Spring '11 NewsletterSpring '11 NewsletterWho is my neighbour?This is the Ark's guiding question. Today we live in a global village, so in one sense, everyone is my neighbour. We know the instant a calamity strikes the most distant part of the world, and often there is an outpouring of help – at least initially. We're not always so good at following up to see if the problem was really solved or the people actually helped. Then there are the people who just go on quietly suffering without much notice, because their plight does not catch a camera's

attention. There are a lot of people in that category and we're just as responsible to help them .Of course, if everyone is my neighbour it is easy for no one to be my neighbour. We can't help everyone; there are so many needs, so many appeals. It's tempting to throw up one's hands and do nothing. It's an age-old issue. One day Jesus was talking about the two great commandments which sum up all the others: to love God and your neighbour as yourself.. But someone listening wanted to justify himself and asked, “So, who is my neighbour?” The answer came in the story of the man who fell among thieves, often called the Parable of the Good Samaritan. The victim was passed by people who very well might be expected to help. He was cared for by the Samaritan, a person the victim may have despised. Who became the neighbour? The one who helped, of course. He was there; he had the means; he could make a difference. He acted.The statistics of poverty in London are staggering. Certainly, the Ark helps only a few. But we do what we can for those we encounter. One evening last fall, one of our friends came in just as I was locking up for the evening. He said he was sleeping outside and asked for a sweater. I found him a good, warm one, and he went out happy, thanking me. One man comes in and sleeps most afternoons because of his medication. But he loves the art classes and has 2 paintings hanging in the dining room, which he proudly points out to visitors. With the help of our tutor, several people are doing math that they never thought they could do. Our first computer student proudly brought in his father and brother around Christmastime to show them where he 'worked.' He later told us his family is beginning to include him again in family events, “all because of the Ark.” Many evenings someone says, “thanks for the meal. I was really hungry.” That never gets old.So, the people who come in, some addicted, some with mental health issues, some physically disabled, some illiterate, some with multiple challenges, are our neighbours. They could be my kids. They could be me. They could be you. They are our neighbours. We do what we can. We make a difference.

The Ark Aid Street Mission, Inc696 Dundas Street E., London, Ontario N5W 2Z4

Tel. 519-667-0322 Fax: 226-289-3045E-mail: arkmission@golden.net Web: www.arkaidmission.com

The Ark in Pictures

Beyond the NeighbourThis past Family Day, we were open as usual, although it was a holiday for many. We figured people would still be hungry and the team to serve that evening, from Stoney Creek Church was willing to come. As I walked out to see how things were going during the afternoon snack time, the majority of people I encountered thanked me for being open. Some of them added, “This is my family.” We've been hearing that a lot more lately, from both volunteers and clients. Honestly, I was hoping to build a community centre. But what I have discovered that when you do that, neighbours have a way of turning into 'family.' It is an honour to know that people feel welcome, safe and connected. A family. Home. It doesn't get any better than that. You should come and see for yourself!FinallyThanks to all those who have sent gifts since the last newsletter. Because of your generosity, we will be able to fix some things we couldn't get to last year and look after people a little better. To all those who make an annual donation, we appreciate you! Please don't think that every newsletter is intended to ask you for more than you can do. We just want to share the good news of the Ark. For those who would like to know our current needs, in the next while we want to renovate the kitchen and install a commercial dishwasher. Of course, the usual bills such as hydro, insurance, supplies and salaries keep coming. Thank you for supporting the Ark family!

Doug WhitelawExecutive Director

Christmas Eve Meal

CCH students singing Christmas carols

UWO nursing students' researchLondon Korean Church presenting new video projector