First night on the bus... by Derek Belsler.

My name is Derek Belsler and I am one of the new volunteers with Connect 2 Teen Challenge Forth Valley.

I have had my first foray into shadow shift on the Edinburgh bus three weeks ago with Stephen Melvin and had the privilege of going back last Monday.

It was great to be able to talk and spend time with ladies and gents that came aboard for some fellowship and a warm cuppa. A wee chocolate biscuit or a bite to eat didn’t go wrong either.

Although it was different people on the bus the two shifts I did, I was still able to strike up some great conversations and quality time was spent on both shifts.

I spoke to a gent that had just got a new flat and he let me know that there was a couple of tins of paint that the previous tenant had left. I was taken aback at the fantastic job he did decorating his living room and hall. He has a real talent!

It was great to hear the lad tell me how he felt he had achieved something and how it was helping his feeling of independence.

There were also many more teas and coffees given to one and all. I try to get names and ask if they want or need prayer? Most say “Yes” and give us a list of relatives and friends but forget themselves. This selflessness is commonplace.

I will soon be doing some other shifts when Connect2 TC Forth Valley get out onto the streets in November.

“But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them – yet not I, but the but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.  Therefore, whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed” (1 Corinthians 15:10-11).