Bright
Corner provides
hope in Burlington
Kindness bolsters struggling families
By
Patrick Erskine
Special to ChristianWeek
BURLINGTON, ON–For two years, North Burlington Baptist has made the third Saturday of each month a bright spot for families struggling to get by.
It started when Grace Wiebe learned that baked goods were a luxury for the poor. She mentioned it to Karen Siwik, who realized, "if I could bake for my family, I could do it for others."
Soon, Bright Corner was launched with an initial goal to provide fresh bread, cookies and muffins to people with limited means. They chose the Saturday when financial resources are at their lowest, sent out 600 flyers and hoped 20 bags of goodies would be enough. One person showed up, but there were three the next month and now, the church’s 80 families help about 15-20 families, operating with donated goods plus a $1,000 annual budget.
Rebecca Holton, involved from the outset, now coordinates the ministry.
"We’ve moved beyond bags of baking," she explains. "Our goal is to witness the love of Christ. It’s more of a monthly drop-in centre….Trust has developed. Some pitch in to help. We visit and observe needs. After two years of conversations, we see the needs quicker."
These insights led to fall clothing drives. On the fourth Saturday, there’s community cooking where four or five participants chip in, decide what to make, shop and cook five meals that each family can enjoy the next week. Staples like salt and pasta come from the church budget. Nutrition and dollar-stretching skills are taught.
Oil changes and rides
Some men have given oil changes for those few with cars; others provide rides to medical appointments, church and to the Saturday drop-ins.
The congregation pools Canadian Tire money to buy needed items on sale.
Still involved, Grace Wiebe meets monthly with the 16 regulars on the ministry team to organize special provisions like Mother’s Day plants or perfume samplers or a bookmark. A regular newsletter informs of church and community events, attempting to end isolation experienced by many low-income households. Most are single moms with three children; some have made previous commitments to Christ but have become isolated by poverty and life circumstances.
Other community groups are getting on board. Several Burlington stores donate milk and bread. Sobey’s and Wal-Mart have donated gift certificates at back-to-school time. A sport shop donated five bikes for Christmas. Last spring, Optimist Minor Baseball sponsored five children. Circle Square Ranch helped send 10 to camp, sharing costs with the congregation.
Those involved consider it all planting seeds.
A man who couldn’t work for medical reasons began attending the monthly drop-in. He developed a brain tumor but came to Christ before he died last April. His widow doesn’t come to church but believes God sent Bright Corner workers as ministers.
Bright Corner has transformed many at North Burlington Baptist, including the Holtons. After donating time and talent, Rebecca’s husband, Roger, came to Christ and was baptized last winter.
"Our whole outlook on Christmas has changed and we’ve been able to give more freely than we thought. Our attitude has changed. I am more prayerful and more patient," Rebecca says.
"Real love for others is developing in all of us."
