Hackers, a group of four retired men from two Bath churches are putting their faith into action serving their community by clearing gardens for those who can’t manage on their own.
For several years now, the group have been supporting people who are unable to cope with their outdoor space. Mike Smith, is one of those who has been helping out, he explains what they do, “We clear gardens and do other bits and pieces for people where the gardens are out of control.”
What started as a small add hoc idea has grown into a regular, practical ministry. The work is part of the outreach connected to Rose Cottage, Twerton and often Mike says, comes through referrals. “We’ve had referrals from social services and Mercy and Action, single mums, elderly people… people who just can’t cope with the garden.”
Though it can seem like a small thing, often when a garden space is out of control, sorting it out can seem overwhelming for those who have been struggling to cope with it. Mike explains what a difference the group’s help made for one mother, “She hadn’t been out in the garden for 16 years, and her son, who was nine years old, had never been in the garden at all. When we cleared the space, they were both able to use the garden together.”
Mike says the impact of clearing a garden is often deeper than it first appears. “Clutter causes stress. If you’ve got so much stuff, it creates stress, every time you look out, you feel overwhelmed. An elderly woman we helped couldn’t get out of the back door because everything was so overgrown. When that happens you feel hopeless and when it is cleared you’ve got space, so you’re far more at peace.”
For Mike and the other hackers, the task and the effect it has in changing people’s lives is straightforward. “There’s a need, so we clear gardens. It’s the ministry of good works, isn’t it? We’re called to do good works, you see people struggling and you help them. It’s just practical love.”
Alongside the work, Mike oftens gently shares his faith. “Generally, I always give a Mark’s Gospel, as an introduction about faith, and try and encourage people to think about what they believe. It’s not necessarily a discipleship thing; it’s more about community. For me it’s a long-term thing. You see people struggling and you help them. That’s what it’s about.”