Repairers of the Breach is a nonsectarian organization that provides refuge and resources to people of all faiths.
Our Members, Volunteers and Leaders recognize the importance of spirituality in the empowerment process. Although we aren't defined as a religious organization, we are people deeply rooted in individual faith commitments. Parallel to this value is how we embrace the standard of respect for others’ beliefs. This involves a continually expanding connections with a variety of faiths including Catholic, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Jewish, Seventh Day Adventist, United Methodist, Bahá’í, Muslim, Baptist, Unitarian Universalist, Pentecostal, American Methodist Episcopal and United Church of Christ.
Our Members, Volunteers and Leaders recognize the importance of spirituality in the empowerment process. Although we aren't defined as a religious organization, we are people deeply rooted in individual faith commitments. Parallel to this value is how we embrace the standard of respect for others’ beliefs. This involves a continually expanding connections with a variety of faiths including Catholic, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Jewish, Seventh Day Adventist, United Methodist, Bahá’í, Muslim, Baptist, Unitarian Universalist, Pentecostal, American Methodist Episcopal and United Church of Christ.
Reach across the breach
A driving force within the unity of Repairers of the Breach is the faith perspective of our homeless people. We are witness to the truth that many of our homeless members, by their extreme struggles and freedom from material attachment, walk closer with God. We encourage opportunities for persons in comfortable lifestyles to participate in faith sharing with our members. Those experiences are transforming because of the capacity of you and our members to be genuine evangelists. This is one of the many ways we believe we “repair the breach” for each other.
Another context where this value lives is our scripture sharing sessions. Several Fridays and Saturdays per month, Members and people from congregations of all faiths gather to study the week’s chosen Gospel lesson, using an African model of scripture study. Each brown bag lunch or table of snacks is sponsored by a church —often from Waukesha and Ozaukee counties. We also hold several other optional prayer and scripture fellowships weekly.
It is not surprising that many refer to our center as a church. This is based on how many people’s lives have been transformed there —people leaving behind lifestyles of gang activity, criminal behavior, drug dealing, addiction and other negative choices. Our center is considered “sacred space” and a “sanctuary” with more meaning than simply refuge. Central to all of this is the essential truth that homeless people are often the spiritual teachers and leaders among us. We are also witness to how our community models the community that Jesus sought to create on earth. Our emphasis on creating community among the homeless, examined on a spiritual level, demonstrates the presence of what could be described as the “Kingdom”—where all are included.
Another context where this value lives is our scripture sharing sessions. Several Fridays and Saturdays per month, Members and people from congregations of all faiths gather to study the week’s chosen Gospel lesson, using an African model of scripture study. Each brown bag lunch or table of snacks is sponsored by a church —often from Waukesha and Ozaukee counties. We also hold several other optional prayer and scripture fellowships weekly.
It is not surprising that many refer to our center as a church. This is based on how many people’s lives have been transformed there —people leaving behind lifestyles of gang activity, criminal behavior, drug dealing, addiction and other negative choices. Our center is considered “sacred space” and a “sanctuary” with more meaning than simply refuge. Central to all of this is the essential truth that homeless people are often the spiritual teachers and leaders among us. We are also witness to how our community models the community that Jesus sought to create on earth. Our emphasis on creating community among the homeless, examined on a spiritual level, demonstrates the presence of what could be described as the “Kingdom”—where all are included.
How Your Congregation Can Be Involved
Following are ways your congregation can be involved with our ministry:
- Invite our Speakers Bureau to your place of worship, corporation, foundation, non-profit or community agency;
- Prepare a noon meal or be a host church
- Bring RCIA candidates, college service groups or high school youth groups for an "immersion experience," consisting of round table discernment and service work sessions combined with direct interaction with our homeless members;
- Hold special basic needs collections—food, clothing, toiletries and kitchen supplies;
- Hold special financial collections or provide outreach contributions;
- Think about being a candidate for our board of directors, or offer your time or talents for any of our basic ministries;
- Pray for us and consider sponsoring prayer and scripture gatherings at our center;
- Be part of our Friends of Repairers of the Breach volunteer group;
- Publish our announcements (appeals and updates) in your bulletins.
Feel free to tell others that we welcome them to visit with Repairers of the Breach. We invite you to email Executive Director Pastor James West ([email protected]) or call him (414-595-6447) for more information or to schedule a tour or appointment.