We are called to ‘life in all its fullness’. And as many Christians have discovered, it is through enabling others to flourish that this is best achieved. As interdependent human beings, there is no such things as ‘helper and helped’, or ‘doer and done to’. As Jackie puts it: “I work with vulnerable people, currently those with a learning disability. I always come away feeling I have gained more than I have given and that God is present in a very simple service.”
‘Making a Difference in the World’ is a key strand in holistic mission, and therefore of the diocesan ‘Living Faith’ programme. It’s about seeking first the kingdom of God, and its righteousness, and it is multi-faceted.

As Sue puts it, “For years, I did not see a connection between my faith and the wider world of campaigning and social justice. But my experiences of seeing vital services cut, deeply affecting my family and those like me, made me realise that there is indeed a strong link. Jesus came to reach out to the poor and the oppressed. I now see that faith and the practical expression of that faith in seeking social justice through campaigning are indivisible.”

2012 is to be the diocesan year of ‘Making a Difference’. We embark upon it knowing that ordinary Christians across the diocese are busy transforming the lives of others, but in quiet and unsung ways. We want to celebrate these activities! For example, retired finance director Peter, says: “I am a part time debt counsellor helping in our local Advisory Centre. We try to help those whose lives have become intolerable because of their debt problems and adopt an attitude which is neither critical nor patronising.

“It is remarkable how considerate creditors often are when properly approached and my experience is that it is possible to help people turn their lives round.”
And Douglas says: “It is good to have a regular commitment in our local community shop and with an agency to support asylum seekers at which one can be and feel useful, and where the opportunity to talk about matters is often so important.”

Caring, volunteering and campaigning are all crucial to ‘making a difference’. Just as important, however, is who we are in our everyday lives. Simple acts of loving kindness can mean the world to someone else, especially in a society where many are lonely, isolated, or under pressure. Joanna says, “I try to do something nice for a stranger at least once a week, perhaps it is just telling them how good they look, or that a colour really suits them. I like to see people smile.”

Who we are in the workplace is a powerful witness to others. Janice says: ‘I work as an assistant in an espresso bar, a job that involves serving customers all day and I absolutely love it. The customers really need their coffee, and I know I make a difference to each and every one of them.”

And Judith says: “I give legal advice to people experiencing family breakdown because I think I can make a personal difference by being real, friendly and supportive as well as legally competent. A visit to a solicitor can be daunting - I try to be a Barnabas in my professional life as well as at home.”
As well as celebration, 2012 will also be about inspiration. Our actions in the world lead us to a new knowledge of God, and this isn’t something we necessarily find it easy to talk about or express. 2012 will be about bringing together contemplation and action, and valuing prayer and worship.

Alison Webster is Social Reponsibility Adviser for the Diocese of Oxford