Hope Unlimited Church in Anna Bay a beacon to Port Stephens community in tough times

Pastors Chris and Tristen Klum, the son-in-law and daughter of the previous pastors Greg and Robin McKewin, have opened the Hope Unlimited Church with a 300-strong congregation.

Mr Klum said that the church had been approached to set up a pathology pop-up drive through clinic in the carpark of the Nelson Bay Road site at Anna Bay.

The testing clinic is being provided by MedTech Services, together with laboratory partner 4Cyte Pathology.

"Since opening on September 1 we have had a steady stream of motorists drive-through to get tested. The site is easily accessible and convenient for those people who travel along Nelson Bay Road and for workers driving in and out of the Bay," he said.

"The clinic will continue to operate from 7.30am to 3.30pm Monday to Friday for as long it is needed. My understanding is that results are delivered within 24 hours of testing."

Mr Klum, a former school teacher who attended both Tomaree High and St Philip's schools in the Bay, said the couple had chose Hope UC because of its 'love of family, love of people and love of community'.

"We have a large congregation, a strong youth ministry and we have introduced the Meals of Hope program, which delivers meals to needy and vulnerable families in Port Stephens," added Mr Klum, who ironically now heads the church which occupied the former Pat Betts swim school which he attended as a toddler.

"Meals of Hope was initiated in April last year as a response to COVID-19 to meet the practical needs of the local community. In the first four weeks of operation we have handed out around 200 meals."

He was grateful for the meals donated by Soldiers Point Bowling Club and encouraged residents who wanted to assist to make donations of non-perishable grocery items or by volunteering to cook, prepare, and deliver meals and grocery packs, by phoning 4393 3764.

Mr Klum said that there was no need for people in port Stephens to feel lonely or isolated during the current lockdown.

"For some reason in the Bay there seems to be a stigma attached to anyone who may want to seek help. We want to let people know that there are community groups who can support you and that if you need anything, or you may know someone, do not be afraid to reach out. We want to keep hope alive in the Port Stephens community."

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