At the age of 19 I was challenged by a speaker at a conference who told stories about Jesus heart for the poor and challenged his listeners, claiming, that just ‘doing church’ was not following Jesus. This resounded with me as a deep truth and as a result I threw myself into research. I read every book on social justice and how this was linked to Christian faith I could get my hands on. I then re-read the gospels in this new light. I felt like I had tapped into a beautiful and exciting revolution.

During my year at Bible College in 2008 I prayed desperate prayers aching for the opportunity to embrace the poor and throw myself into service. I had huge dreams, visions and ideas of how this would look and how I could change the world around me. Little did I know that Gods Kingdom does not roll in like a bulldozer instantly impacting and changing its surroundings, it is much more subtle, mysterious and beautiful.

Shortly after moving from New Zealand and starting out with UNOH my ideals and arrogant visions were crushed by a group of kids who hang out in an alleyway and sniff paint. I remember my first day helping at the drop in centre at Springvale seeing these beautiful kids (the youngest being 12 years old) inhaling paint out of plastic bags, my heart broke. I felt weak and powerless, I tired to talk to them asking about dreams and hopes for the future but generally the response is “don’t know” or “don’t care”. As I have journeyed with some of these teenagers and heard their stories my vision has changed. I do not see tough trouble making teenagers I see children of God desperately looking for acceptance and love. In the eyes of society these kids are seen as scum but through his eyes they are precious and loved.

Over my time here I have been broken by the pain and the struggle of our brothers and sisters trapped in cycles of poverty and oppression. I have discovered there are no quick fix solutions. The call is to enter this struggle and form deep relationships in which we can share the love and light of Christ. And what a joy it is to be invited to do this, to be administers of Gods love, bearers of Hope and to play a part as Gods Kingdom unfolds into this world.

Dave Dallaston

Dave Dallaston recently returned from New Zealand to complete his apprenticeship with UNOH. He hopes to continue a similar work following some formal study after returning to Auckland later this year.