When you mention Bournemouth to most people they probably think of buckets and spades and nice long walks along the beach. Not many people think of Bournemouth as having a large number of people who are homeless and often using drugs to help them cope.

I have been employed by Faithworks Wessex, a local Christian charity, and funded by the council through the ‘Supporting People’ programme as an outreach worker to the homeless offering support through the church run drop-ins. There is at least one place/day in Bournemouth where anyone can go who is homeless or hungry and receive food and support. Over the course of the week around 160 different people will visit these facilities. A large proportion of these people have a drug problem.

As a Christian for around sixteen years plus I firmly believe in the potential of the church to help people with addiction problems. I believe, as I was told once by Jackie Pullinger-To, that ‘the Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon’ us Isaiah 61:1.

In early June 2008 I arranged with Dave Partington to come to Bournemouth to envision and mobilize the churches in Bournemouth and the surrounding area with regard to the problem of addiction. The meeting was very well attended by pastors, ministers and leaders from various church groups. In the evening Dave spoke at a more informal meeting for the church as a whole. The day was a great success and I am filled with excitement over the fruit which will be bourn direct from Isaiah 61.

This is what ISAAC is all about. Not just working outside of the UK but right here at home. Awakening Christians to the problems of addiction on our own doorstep and realising the great potential God himself has invested within us. The Church is the hope for the addicted! Amen!!

This is what ISAAC is all about. Not just working outside of the UK but right here at home. Awakening Christians to the problems of addiction on our own doorstep and realising the great potential God himself has invested within us. The Church is the hope for the addicted! Amen!!

Chris Milton