Christians Against Poverty (CAP) is an organisation that seeks to help people out of debt. As the new local CAP charity moves closer to opening in Maidenhead, we are keen to offer our support. A member of St Mary’s will be a trustee of the new charity, and others in the church are interested in becoming CAP debt coaches. We would love people to be involved as CAP befrienders. Jason and Angela tell us a little of what that looks like.
Jason: ‘Christians Against Poverty, affectionately known as CAP, has since 1996 served those in the community struggling to break free from debt. CAP is a national organisation which specialises in debt counselling for people in financial difficulty. The practical service of coming alongside someone burdened by debt and helping them to chart a plan and prioritise the right tasks are in essence acts of genuine Christ-like love. I love that this much- needed ministry is truly done in the name of Jesus.
Laura and I learned about CAP in High Wycombe nearly 10 years ago. From a first-hand experience, we were able to join as various clients were visited by the CAP debt coach. On the first and introductory visit, the debt coach explains the heart of CAP, the process involved and shares love and hope. Once all the bank and credit card statements and bills are acquired the paperwork is sent to the head office in Bradford where the debt plan is created and a way forward takes shape.
With such a streamlined and efficient system the CAP process can offer a swift and thorough solution for clients who often find themselves feeling hopeless and overwhelmed. Yet, just as crucial is the love of Christ throughout the process. The debt coaches offer to pray for the clients on each visit and offer for a befriender to come alongside the client throughout the process and beyond.
Becoming a befriender was such a joy. Visit by visit, the clients learnt that someone will be there for them to answer questions, to help and serve. And the privilege of being able to lift these dear people up in prayer whether in person or in your own time is a gift and an honour. CAP Maidenhead would greatly benefit from genuine followers of Christ who just want to be available to support those in need as a volunteer and befriender.
Would you prayerfully consider serving in this impactful way? We can not recommend this Christ-centred ministry enough.’
Angela: ‘In the past I have had the privilege of being a CAP befriender, helping someone with the daunting task of seeking clarity from the chaos debt created in their life.
The role of a befriender is to be the eyes and ears for someone else as they navigate and attempt to process difficult and sometimes, for those suffering, complex information.
You would attend the financial meetings that your allocated person has with the CAP debt coach, listening attentively and being an independent witness to what is being said, both for the benefit of the person being helped and the debt coach.
It is a crucial role as it enables the person being helped to process the information once the debt coach leaves, and to clarify what has been said. You may also need to be a witness to any other financial meetings that the person has. You can then be a second voice if the person gets muddled or loses track of the information that they are trying to relay to the financial institution they are attempting to communicate with.
You will take your lead very much from the debt coach, and they will support you in your role at all times. You will have independent conversations with the debt coach throughout the process, and together you will provide a robust support system for the person with debt to have the best possible road to recovery.
The most important aspect of your role is to be a prayer support both for the person in debt and for the debt coach. It is an absolute privilege to partner with CAP as their programme is full of grace and truth. It offers an opportunity for broken people to find financial independence along the way, but more importantly, come to see that Jesus is the ultimate friend who helps us to face the realities of life head on.’
If you can offer your support or want to know more please contact Rachel Meynell: rachel.meynell@stmarysmaidenhead.org.
Rachel Meynell