years and as
Chaplain has a variety of tasks to perform. His role
includes providing counsel and guidance to staff,
attending management meetings and sitting on
committees and assisting in staff interviews. The
most important of these tasks is the pastoral and
spiritual care of the staff and volunteers. Once a
week the Chaplain hosts a ‘coffee and chat’ time
to help staff and volunteers start their day with the
Lord and His Word and prayer which also helps to
promote staff morale and unity.
In last year’s report Rev Myers said that the
Chaplain’s role at DRUG ARM is that of an
encourager. It still is. As well, the Chaplain provides
counsel and support to the management team,
staff and volunteers. This has involved confi dential
help with personal, family or work related problems.
The outstanding way that staff pulled together
to continue the work of DRUG ARM whilst the
Executive Director was ill in May 2006 was
impressive and demonstrated the strong guidance
Rev Myers provided to staff during this period.
DRUG ARM is supported by and responsible to
an association of Christian denominations and
service groups. This link goes back to colonial
days in Queensland when Christian temperance
movements addressed the harms in the lives of the
early settlers caused by the misuse of alcohol and
sexually transmitted diseases.
Many churches have responded generously and
personally to DRUG ARM’s needs, including the
Wesley Uniting Church in Kangaroo Point that has
a group of folks who knit blankets for those in need.
They have invited Rev Myers six times to receive
beautiful blankets for the Winter Warmer Appeal.
Those who receive these blankets from the street
vans appreciate that personal love and care that
goes into each blanket. Another quilting group in
Toowoomba also makes blankets for those in need
through the Toowoomba street outreach. It is this
personal touch that demonstrates the love of Christ
to those in crisis in their lives.
DRUG ARM works on Christ’s behalf and yours
to equip people to make a positive change in their
lives and relationships.
Part of the help that DRUG ARM provides is
practical, the contact on the street or in the home,
the word of encouragement and support, the
warm ‘cuppa’ on a cold night, and support in time
of need. Another part is the chance to help needy
people to understand that the grace of Jesus Christ
and repentance and faith in Him bring real and
lasting freedom. The Gospel brings genuine and
lasting change in a person’s life.
Today’s issues have changed, and DRUG ARM
confronts current problems such as the effects
of licit and illicit drug and alcohol misuse among
young people and in society as a whole. Through
street outreach, health vans, creative intervention
and support programs, and education and
research, DRUG ARM continues to assist people
to make positive changes in their lives. DRUG ARM
does this in the name of Jesus Christ.
During 2005-06 Rev Myers had the opportunity to
represent DRUG ARM at several denominational
assemblies and conferences, seeking to establish
better linkages and networks with local churches
and church leaders. Rev Myers has enjoyed
visiting different congregations to present the
vision and challenges of DRUG ARM, including
Congregational, Seventh Day Adventist, Uniting,
Presbyterian, Baptist, Wesleyan Methodist,
Anglican and independent churches.