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(April 18, 2017 - by Steve Johnson) When missionaries consider working among people of foreign cultures who practice different religions, images may come to mind of men and women wandering along hot, dusty roads in desert climates. Or they may picture desperate refugees crowding onto flimsy boats, ready to cross large expanses of water in search of freedom.
But there’s a different kind of cross-cultural ministry that is taking place in the cool, temperate climate of northern England in the city of Bradford, West Yorkshire.
Because of the tragic circumstances in many parts of the world, refugees seeking peace and hope are flooding into parts of Europe, including Bradford. Many people see the growing influx of refugees as a problem.
Reach Beyond-UK sees this an opportunity to reach out as the "voice and hands" of Jesus.
The recently opened Millside Centre is in the heart of the neediest part of Bradford—an area affected by poverty, prostitution, unemployment and a burgeoning refugee population in quest of hope and a new chance at life.
The team of staff members at the Millside Centre refuses to turn a blind eye to the needs of disadvantaged people in their own backyard. To the contrary, they were intentional in rebuilding the ground floor of their office facility, spending more than a year converting it into a community ministry site where people could come for basic needs, food, shelter and most importantly, the love of Jesus demonstrated in word and deed.
“Our vision is to show compassion to the needy, help build community and in doing this, demonstrate Christ’s love,” said Reach Beyond-UK CEO Colin Lowther.
The facility opened on Saturday, Feb. 25, with a gala event attended by numerous local officials, ministers and interested citizens. The dedication culminated a multiyear process of obtaining funds, getting all the necessary building permits and completing the construction to create this community gathering point.
“The reality is that God is bringing needy people to us,” Lowther added. “We have a responsibility to respond to their needs as Jesus taught us.”
But there’s a different kind of cross-cultural ministry that is taking place in the cool, temperate climate of northern England in the city of Bradford, West Yorkshire.Because of the tragic circumstances in many parts of the world, refugees seeking peace and hope are flooding into parts of Europe, including Bradford. Many people see the growing influx of refugees as a problem.
Reach Beyond-UK sees this an opportunity to reach out as the "voice and hands" of Jesus.
The recently opened Millside Centre is in the heart of the neediest part of Bradford—an area affected by poverty, prostitution, unemployment and a burgeoning refugee population in quest of hope and a new chance at life.
The team of staff members at the Millside Centre refuses to turn a blind eye to the needs of disadvantaged people in their own backyard. To the contrary, they were intentional in rebuilding the ground floor of their office facility, spending more than a year converting it into a community ministry site where people could come for basic needs, food, shelter and most importantly, the love of Jesus demonstrated in word and deed.
“Our vision is to show compassion to the needy, help build community and in doing this, demonstrate Christ’s love,” said Reach Beyond-UK CEO Colin Lowther.
The facility opened on Saturday, Feb. 25, with a gala event attended by numerous local officials, ministers and interested citizens. The dedication culminated a multiyear process of obtaining funds, getting all the necessary building permits and completing the construction to create this community gathering point.
“The reality is that God is bringing needy people to us,” Lowther added. “We have a responsibility to respond to their needs as Jesus taught us.”
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Colorado Springs, CO 80949-9800
800.873.4859