Street sweeping with the homeless

On Wednesday August 11 when we found out that we would not be able to return to Orleansvale Primary due to the teacher strike, our integrated team (Dream Team + NewSong) was taken back to the Monte Christo house so we could team up with the Clean-Up Project, part of the Full Circle Ministry, ministry for the homeless, led by Jacques Heyns. We had been told we would be street sweeping, but for those of us who are from the States, I don’t think the reality hit as we automatically imagined those vehicles that drive around and clean our streets. Well, that image was not part of our day. WE were to become the street sweepers.

Thanks to the Dream Team’s enthusiasm and superb dancing and singing skills, enthusiasm quickly rose. They immediately broke out into song and dance with the dustpans and brooms as props. I’m not sure how they think so quickly on their feet, but the NewSongers enjoyed it immensely and were quickly psyched up for the task ahead.

We met at the MCM house and were able to witness the work that Jacques has accomplished with Full Circle Ministry. It was especially exciting for me as I met Jacques in October 2009 and this ministry was in its infancy. Every week a group of men gather at the house, and ~5 are chosen to participate in the clean-up project, and are paid hourly. After returning from cleaning, a devotion is given and soup and bread are provided for a meal. On this day, Jennifer Hanancouchi, from our team led the devotion. This ministry has several phases to assist the men in getting off the streets and making a better life with support.


Street sweeping was hard work! The brooms were not the best that I have used so it was hard to get all the debris with one big swoop. Being from the South, I'm used to hard work and manual labor to do my part in the family order, but it has been a while since I have pushed a broom. My hands were already hurting before we were barely out of sight from the MCM house! I managed to make a bigger mess in a few places. I felt more in the way than helpful many times. Peter, the foreman, was always behind us to tell us not to worry and keep going.

Here are some pictures from that day:



Peter, the foreman of the project


NewSong + Dream Team








Jenn providing a devotion after street cleaning


serving soup after the devotion

If you would like to pray for this ministry, here are the latest prayer requests from the June 2010 Full Circle newsletter:

• for a reliable pick up truck
• for a building or a piece of land
• that more homeless people will come to the cell group meetings
• for more job opportunities for the homeless
• for favor from the board members of the municipality
• Jacques: for wisdom and guidance from the Holy Spirit and complete obedience to Jesus Christ

For more information, contact Jacques Heyns of Full Circle Ministry at fullcirclemin@gmail.com