Alliance ministry centers provide holistic services that connect with those who wouldn’t enter a church. By reflecting God’s care for the whole person, ministries at these and other locations bring renewal.
Japan
Ishinomaki
The New Life Center (NLC) in Ishinomaki, Japan, exemplifies this emerging Alliance ministry strategy. Hardwired for modern technology yet historically hardened to Jesus’ good news message, Ishinomaki was obliterated by an earthquake and tsunami in March 2011. When traumatized community members needed a place to connect with one another, Alliance people built the center to facilitate the city’s emotional and spiritual healing—in Jesus’ name.
Africa
Recently, Alliance workers in a West African city opened a center to serve at-risk, impoverished young adults who follow a faith hostile to Christianity. English classes, computer training, and leisure activities are earning staff “the right to present these young men and women with the truth of Jesus Christ,” a worker says.
Europe
France
Ministry centers also are proving effective in post-Christian Europe. Genesis, a community center in the heart of Paris, is building relationships through cultural and music activities. A jazz band led by Rev. Joe Barth, pastor of Slippery Rock (Pa.) Alliance Church, played at Genesis.
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Spain
An influx of immigrants into Europe in recent years has resulted in increased human trafficking. Alliance workers have established a program for trafficked women to receive holistic healing, empowering them to leave the sex trade.
North and Central Asia Region
Mongolia
In Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital, the Grain of Wheat Community Center is providing music education and discipling marginalized young men to be strong Christian leaders.
Russia
Alliance workers struggled to plant a church in Russia. By providing English language services in a neutral environment they’ve connected with people on a deep enough level “to share the good news of God’s grace.”
United States
Pennsylvania
Urban Impact, a nonprofit ministry founded by a former Allegheny Center Alliance Church pastor in Pittsburgh, serves 1,000 at-risk kids. Through providing healthy meals, sports programs, and academic assistance that create opportunities to build relationships, the staff is finding open doors to share the good news.
Missouri
In a multiethnic, low-income neighborhood in St. Louis, Bridge of Hope Community Church (C&MA) addresses chronic illiteracy rates through Hope Education. The center helps students from four to eighty-four “discover their potential through personalized instruction” via GED classes, adult literacy and high school test preparation, and after-school tutoring.
“Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” Jesus was asked. “‘. . . Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. . . .’”
Alliance ministry center workers embody this commandment.