What can a neighbour do for a neighbour? Great question!
This question is at the heart of our reason for being, expressed in a short mission statement below-
Building resilient neighbourhoods and communities where people belong, contribute and flourish.
and so, Our story so far –
The Two Rivers Community Trust is a Christian-based charitable trust, established in 2013 as an initiative of Darfield Baptist Church, which has been active in the district for more than 140 years. Our church’s rallying call is, we are Here to Make a Difference.
Over the decades members of the church have contributed in many ways and sectors of society. Following the February 2011 earthquake that devastated Christchurch, a group from the church facilitated a valuable, sustained effort to provide practical, social and spiritual help to the city. This ranged from food, to accommodation, to prayer, to visiting, to shovelling, to repairing, to transporting, to networking … and was known as Malvern Community Help. Many of you reading this will have been important contributors to that shared community and churches-based effort.
As the recovery changed its emphasis and our involvement was lessened, we recognized needs in our own district and the value of working together. We also recognized that we would need to increase our capacity to go beyond a purely volunteer response.
As a church we valued the help of so many from around the district, many of whom had no church affiliation, or some other church commitment. We also recognized the initiative and abilities of folk from Darfield Baptist Church in facilitating local involvement.
As the Trust was established we recognized the relationship with Darfield Baptist Church. We also ensured that others who share the vision can be invited to be Trustees or ‘friends’ of the trust, by attending our regular meetings. We believe that a strengths-based approach has tremendous potential for good, and by channeling resources we will become a blessing and source of initiative for community development.
Some scriptures that motivate us and shape our efforts
He has told you what he wants, and this is all it is: to be fair, just, merciful, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6.8
“You are the world’s seasoning, to make it tolerable. If you lose your flavor, what will happen to the world? And you yourselves will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. You are the world’s light—a city on a hill, glowing in the night for all to see. Don’t hide your light! Let it shine for all; let your good deeds glow for all to see, so that they will praise your heavenly Father. Matthew 5.13-16