Edges Magazine Issue 26: We All Need A Table And Chair

EDGES MAGAZINE Issue 26

July/Aug 2001

WE ALL NEED A TABLE & CHAIR.

John Brown works at the Blackburn with Darwen Furniture Store. He shares his Project with Edges Magazine.

"We have different gifts, according to the grace given us......if it is in serving, let him serve.....if it is in serving, let him serve....if it is in encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously....."

These words from Paul's letter to the Romans, and echoed in so many places in the New Testament, are what inspired a few people in 1993 to try to help the many underprivileged in our society with the provision of furniture and household goods. The small operation set up at the time, which operated for seven months before ceasing as the premises used were sold, showed clearly to all the Blackburn churches that this needy work must continue. Twelve months later Blackburn Churches Action was formed as a registered charity and for six years now Blackburn churches have united in promoting and supporting the work of its Furniture Store providing an essential service to the residents of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council - work which, sadly, increases yearly.

The Furniture Store operates from an 8500 square foot warehouse near the town centre and to cope with the ever-increasing demand, it is the store's third move in four years, each time to occupy larger premises and even now, the space available is barely sufficient to hold all the donated goods. Clients come on Mondays between 10am and 3pm (the first ones arriving before 8am if they need 'white goods' - cookers, washers and fridges - knowing that demand always outstrips supply) and bringing a referral letter issued by one of the many social agencies, ministers of religion, health visitors, doctors etc indicating the need required. After a brief interview, they are taken around the store, choosing their items, they are labelled and delivered the next day, when donated items are also collected.

The Store's staff and volunteers are always amazed that week by week donations of items collected equate to the large volume taken out for delivery - an assurance that the Lord is firmly in control of the situation! He ensures also that funds continue to be available, from many sources, so that this essential work can carry on. Two workshops are also now in operation in the building - one checking and repairing 'white goods' and the other refurbishing furniture to make it even more presentable and make chests of drawers which is an item often in short supply. Parcels of food are also distributed to meet observed needs amongst the clients visiting on Mondays.

The Store receives many referrals from T.H.O.M.A.S. and is also able to help by furnishing homes that T.H.O.M.A.S. has secured for its ever-increasing number of clients. As well as helping them, ex-offenders released from custody, women escaping domestic violence, people whose homes have been burgled or vandalised, pregnant girls whose families are unable or unwilling to help them, asylum seekers, those disadvantaged etc they are given sympathetic attention and are accorded a sense of dignity and self worth. Indeed all staff and volunteers consider it a privilege to be able to offer help and assistance in their various ways. Indeed they are equally inspired and challenged by Paul's words as the few were nearly eight years ago.

Many other towns around Blackburn also have their own furniture stores and they are proliferating the countrywide, an indication surely that our welfare society is not meeting the needs of many struggling to cope with the many pressures of life. In the original draft for the American Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson wrote, "We hold these truths to be sacred and undeniable; that all men are created equal and independent, that from that equal creation they derive rights inherent and inalienable, among which are the preservation of life, and liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

In a very small way, Blackburn Churches Action is trying to make that vision become a reality.