At this year’s Colour yet again we sought to be a "blessing to the cities the conferences are hosted in". We always try to ask the question, “what might the city need and what can we ask the lovely delegates to bring?” I was raised to never go ‘empty-handed’ to a dinner party or gathering, so it's nice to ask everyone to bring something if they can, which can bless others facing challenge.

So in SYDNEY our response was towards the devastating floods in Queensland (will blog about that soon); in CAPETOWN the need was new shoes for those without shoes in some of the townships; in LONDON we asked what the elderly in the city might need. The following is a little report from our London sisterhood.

Love, Bobbie

LONDON'S ELDERLY (Colour/2011)

Colour is really is taking shape in London and the fruit of gathering, equipping and mobilising is becoming tangible. One of the growing needs in the greater London community is with the ‘aged’. There are more people over the age of 65 years than ever before. Many older people are lonely, isolated and confined to their own homes - cut off from society and most importantly, personal contact.

In partnership with a local organisation on the ground, we were asked if the Colour Sisterhood attending this year’s conference could simply bring "tea, coffee, new cups or mugs, sugar and biscuits". How simple and do-able. So that's what we did ... 2,611 items were lovingly purchased and brought and then a team of volunteers (from our local Sisterhood) lovingly packaged them into gifts, with handwritten love-notes of encouragement from the delegates. These were then personally delivered to 430 of our city's older and vulnerable citizens.

The impact of these gifts has been so very humbling. The CEO of Regenerate Rise said, “Our members today absolutely loved seeing all the gifts and they couldn't get over it; some were just awe-struck and didn't know what to say - they just couldn't believe that people would think of them". It seems that this small gesture of kindness and care really is making a difference to people’s attitude towards the Church.

From the Rise Coordinator in Ealing - "Ken called the office and he was saying again how much he appreciates the gift ... he said 'if only I could do something for them to say thank you!' ".

There have been many stories and most importantly, the visits have opened more doors to care for and reach some of the very isolated and lonely individuals - social activities are being organised by local community organisations offering support and friendship. Other needs like gardening and spring-cleaning have also been highlighted and are being followed-up with people within the church.

The power in something as small as a ‘cuppa’ tea or coffee and offering a hand of hope and friendship may in fact change someone's life. Together we can be the change. SO THANKYOU TO EVERY DELEGATE WHO BROUGHT SOMETHING, IT WAS DELIVERED WITH TENDER LOVING CARE ON YOUR BEHALF. And we pray that others will be inspired to simply ask a few questions in your local communities. Often what is needed is "totally within our reach to do".

Cathy Clarke

For more information on The Colour Sisterhood and their initiatives pleaes visit coloursisterhood.com