Cleveland City Stars come to Building Hope in the City

Written by Marc Cohen

On Tuesday we had the wonderful opportunity to partner with the Cleveland City Stars, a professional soccer team,to have a soccer clinic on the field behind our office. It was a great evening that started a bit slow, but once everyone arrived we had a great time. The great part is that it joined people from all over the world in a sport they all love, soccer. We had youth from Burma, Kenya, Somalia, Palestine, Ohio, and other places all together learning. After it was over we had beef hot dogs and chips to finish out the night in fellowship. Overall, I think everyone had a great time!

Refugee Mentors: Building Relationships with Popcorn

Written by Vicar Marc

Today Brie and I went back and visited with our refugee family. When we arrived there were only a few people, but they had extended family and a neighborhood friend arrive a bit later. We took some time to introduce ourselves again and then spent some time trying to communicate. This difficulty in communication reminded me of how they must feel on a daily basis when they are trying to get anything done. Some of the kids speak some English, but they have only been here for about three months and are only learning English at school. So it is taking some effort to learn this language that they will be surrounded with for the rest of their life.

Brie had brought some popcorn kernels with her, so after our communication attempt we decided to show them what popcorn is and what it does when you cook it. They looked at us like we were crazy, but they had all the prerequisite items to make popcorn: a pot and some oil. So we started the popcorn on the stove top and it started making noises. They looked at us wondering if this was ok. We assured them it was. When it was finished we poured it out onto a plate and everyone had some to eat. They couldn’t believe that popcorn came from those little kernels. It was fun to see the looks on their faces when they tried it out.

So, while we weren’t able to communicate very well verbally, I think that everyone had a lot of fun and got to at least build some relationships. Next time who knows what will happen, but I know that I am a little bit less nervous every time I go.

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

Refugee Mentors: Mentoring team meets family from Burma

Written by Vicar Marc

I had the opportunity on Saturday to meet a new group of Burmese refugees. I along with some other volunteers are going to be mentoring them through the early stages of life in the United States. Our first meeting was a little intimidating, but was easier than expected due to the interpreter that Catholic Charities brought for the meet and greet.

We told them a little about ourselves and they told us a little bit about their needs. Almost every refugee I meet has concerns about language first and then education for their kids. These are two common themes throughout our work with them.

How can we as mentors help in these areas? For one we can visit and give them the opportunity to use what little English they do know. We can also slowly help them with language through games and identifying everyday objects around the house. The kids need help with homework and practicing English as well. It is not the hardest thing in the world, but it does require an open heart and an open mind about what you are going to do.

If you are interested in learning more about how you can play a significant role in a new refugee family’s life, please join us for Building Hope in the City’s Refugee Mentor Training on Saturday April 18th.  To register, or for more information, please call Lesa at 216-281-4673.

A Vicar’s Experience: Changing Perspective

Written by Vicar Marc

Time has a way of shifting your perspective. It has a way of moving you from one way of thought to another. A year in the city will accelerate that change more than anyone can imagine. Over the last seven months of my Vicarage (internship), I have been provided an experience that will last a lifetime. I came here expecting it wouldn’t be the usual Vicarage, but not really knowing what to expect beyond that.

To start with, let’s just say that learning to be a Pastor is more than just books, knowledge and bylaws. Learning to be a Pastor is about people, history, emotions, pain, accomplishment, and experiences; all these things shape us, they shape our ministry and they shape the people we minister to. Over the next few months I will be sharing some of the snippets that have shaped me and are continuing to shape me as a future Pastor.