Since 2016, our training arm, Three13, has addressed the issue of high unemployment in Teesside, helping people who are furthest from the job market back into work, by increasing their confidence through work experience, careers guidance and accredited training programmes.

‘Forgetting what’s in the past and looking forward to what lies ahead’ (Philippians 3v13), each person we engage with gets the tailored support they need to grow and develop, to overcome obstacles and fulfil their personal potential. This support takes place face-to-face, in working environments at our training hub or out in the community.

We caught up with our Three13 team to find out what God has been unto recently…

This academic year, we have already worked with 88 learners (that is since September). We have seen 20 of them give their lives to Jesus. Many of them are so blown away by the love and respect that our team show to them, that they begin asking what it is that makes them act this way and as a result, many of them ask if they can become a Christian on their very first day! We journey with each learner through their placement with us and often beyond! 23 of our learners have gone on to attending a Sunday morning with TVC Church or a Connect event and we were thrilled to baptise 5 of our learners just a few weeks ago!

One young lady recently completed her probation hours here at Three13. She gained valuable work experience and during her time on our programme, gave her life to the Lord. At the end of her time with us, despite this being probation (punishment), she brought her mum and her Nan for a tour to meet all the staff. They even brought gifts! Her nan said ‘We were desperate to come and see because we’ve heard about how amazing it is’. 

Our team has been growing again recently and we now have 20 amazing people on our staff and 8 highly valued volunteers. From helping our learners to get to The Oakwood Centre, to sitting with them and helping them update their CV’s, each member of the team plays a vital role in not only gaining new skills, but in sharing hope with them too.

Recently we have been blown away by the way that God has been providing financially for this ministry. Dave, who is responsible for securing funding for the many different learning pathways, tells us:

“Three13 applies for a range of grants with varying degrees of success. Recently we were awarded a grant for digital skills, but were surprised to see we were awarded an extra grant that we had not applied for. Assuming it was a mistake, I got in touch to find that a law firm called Muckle are moving to Teesside and wanted to invest through projects that are making a difference. They heard about Three13 – and wanted to bless us!”

This is just one of many stories of how God answers our prayers for provision and is pouring out his blessings on the work of Three13.

So how can you support the amazing work of Three13 and be a part of seeing lives transformed here in Teesside?

  • Pray for us – Your continued prayer really does make a difference! Continue to ask God to lavish his provision and to guide us in the way that he wishes us to go. Pray for a blessing on our staff and for wisdom for them in how they deal with tricky situations. Also pray for more opportunities to tell our learners and visitors about Jesus.
  • Volunteering – Do you have a few hours a week that you could use to making a real difference to somebody’s life? Get in touch and find out how you can play a part!
  • Regular giving – There are many needs that our learners have that are simply not covered by our funding grants – from meeting basic needs like providing food, or purchasing a bike so that they can get to work. Maybe you could give just a few pounds a month to make a difference.

Our God is a God who loves to transform lives and we love that we get to be part of his plan; to bring hope and light to every person that we come into contact with.