Sonia Hopkins, Supported Lodgings Manager:
“Changes to the team: Emily came on board in February as the project lead and we said goodbye to Nick in July. Over the past months, we have focussed on recruiting new hosts as well as building stronger relationships with local churches and local authorities. Host recruitment has been a slow process but just in the last couple of weeks there have been enquiries from potential hosts. In particular, the team would appreciate prayer for the following:
• ...new opportunities for the project, to take Supported Lodgings in new directions – one of these being to explore respite hosting. Please pray for wisdom and clear guidance for Emily as she negotiates with local authorities. Please thank God for those who have come forward so far to offer for respite hosting! There are currently discussions about helping to support unaccompanied refugee teenagers. Please pray these discussions would prove fruitful and help east to west discern their next moves.
• ...training of hosts, with a new host currently going through the training process and hope to place a young person in the next few weeks. Please pray especially for the matching process – so important in the success of a placement. Also please pray for host and young person as they build their new relationship.
• ...young people, both those currently with hosts and those that have left supported lodgings but are still in contact with east to west. Many are achieving great things in their jobs or at university and have reconciled relationships with their families. However, some of the young people we know are facing difficult times at the moment, including bereavement. Please give thanks for them, pray for them – and their hosts and helpers as they support them through life’s highs and lows.
• ...current hosts, for continued energy and wisdom. This project would not be possible without them and we are so grateful to God for them!
Thank you for your prayers - they help to change lives.”