Volunteers urge others to volunteer

(posted by Joanie and Bruce Parker)

The Christadelphians of Champaign County (IL) are operating a BEC (Bible Education Center) offering Bible studies, Bibles and related materials to their community, from a store-front in a shopping mall. BEC’s have been successful in other parts of the world, but this may be the first in North America. It's among the few run by such a small ecclesia, which brings us to the need for volunteers.

We, Joanie and Bruce Parker, have helped out a little in the past, but this September we got an opportunity to do more. Bruce had a series of Bible Exploration classes based in 2 Kings that seemed to match requests the BEC had received for a little more in-depth studies, so we committed to teaching on 4 successive Wednesday evenings, and also to helping out 3 times with staffing the BEC.

An average of 6+ people attended each evening class… some were Brethren there to support the effort. Eight local folks signed up, and 6 attended at least once; 3 of them completed all 4 classes. (More wished to attend but work conflicts prevented them.) We would read about one chapter an evening, and follow a format of questions which prompted us to dig deeper. The discussions were lively and thought-filled. The warmth among all was evident. All had fun together, around God’s word.

Was it worth the hours of preparation, driving, staying overnight, staffing the BEC though few walked in? Bruce and Joanie say a definite “Yes”!

You can help too, and the folks operating the BEC could use the help. To learn more, contact Paul Zilmer: urbanabec@gmail.com.