Events Calendar
In This Section
Most Read Stories
Portage man beaten at home, robbed of coins
Akron judge Linda Kersker dies
DiLullo's closes doors after 63 years
Akron police arrest murder suspect within an hour
Powerful sedative found in Michael Jackson's home
Call center to cut 250 jobs in Akron
Rib, White and Blue is festival of tastes
Man fit for trial in rape of girl, 2
Blogs:
Pets:
Summit teams up with Rescue Waggin' to save dogs
The Heldenfiles:
I Hate "More To Love"
Patrick McManamon:
For your Saturday entertainment …
Akron Zips:
Opponent outlook: Northern Illinois
Browns Bulletin:
Single-game ticket sales begin July 11
Tribe Matters:
Tribe needs to slow down opponents
Cleveland Browns:
Stallworth test showed marijuana
Kent State Sports:
Men's Basketball Scheduling update
Cleveland Cavaliers:
Updated: Free Agency: Another Gone - Apparently
All Da King's Men:
IPCC Already Wrong About Global Warming
Blog of Mass Destruction:
Wow….Sarah Palin Resigns Governorship
Akron Law Café:
Abraham Lincoln and the Fourth of July
Varsity Letters:
Highland senior receives honor
See Jane Style:
Picnic Wear
Car Chase:
Where do We Go from Here?
Let's Talk Real Estate:
Hate Crime in Fort Worth Texas: "That F***t had it Coming"
Ohio Travels with Betty:
Linda asks-where is the Ohio Chautauqua?
Sound Check:
Rundgren fans rejoice!: Second night of AWATS at The Civic added
HRLite House:
Sport Psychology and Performance Consulting
Akron Gamer:
Hot link: Best of Nintendo at E3
Couple reaching community in North Akron, North Hill with after-school programs, classes, tutoring and caring
By Colette M. Jenkins
Beacon Journal religion writer
Published on Saturday, May 17, 2008
Jodi and Rodney Matthews are building relationships on a foundation of love and caring.
''We show people God's love by coming alongside them and encouraging them to dream,'' Jodi Matthews said. ''We reach out to children and that gives us opportunities to work with the parents, teens and grandparents.''
The families served by the Matthews' Urban Vision Ministry live in North Akron in the Elizabeth Park and North Hill neighborhoods. The goal of the ministry is to improve the quality of life in those communities through Christian-based programs that address the needs of the people living there.
The ministry's programs are located at its ARC (About Reaching Community) Building, 749 Blaine St. The building is the former location of North Hill United Methodist Church, which the ministry acquired in September 2007.
The North Hill congregation, like those at many inner-city churches, dwindled in recent years and a decision was made to merge with another congregation. With fewer people and fewer dollars, it was also difficult to maintain the building.
Urban Vision, which was founded in 1992 and incorporated in 1993, inherited all of the disrepair and is still seeking volunteers to fix things up.
The ministry is looking for religious institutions or organizations to adopt a room, particularly the 13 bathrooms in the building. Other needs include five residential boilers; makeovers for the commercial kitchen and playground area; restoration of the gas line to the kitchen stove and hot water tank and masonry work on the building.
Volunteers, monetary contributions and other donations, including games, snacks and school supplies always are needed.
''Our vision is to one day have a church in this building because this neighborhood still needs a church presence,'' Jodi Matthews said. ''We believe God has a heart for the city, and we believe God has put us here for such a time as this.''
The ministry's programs are designed to meet the needs of the people in the community. They include Kids' Club, after-school care, mentor/tutor nights, English classes, Next Step, teen nights and women's Bible studies.
Next Step focuses on worship and spiritual growth of children in fifth grade and older. English classes help strengthen reading and English skills. Tutoring focuses on reading and math skills.
After-school care includes homework assistance, dinner, Bible time and play time. Kids' Club meets Saturday mornings and offers a variety of activities including, Bible stories, singing, crafts and games.
The ministry also offers parent meetings, family night camp, a basketball program, a garden project and a
Christmas store.
Janaya Johnson, who lives in the North Hill neighborhood, said the ministry provides positive activities in a safe environment for her 12-year-old daughter, Joi, and 15-year-old son, Juvante. Johnson became a ministry volunteer about two years ago when she started taking her children to participate in the programs. She is currently a part-time staff member.
''The ARC is a place where kids and their parents can learn more about God. Children are taught to be more self-reliant and they learn how to get along with each other,'' Johnson said. ''It's just a great place for children and adults.''
Urban Vision's philosophy is based on the community development principles of relocation, reconciliation and redistribution. That philosophy is rooted in the teachings of John M. Perkins, founder of the John M. Perkins Foundation for Reconciliation & Development in Jackson, Miss.
Perkins believes that an effective approach to helping people in poor communities develop themselves includes helping people break the cycle of poverty through economic development and the redistribution of resources [redistribution]; breaking down economic, racial and ethnic barriers [reconciliation] and living among the poor [relocation].
In keeping with that philosophy, the Matthews and their three sons are among the families who live in the Elizabeth Park community. The couple said living in the neighborhood is a crucial part of the ministry. ''Jesus didn't say he loved us from afar. He showed up on the scene and demonstrated his love for us,'' Jodi Matthews said. ''By living in the community that we serve, we get a better understanding of the needs here. It also gives us a chance to model Christ in our daily lives.''
Urban Vision also networks with churches, organizations and individuals to promote dignity within the community and develop youth into leaders.
''Our hope is that kids will grow up and stay in this community,'' Rodney Matthews said. ''We made a financial commitment to the neighborhood when we bought our home here. We also made a commitment with our hearts. This is home for us.''
To learn more about the ministry and opportunities to volunteer or donate, visit http://www.urbanvisionministry.org or call 330-762-1163.
Colette Jenkins can be reached at 330-996-3731 or cjenkins@thebeaconjournal.com.
Jodi and Rodney Matthews are building relationships on a foundation of love and caring.
Get the full article here.
Comments
Click here to post your comments
