New Life Center
Location: Dluga Goslina
Timeline: On-going
Status: Currently operating
Topics: Addiction Recovery Program, Evangelism, Discipleship
The Need
As Poland recovers from the economic shock that Communism left, it is flooded with many who feel utterly helpless and without hope in the world. Although they are rejected in society, these are a category of people our Lord Jesus was very concerned about during His time on earth. He challenged His followers to show His love to those who were traditionally rejected. Bread of Life was founded in order to show Jesus’ love by meeting the needs of these precious souls in Poland. The New Life Center (NLC) is one of the resources Bread of Life offers those who are willing to participate. The purpose of NLC is to offer hope to those who have none.
The Description
NLC is a transitional home for homeless men, and hopefully, as the project grows, homeless women. Homeless men commit themselves to the home for 3 phases, at the end of which they become fully reintegrated into society. During this time they participate in classes where they learn skilled work, attend chapel services and counseling sessions, and live a disciplined schedule to help them become productive citizens. They are able to use the address of NLC as their residence which is a critical item on job applications. Most importantly, these individuals will be in NLC for an extended period of time which provides excellent opportunities to build relationships and share the Gospel with them. In this way, homeless men have the opportunity to literally have a “New Life” spiritually, relationally and financially.
With a full staff of professionals, including counselors and trainers, NLC offers its residents the necessary medical help as well as Christian counseling, where the men are guided through reconciliation with their families and introduced to the hope offered by Jesus Christ. NLC enables the men to reintegrate back into society by providing them with daily living skills training and trade skill courses, including English language classes taught by ITMI missionaries, Bob and Sue Taber.
NLC also serves the community of Dluga Goslina by helping with local restoration projects. Although many initially fought the presence of NLC in the community, residents have slowly lowered the wall of resistance through the staff’s caring interaction in the neighborhood.
Goals
- Evangelize and disciple homeless men.
- Demonstrate Jesus’ compassion for the poor.
- Provide the opportunity of a fresh start for homeless men.
Needs
- Short-term teams to help with construction and serve at the NLC.
- Financial support for the NLC staff members.
- Prayer support for Bread of Life as a whole.
Who’s Involved
- Bread of Life, the mother organization.
- ITMI to provide US exposure and support.
- Piotr Zaremba as ITMI’s European Director to provide additional mentoring and oversight.
- The New Life Center staff:
- Janusz Fredyk, NLC Director
- Magda Dymel, Therapist
- Mirek
