My first encounter with Mission Australia’s work with the poor and homeless was in 1981. I was just beginning to emerge from a time of great darkness and brokenness in my life.

I went to Mission’s premises and gave the staff $20. Amazingly, what began as a small gesture resulted in me continuing to support them ever since.

For many years I felt I had been dealt a bad card in life. I was born 10 weeks premature. As I grew up I had learning difficulties, but an even greater problem of fear, abandonment and a lack of love left me unable to relate to people in a relaxed way. As a teenager I felt incomplete and unaffirmed and really wanted to die. I feared never having proper employment and a stable and fruitful future. But as a result of God’s love and the support and counsel of many people, the beautiful life I now have began to emerge.

Today, retirement enables me to volunteer with homeless and marginalised men. In talking with these men, I have come to realise that the wounds and hurt of my past help me to reach out and encourage them in a very genuine way. I find it a constant source of joy, and a great reminder of the support I received many years ago.

Every time I receive Mission Australia’s newsletters and read about the broken lives that are being mended I am profoundly touched and know that my regular financial giving, and ultimately my bequest, are part of a much wider work of mercy and compassion.

Ian Kelly*, regular giver and confirmed benefactor

*Names have been changed to protect the privacy of our supporters and the people we help

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Our founding purpose - 'Inspired by Jesus Christ, Mission Australia exists to meet human need and to spread the knowledge of the love of God'