Local Places of Engagement
Park Central
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| “We want to thank The Heights for the formal adoption of Bukhair Elementary. Please know how much your contributions truly make a difference in the lives of our students and their families.” - David Simmons, Ph.D. - RISD Superintendent |
Why the Park Central Area?
This local Pioneer Place of Engagement offers The Heights family an opportunity to continue valuable apartment ministries which have been in operation for many years, continue transformational activities in Carolyn Bukhair Elementary School, show love to Hispanic neighbors within reach of our own church campus, and directly support the growth and ministry of the Lighthouse at Park Central.
What are the objectives?
- Work with The Lighthouse Church to engage in future Apartment ministries in this area.
- Work with The Lighthouse Church during their transition time.
- See numerical growth with The Lighthouse Church.
- Continue to foster relationships with the Hispanic people in this area and point them toward The Lighthouse Church.
GO & BE - May 3
Mark your calendars for our next GO & BE on Saturday, May 3 from 3:30-6:30 p.m. We will be throwing a huge Spring Fling Carnival, with BBQ, inflatables, and games, for the children at Bukhair Elementary and their families! Sign up in your ABF or at the ENGAGE center (formally the Community Ministry Center) starting March 30. |
What is the strategy?
1. Partner with Bukhair Elementary through ABF partnerships in order to build relationships. Bukhair Elementary is the largest Elementary school in the Park Central area serving over 700 students.
- Provide teacher support/encouragement through various luncheons and staff appreciation.
- Provide volunteers for Math/Science night.
- Provide volunteers for Reading night.
- Lead out in uniform drive.
- Coordinate a Spring Carnival for the students and families.
- Provide mentors for children that may benefit from some extra guidance.
2. Work with Miguel Lopez to secure additional apartment ministries.
3. Work with Miguel Lopez to see The Lighthouse Church through this transition.
4. Continue to provide leadership in Children’s activities for The Lighthouse Church.
Occupations, skills projected for this Place of Engagement:
Relationship builders, painters, plumbers, carpenters, cooks, friendly people, good organizers, teachers, people with patience, children’s workers, creative persons, compassionate persons, math capable persons, those who can encourage reading, persons who like to have fun.
Mission to International Refugees
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| “It is quite humbling and an incredible blessing that God uses me to pour out His love to these precious people.” - Carolyn Stone |
Why International Ministry?
As a local Pioneer Place of Engagement, there is a tremendous opportunity to serve the physical, cultural, and emotional support needs of refugees we identify through Refugee Resources using ABFs in partnership with this ministry.
What are the objectives?
- Meet immediate needs i.e.: furniture, bedding, food.
- Teach culturally sensitive issues through relationships.
- Provide ESL training.
- Provide job skill training.
- Provide a camp experience for the students.
What is the strategy?
- ABF Partnership with Refugee Resources. Refugee Resources is a non-profit organization lead by Alysa Marx. This organization exists to meet the objectives described above.
- Increase the number of ABF’s partnering with this ministry.
Occupations, skills projected for this Place of Engagement:
Relationship builders, persons with compassion, good organizers, persons who can motivate others to donate basic needs, persons with sensitivity, persons with the gift of hospitality, persons interested in learning about others from foreign countries, persons who have time to devote on a regular basis, persons who can effectively communicate the Gospel.
Mission to International Students
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As Jesus commanded us in Matthew 28:19, 20 we are reaching all nations right here by strategically ministering to international students coming to us. We are impacting them with the gospel which leads to training and discipleship. Indeed it is a great door for effective ministry that has global implications.
- Vinay Patras |
Why International Ministry?
As a local Pioneer Place of Engagement, there is a tremendous need to serve the physical, cultural, and emotional support needs of foreign students through International Students, Inc. at the University of Texas at Dallas.
What are the objectives?
- Meet immediate needs i.e.: furniture, bedding, food.
- Teach culturally sensitive issues through relationships.
- Provide American cultural experiences, including Holiday home visits.
- Build relationships.
What is the strategy?
- ABF Partnership with International Students Inc. ISI is a non-profit organization lead by Vinay Patras. This organization exists to meet the objectives described above.
- Increase the number of ABF’s partnering with this ministry.
- Become an extended family to 10 international students.
- Explore the option of starting an international ABF.
Occupations, skills projected for this Place of Engagement:
Relationship builders, persons with compassion, good organizers, persons who can motivate others to donate basic needs, persons with sensitivity, persons with the gift of hospitality, persons interested in learning about others from foreign countries, persons who have time to devote on a regular basis, persons who can effectively communicate the Gospel.
