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Because He Cares History
Because He Cares began as a youth drama group in 1980 directed by Yvonne Brake. The group worked out of St. John C.M.E. Church in Akron, OH. Initially, the drama group presented one drama program annually. The first, "A New Way of Fighting", performed in 1980. This play was also presented at The House of the Lord the following year. In 1981 the drama group presented, "Where Can You Go From Here", followed by "Ain't About Nothin'" in 1982. In 1983 "Street Life" was presented at the Akron Urban League on East Market Street. The cost of admission was two canned goods, which were donated to Haven of Rest Ministries, a homeless shelters in Akron. Hundreds of people attended every performance and several accepted Christ as their Savior.
Because of the growing requests for performances, in 1984 the drama group incorporated as a nonprofit organization and took a year off to formally organized.
The ministry resumed activities in 1985 holding auditions for its new play "Is Anybody Listening?" at Centenary United Methodist Church. The play was presented at the Akron Urban League on East Market Street. That same year Because He Cares performed at Haven of Rest Ministries Chapel Service. The following year in 1986 the script "No Choices Left" was written for a youth outreach event sponsored by Akron Alliance Church. This play became one of our most requested performances. All of these plays were written by Yvonne Brake.
Later that same year a three-night production of "The Real Good News" written by Terry Shelton was presented at Arlington Church of God. This was a huge under taking involving scores of churches and more than 60 people participating as cast and stage assistants.
The ministry also produced its first radio inspirational spots on WCRF radio and its first video on teenage suicide in 1986/1987 called "Are They Crying Too Softly?" This video was aired on TV-55, WDLI TV, and in churches around the area.
Requests for performances and ministry programs increased until "BHC" was participating in as many as 160 activities a year providing programs and services to more than 125,000 people in school systems throughout Northeast Ohio, as well as, in churches, universities, correctional facilities, drug rehab centers, and community organizations.
Because He Cares also produced a weekly radio program, "Drama in the Inner City" on WHLO in the early 1990's.
Many people have been actors in a "Because He Cares" production over our 28 years of ministry. Some of these are now available on DVD and can be ordered for a donation of $10. "Street Life", "Experience in Pride", "No Choices Left", "The Real Good News" and others can be ordered by calling 330-762-8884 or e-mail us at darryl@bhcministry.org.
If you were ever a volunteer or actor with Because He Cares, send us an e-mail. We want to hear from you.
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