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Viewpoint from Territorial Envoy Ali James 15/12/2023
 Territorial Envoy Ali James
Corps Officer, Great Yarmouth Salvation Army
Here in Great Yarmouth of course this year we have been eagerly anticipating the opening of the Herring Bridge, that much awaited third crossing over the Yare that will connect the Great Yarmouth and Gorleston sides at the south end of the river, that promise of eased travelling to the south. Just as Jesus came to earth to be the bridge between us and our creator God, bridges are very much in mind at this time too. As we compile our lists of those we will send messages or presents to, our minds are drawn to those who are not with us, sometimes prompting people to consider seeking reconciliation with estranged loved ones, or patching things up following fallings out with others
Reconciliation is a tricky process requiring a great deal of perseverance, energy and tact. There are many bumps along the way that cause delays, like the voles (others in the equation that must be taken into consideration and negotiated with), or even threaten to blow the process out of the water completely, like the blasted WWII bomb! Maybe, in the waiting for that restoration we can turn our minds and efforts towards helping others who don’t have families to care for them, or families who are really feeling the pinch and struggling to provide presents for the children, heat the house and put food on the table. Times are dark and difficult for many of us, but a hand of friendship and a listening ear cost little and make the world of difference not only to them but surprisingly to ourselves too. We have many great organizations in our community who do this year round and who rely on the support of the community (volunteering and giving) to keep the provision in place. In some ways, partnering with them sows seeds of hope towards those situations we ourselves would like to see resolved. Let’s keep bridge building!
May you know hope, joy, peace and love this Christmas and increasingly so in 2024
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