Originally written September 2025
I’m proud to say that once upon a time…
I used to be an angel.
Well, technically, a Cairns Street Chaplain.
Years ago, I volunteered as part of a team that went out at night around Cairns, helping people who were vulnerable, intoxicated, unwell, distressed, or simply needed someone to stay with them until they were safe.
Apparently, the local newspaper thought that qualified us for the headline:
“Angels on our streets.”
I’m certainly not going to argue with the press. 
Looking at this old newspaper clipping now brings back a lot of memories.
The work wasn’t glamorous. We were out when most sensible people were already tucked into bed, walking the streets, checking on strangers and sometimes helping people through moments they probably wouldn’t remember particularly fondly the next morning.
But there was something very meaningful about simply being there.
Sometimes helping someone doesn’t require fixing their life.
Sometimes it’s making sure they get home safely.
Sometimes it’s sitting beside them.
Sometimes it’s giving water, listening, finding help, or just making sure they’re not alone when they’re vulnerable.
It was one of those experiences that quietly taught me that service doesn’t always look impressive.
Most of the time, it simply looks like showing up when somebody needs you.
So yes…
I may have retired from angel duties.
But for a little while, according to the newspaper at least, I had wings.
Stories Along the Way 