Helping others
Our base in the heart of the community
Bethel is the final project to be set up in completion of a three-part prophetic regeneration initiative begun by Birmingham Churches in 1988. The first initiative split into two separate projects; a women's refuge, called Gilgal, set up in 1994, which was closely followed by a family support centre, Stepping Stones set up in 1995. Both work with families in need and have been flourishing ever since.
The second phase of the regeneration, Jericho, also began in the 1990s and works to help the long-term unemployed to return to work, through advice and guidance and a community business. Jericho Community Business began in 1999 and provides paid work experience, with training and mentoring support. From 2003-6, it had a particular focus on helping people into the construction industry through a project named Renaissance-21. This work continues under the umbrella of the Jericho Foundation.
All these projects, initially piloted by churches, later received statutory funding.
During the process of setting up and developing these regeneration initiatives, a common factor has been the involvement of Dr Christine Parkinson, who has written a book, 'The Desert will Rejoice' in which the vision and process of development for each project is described.
Our base in the heart of the community