The Unexpected Smiles Make Everything Worthwhile

The “Unexpected Smiles” are the greatest reward for those working at ‘The Shack’ in Nambour, Queensland.

The Shack, a Christian organisation, began in 2002 with a vision to provide for the needs and concerns of people in the Nambour community.  

It is a place where lives are changed and the broken are loved unconditionally. 

Many of the people who drop into The Shack have lost the ability to smile.   After months and, in some cases years, of building trust and making a platform for friendship, a smile says a lot.

“It says thank God you’re here, it says thank you,” says Pastor Dale Dowler who has lead a committed team of staff and volunteers in this vital and thriving Community Centre since it began.

The Shack is one of those places that makes it easier for people, like myself, to relax in the comforting thought that something wonderful is being done to help those in need in my community.

I entered through the front door into a lovely bright and spacious room. A couple of guys were sitting on a lounge chair watching a movie and another guy led me upstairs through the office and into a large kitchen dining area where Dale and some others sat.  

I was immediately struck by the varieties of artwork on the walls; there were handmade quilted wall hangings, indigenous paintings, photos, personalized pieces all adding to the relaxed and friendly atmosphere and the sense that this is a wonderfully welcoming, cheerful place. 

 “Trust” takes a long time to build,” Dale told me, “especially when you are dealing with people who have broken lives.  We have found that regular and consistent relationships are the most effective method for reaching people”

I was surprised to discover that not all of those who are called homeless are without a home.  In some cases a Dad, shattered by a painful divorce and separation from his children, might walk away from all that caused him pain.  Or a woman, broken from years of abuse, would rather face the unpredictability of the streets than return to another beating.  Of course, many that sleep in the doorways and alcoves of our communities are those who have no other place in the world to call home.  Who, for a myriad of reasons, have nobody to turn to and nowhere else to go.

“What types of people come to The Shack for help,” I asked.  He smiled answering, “What types don’t we get?  You would be surprised at the people who come to us for help,” Dale told me, “we have all sorts, from those on six figure incomes to those with nothing.”    

Depression and loneliness affect people from all walks of life and The Shack helps people find the strength to renew their thought processes and  find new direction when they have lost or are on the edge of losing hope.

Pastor Dale grew up in a typically middle class home in Sydney.  He has never been homeless, quite the opposite in fact, he had a strong stable family background.   Three months after becoming a Christian, Dale worked with a street outreach van in Sydney suburbs and during this time his whole perspective changed. His wife, Donna, is a Pastor’s daughter and had grown up with thinking of home as somewhere that is open to all.    

“I am always amazed at the Lord’s simplicity, “Dale told me, “the way He connects with people.  It doesn’t matter who they are or where they are He relates to all equally through conversations and non-verbally.”

“I am always so grateful to God for my own salvation and that He allows me to do what I do; I’m especially amazed at His perseverance with me; He is so patient.”

In the last 5 years The Shack has given out over 2000 food parcels, 3000 breakfasts and counseled more than 800 individuals and over 300 families.  They have assisted in excess of 250 drug dependent individuals with detox, rehab and one-on-one counseling; have seen 150 people graduate from their monthly Addiction program and have helped numerous people find accommodation. They also have a monthly Youth mentoring program.

 The homeless are welcome to shower in the morning; in fact the guys I had met in the dining room earlier live on the streets and had dropped in for breakfast and a chat. 

Some stay around the centre watching movies or attending the many different groups hosted on the premises.  They can drop in to eat or take away lunch, watch a movie or just be part of whatever is happening on any given day.

The Shack has developed a strong, sound reputation in the region with qualified staff offering a wide range of support opportunities to the community, to churches and schools .  

They work with a wide range of Christian organisations and enjoy supporting community events.  

Dale is pictured in the Santa suit here with the Nambour hospital Chaplains after helping with their Christmas celebrations. 

The Shack are always in need of volunteers but have discovered that the ones who stay have a calling to work in this area.  “This work isn’t for everyone,” Dale says, “some people can get freaked out by someone with mental health issues or drug induced anger. “

“We are very protective of our volunteers, encouraging them to gain first aid certificates and any other training that is applicable.  

The best way to find out if you have a calling in this area of work is to get involved, “sometimes you need to try something to understand it,” Dale says.

Volunteers are selected after an interview process and come from a across the spectrum of Christian denominations.

Like many I know I cannot rest easy in the knowledge that there are people who have lost everything living on our streets. 

After chatting with Pastor Dale Dowler and having a tour of The Shack I felt so grateful to God for their existence. 

They make the world, as it affects me and mine, a better place.

Bev Holmes-Brown lives in Brisbane, Australia.  In 2001 she began Link-Zone, a Christian Resource ministry with a mandate to “Bring the Body together in specific interest areas and to Believe and Pray for the Reformation of Values, Systems and Wisdom.“ In the last nine years Link-Zone has focussed on praying for governments, communities and ministries.  ‘We are currently transitioning,’ Bev says, ‘believing the Lord wants us to begin to tell people’s stories.  There are so many people living amazing and victorious lives for God against the odds, we want to hear from them, to understand their hearts and glean the treasures that God has laid up in their hearts for our own breakthroughs.    Of course we will continue to feature our favourite columnists and will not give up on praying but we believe this is a season where God wants us to identify and clarify the frontlines that need our support.   It’s exciting to venture into whatever He lays upon our heart. The website can be found at www.Link-Zone.net  Contact Email: bev@link-zone.net