Lockland Bike Kitchen
Vincent, one of our English Language leaders, has started a new outreach ministry called the Lockland Bike Kitchen. Most Sunday afternoons, Vincent rides his bicycle to the Center to teach English. He decided to expand his love of bicycles and develop this ministry mainly to provide transportation for our West African community. In an urban setting, having transportation is a means of securing employment, making grocery store runs, or even attending doctor appointments.
The Lockland Bike Kitchen is located at 115 N. Wayne, the second building belonging to the Center. Bikes are available for adoption, first come, first serve. We are hoping for 16 new bikes to be available for adoption each week. There have been over 100 bikes given to the community so far. Estimated cost per bike is $12.00. It is our desire to raise up Fulani mechanics by rewarding participation. So far, two mechanics have earned basic bike repair kits. There have been approximately 160 men who have contacted Vincent asking for bikes, with many more expressing interest verbally or through a friend. Approximately 60 of those men have already received a bike. A couple of bike adoptees have walked 40+ minutes early in the morning to participate in the workshop. Our biggest need is a steady flow of bike donations for the program. We would also appreciate donations of locks, lights, and helmets.
We are grateful for Vincent’s heart and vision to facilitate fulfilling this need in our community. Please pray, as he works with the Fulani, that the Lord will open doors for the gospel to be presented. Extending the gift of hospitality and friendship is the first step in establishing relationships and modeling Christ to our neighbors.
A night of Praise and Worship
Recently about 80 people showed up at our home to sing hymns, share scripture, and pray. We are so grateful for those who sacrificed their time and their ability to minister to us. It was a surprise event…and certainly surprised me! Our neighbors even stood listening to the music. The gospel went out through hymns in our neighborhood. The body of Christ has ministered to our hearts in many ways during this journey. Thank you so very very much for this wonderful gift to us.
Volunteers
We have had a wonderful group of volunteers serving at the Center this year. The Tuesday after-school tutoring program has had a full roster of students and volunteers. The students and their teachers continue to see improvements in their academics. MC Club has doubled in attendance from last year. Our other class is the English Language Class, meeting on Sunday afternoons. We ended the spring of last year with a little over 20 students. When we opened our doors in the fall we had 150 students who were very eager to begin their journey of learning the English language. As the year progressed the numbers have averaged out to around 70. All of the programs have exploded this year! We are looking to add adult curriculum soon and possibly expanding the tutoring program. God is certainly blessing the programs and His word is going forth. We are so grateful for each and every volunteer.
Funding 115
Phases 3 and 4 are in the works and we are seeking funding to get the construction completed. Both phases will be done together. The laundromat will be in the rear of 115 and the large meeting space will be in the front. The architect is designing the large meeting space for conversion into a clinic in the future, if that is where the Lord leads. The engineers have been hired and are working on designs for the plumbing, electrical, and mechanical needs for 115. The blueprints are being finalized for submission to the construction contractor, at which time he can finalize the cost. We are asking the Lord to pour out His blessings on us and completely meet all construction costs by year end…or sooner. The Lord continues to deepen our faith as we trust Him and his provision for all of our ministry needs. Please consider making a donation to help complete Phases 3 and 4, so we have adequate space to minister to all the Lord is sending. At this time, we are about a fourth of the way in meeting funding needs for construction. Donations can be made in the About Us section.
Update on Jim’s health
We are continuing the daily battle with Jim’s ALS. This disease is relentless and we experience new symptoms and challenges almost daily. We cannot thank you enough for the prayers being offered on our behalf…prayers for strength and endurance and that Jim would finish his race well to the glory of God. We have been encouraged and blessed by so many helping us carry this heavy load and bearing our burden alongside us. We have been grateful receivers of the “one another ministry” of the body of Christ. God’s faithfulness and mercy have been beyond measure.
Prayer Requests and Praise
- Pray for volunteers and materials for the Lockland Bike Kitchen at the Metanoia Center.
- Praise for the volunteers who faithfully serve each week. Pray for new volunteers to fill the needs for new curriculum offerings.
- Pray the Lord will pour out an abundance of finances to complete the construction of 115.
- Praise for all the body of Christ who have loved, prayed, and supported us so well through Jim’s ALS journey. May God bless each of you!
About Us
Jim and Phyllis are faith-based independent missionaries commissioned by Faith Bible Church, Cincinnati, Ohio serving with the Metanoia Center. Donations to their ministry may be made through the Metanoia Center, 113 N. Wayne Ave., Lockland, OH, 45215 or online by visiting https://www.metanoiacenter.net/donate.php. If sent by postal mail, please include a note with your donation indicating your desire to direct it to Jim and Phyllis Null’s Ministry Area. The Metanoia Center is recognized by the IRS as a 501c3 organization, thus your donation is eligible to be considered for tax exemption – please consult with your tax professional for details.
Jim and Phyllis
Galatians 2:20