Nativity story ... and threesixty!

With the festive season upon us, Oasis threesixty decided to create a blog post centred around the similarities between the nativity story and the story of a threesixty! We asked Josh and Gareth in the Croydon Hub what their views were...

1. What parallels are there between the journey of a threesixty year and the story of the birth of Christ?

AN ANGEL APPEARS TO MARY: how do you experience God, or see God in others?

Gareth - I try to spend time just by myself, Bible in hand, just being alone and reflecting. The way I hear God is in the quiet when I can think and pray.

Josh - While working in the academies we've had the chance to work with TOTAL or (Time Out To Access Learning). Its mostly there for students who persistently break the rules but most of them are there because they have been fighting. Being there has given me a great opportunity to get to know these particular students and chat to them about why they are there, but also about the wider aspects of life. There are times when I really see God working in these kids, and I think its such a privilege to challenge the mentality of low aspiration.

MARY VISITS ELIZABETH AND MARY PRAISES GOD: explain a time you've felt great excitment whilst on threesixty?

Gareth - I feel excitment every time I spend time with my mentee's. I feel I've grown really close to the youth I work with at Coulsdon and look forward to it all week!

JOHN IS BORN AND ZACHARIAH PRAISES GOD: what's it like being a pioneer?

Josh - I have found being a pioneer really hard work, we got some training on being a pioneer and found that the key really is just perseverence. There are times when it is really lonely, and times when I feel proud of all that we've achieved in the past few months, but its really encouraging to be paving the way in a new hub for future threesixty's.

THE JOURNEY TO THE STABLE: what hardships and trials have you faced on your journey?

Gareth - I've never been very good at communication with people I don't know very well, but I am learning slowly and feel I have grown already this year.

Josh - One of the toughest problems I've found this year has been dealing with the behaviour and disrespect of some of the students. It can be hard to find the will to work with some of these young people, especially when there is no pay check at the end of the day! If it wasnt for God being with me, I'm not sure I would have the strength to carry on each day! But, with the encouragment and support of those around me, I manage to walk into work with a smile on my face each day!

SHEPHERDS ARE VISITED BY AN ANGEL: what have you learnt so far on your threesixty year?

Gareth - I've learnt that God is with us all the time and he wants us to cast our anxieties on him. This year will equip me for the rest of my life and has helped me experience all kinds of different cultures, communities and people.

Josh - The journey I'm taking this year is showing me how to live God's love for everyone. Its a real challenge to show love to everyone, especially when sometimes its thrown back in your face. Only by remembering that we do this because God loves them all completely, can we find the grace to continue to show love - though we often fail.

We inteviewed Vicky....

.... a current threesixty in Waterloo what her experience was like so far;

1) Has threesixty met your expectations?
I've been doing a lot more than expected, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, I'm really enjoying being busy and having more responsibility! I'm especially enjoying the schools work I'm doing at the moment, and the work I'm doing at the Coffee House.

2) Do you have a particularly memorable moment that you can tell us about since you've started threesixty?
Well... I've been ill for the last couple of weeks, and this week I started back, and visited the school I volunteer with. What really struck me was how many of the kids asked how I was, and if I was feeling better. I feel like I've made some really genuine relationships with the kids and staff, and although I'm only there once a week, the work that I do does actually make a difference.

3)What's been your biggest challenge since starting threesixty?
I think being given the responsibility of an authoritative figure has been a big challenge, I'm used to being the kids friends, but I'm rubbish at telling them off. Its a hard thing, knowing you're not put there to be their friend! But I'm still learning, and enjoying the journey :P

Christian gap year - threesixty

Here we ask Sam Willis, a Watford fan and who did threesixty last year, a few questions to tease out what his experience was like.
What has been the hardest thing about your year?
The most consistent hardship was living with other people in the hub. I didn’t realise how right I was about everything until I moved in with people (who thought they were right!). Opening yourself up to live with people, be open, vulnerable and challenged even about things as small as how long you spend in the bathroom can hurt more than I thought. These times were also the most fruitful.The year isn’t easy and that it was it so brilliant about it.
What story sums up your year?
I remember struggling with a group of the young people at one the youth clubs. I found the lack of respect they had for me since I didn’t ‘work’ there as such difficult and felt, if I’m honest, threatened by them. I remember discussing the matter with my mentor at the time and he had some good advice; basically, to step out. And so I did, and began to intentionally talk and interact with this particular group. I remember the conversation being one where I kept persisting despite getting no answer other than “f**k you”. I persisted and in the end got an answer. That group of boys was one I got on with increasingly throughout the year and by the end among my favourites.
What is the funniest word you know?!
Piccadilly, ‘coz it’s pretty darn fun to say.
Has your time on threesixty ‘changed your world’?
I wait and see. I know my views on a lot of things have opened up and can see the potential for Christ centred mission in places and things where before I wouldn’t have. I think in relating to people I would not usually relate with that’s opened my eyes. The change I love I think is hope. Time spent with Oasis has filled me with hope. Hope that change can happen, that Christ is relevant everywhere, and hope in what God is doing in me, in the church and in the world.
How has threesixty affected your future?
Well it’s opened a world up to me I guess. Something that is on my heart is youth work and so I think it may well have been the facilitator behind that idea of my future.
How has threesixty affected your understanding of God?
Big time! It’s taught me to see him in places where I wouldn’t have before. It’s taught me that he is active and not static. It has taught me that he does have a plan and it’s more than just about me. It’s taught me to see the God of history, the God of this world and then what place I have to play. It’s opened me up to a God who is not a molly cuddling, there-there god but a wild, excited and interested God. It’s made him bigger.
Politicians talk a lot about deprived communities and the lack of hope there. What would you say to them?
I love what Mother Theresa said when she said “small things done with great love”. Policies may facilitate change but they are no salvation. To understand, to relate, and to listen to people goes further than making programmes for them. There is hope, it is ground level and I think that that is where real change takes place.
Big or small?!
Hmm, I’m gonna sit on the fence- Big made up of small.
What would you say is the biggest strength of threesixty?
I think its honesty, reality and fearlessness. It isn’t a nicely boxed experience. You can invest as much as you want and dive as deep as you like. It facilitates but doesn’t dictate.
What would you say to someone who is not sure whether to do a gap year? Do it.
If you are interesting in finding out more about cost and finance or applying for September 2010 email http://www.oasisuk.org/volunteering/threesixty or phone 020 7921 4230

Current threesixtys are looking forward to the June residential, thats one of three that occurs on the Oasis gap year programme, happening next week in the town of Shirehampton, Bristol. There will no doubt be training, discussions and debates, competitions, and plenty of food! For more info on training on threesixty, visit the website on; oasisuk.org/volunteering/threesixty.

Threesixtys have recently given valuable help at the Faithworks conference in Enfield. Are now looking forward to training in the Godfrey Buxton room situated in All Nations Christian College.
Enfield team are rejoicing after winning the highly prestigious photography competition, their trophy is on its way!

All threesixtiers are currently stewarding at the Faithworks conference being held in Enfield. Looking forward to hearing from Jeff Lucas and Brian Mclaran.

Current threesixtiers are reading through 'Chasing the Dragon' by Jackie Pullinger and looking forward to March residential at All Nations Bible college in Hertfordshire. Jill Rowe is also doing the rounds in the country visiting them in their current hubs!

For more information on threesixty please visit website: www.oasisuk.org/threesixty

Oasis Threesixtiers back from holidays, getting stuck back into the community, and awaiting news of 'Jug Challenge'. Training and residential on the horizon, and snow not stopping them from spreading the love!
Check out the website for more info! oasis.co.uk/threesixty :D