First Jobs Advantage Course a Success

Written by Brian Upton

BHITC’s first Jobs Advantage class wrapped up with a party and “graduation.” It was a casual but fun-filled experience for a small group of 15 or so people who’ve become “family” as a result of the course. Participants spoke from the heart of how the class has helped them see God and their place in this world — especially their work — differently.

What was truly amazing was Steve (name changed). When Steve started the class 8 weeks ago he was homeless and unemployed. He’s now working fulltime as a painter and living in transitional housing.  He stood up and said that the people in this ministry made all the difference for him. Jobs Advantage taught him not only of God’s love, but of his value as a child of God and his role as “God’s agent” in the world. It was simple and profound and I was blessed as a result.

Out at the Zoo

Written by Brian Upton

Our BHITC mentoring team took the Tua Hit family, who are new Clevelanders by way of Burma, to the zoo Sunday!  We had beautiful weather and it was great opportunity for the mentors to reconnect. Of course, we’re still having a hard time communicating because the family speaks very little English, but it’s funny how the smell of reindeer dung gets the same response no matter what language you speak!

A Ministry of New Friends

Written by Brian Upton, Assistant Director

Here’s a picture  from our first visit with our refugee family from Burma, the Hit family.  We met them on Saturday.  They arrived in Cleveland in January after living in a camp in Thailand for 18 years! All the children pictured here were born in the camp…they’ve known no other life.  Now that they are here in Cleveland, BHITC’s volunteer mentors will befriend them and help them adapt to their new home.

Folks interested in learning more about this ministry, can register for a training session for new mentors that will be held on Saturday, April 18 from 9 am to 1 pm at Trinity, West 30^th Street. Call Lesa at (216) 281-4673 to register…it’s free and so is the lunch we’ll provide!

Thwa meh naw! (‘Goodbye’ in Burman!)

Prince of Peace Youth Group Visit

Written by Brian Upton, Assistant Director

For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. -Psalm 100:5

The youth group from Prince of Peace-Medina visited BHITC and Trinity today to assist in multiple ministries.  As I watched them tackle the day, I was struck by this: what a powerful generation God is raising up in today’s youth…passionate, sophisticated and hungry to serve and change the course of this broken world for Him. Thank you, Lord, for your work in and through every generation, time and people!

The Dream Team

Written by Brian Upton, Assistant Director

At yesterday’s bi-weekly BHITC staff meeting, we did the usual — went around the table, shared ministry successes, synced our calendars, sought God’s guidance in prayer.  After the meeting was over, an unofficial second meeting started around the needs of African refugee children. Francois, our community worker, reported that many of the children are failing just about all their subjects in school.  “We need an international school,” Francois said, “to help these children not be illiterate for the rest of their lives.”

That got the ball rolling and, before we knew it, we were dreaming of a such a new ministry arm….a place where refugee families could bring their children for a quality education. It’s a huge dream! And I got totally excited as the conversation progressed. God, grant us Your wisdom, pour us Your grace and prosper the work of our hands!

Thank you, God, for big dreams!  They remind me that anything is possible with You!

Pictured here is only a portion of BHITC’s staff who were present today (left to right): Vicar Gary Timm, Mission Developer Francois Banyereste, Assistant Director Brian Upton (me!) , Arabic Missionary Nadia Abuamsha, Executive Director Jeff Johnson, Tutoring Administrative Coordinator Jeanne Evers, and Vicar Marc Cohen.  (Missing today were: Director of Volunteers Dawn Luecke, Arabic Missionary Nicola Abuamsha, and Director of Urban Family Learning Centers Holly Roe — you guys missed a good meeting!)