Couple Celebrates God’s Faithfulness and Their Own Legacy of Hope

Well acquainted with the joys and challenges of city neighborhoods, Ted and Naomi Schiffrik, two former Cleveland teachers were engaged on New Years' Eve and married in December of the following year, now 50 years ago this month. 

The couple built their marriage and family on the Lord from the beginning and committed to being obedient to whatever He called them to. Their faithfulness to follow Him and give to Him all these years depicts a true legacy of love, hope and generosity. 

Ted and Naomi are long-time friends and supporters of Building Hope in the City (BHITC) and remember the organization from its early days more than 20 years ago when Bible studies and clothing distributions took place in a downtown storefront, recalls Naomi.  “We’ve since watched the refugee and immigrant ministry grow into The Hope Center, just around the corner from our home, all the social enterprise work and also what’s happening in the Clark-Fulton neighborhood,” she says. 

When the couple decided to renew their wedding vows this past August in front of family and friends, they asked their guests to give to something close to their hearts - BHITC. “It was important to us that it was not just a party,” says Naomi. “We wanted everyone to know that we lasted 50 years, not by any of our own physical traits or character, but simply by the grace of God, so we decided to do something of significance for the organization for our anniversary,” says Naomi. 

The sound of a violin filled the air as 120 guests found their seats at an event hall in Avon, Ohio in August, a date chosen so that all three of their grown children and their beloved grandchildren, who planned the special day on their behalf, could attend from various states.  Their long-time pastor officiated the ceremony and guests enjoyed a beautiful day, reflecting on the goodness of God in Ted and Naomi’s lives. 

“We’ve been blessed. We wouldn’t be classified as wealthy, but if you look around, we’re very comfortable. We have beyond what we need so we certainly didn’t want anyone to give us presents. But we knew that people wanted to honor us so we suggested giving to Building Hope,” says Naomi, and many of their loved ones did just that! 

Over the years, Ted and Naomi have seen firsthand how BHITC lives out its mission to unleash the capability of underestimated people. In fact, last year when the crisis took place in Afghanistan, the couple’s granddaughters were very concerned. Ted and Naomi knew just where to lead them. Through the work of The Hope Center, their granddaughters were able to donate and find a tangible way to support Afghan families. They also introduced them to Peripeti Home, BHITC’s newest social enterprise that provides work opportunities to refugee women. 

“The Building Hope staff takes time to listen to what people need, and they are intentional in how they get to know their neighbors. They listen to their stories, and it’s always in the name of Jesus Christ. They minister to people of varying beliefs and cultures but never waver in saying it's done in the name of Christ. It’s very explicit and that’s important,” says Naomi. 

As Ted and Naomi celebrate 50 years of marriage and trusting in the goodness of God, His faithfulness is very clear. Small, everyday acts of obedience and giving to others are exactly the expressions of faith God calls us to, trusting Him with the outcomes and to bless it in abundance!

“There’s so much need out there, and you can’t do it all, but when you give, God will multiply it if you listen to Him,” says Naomi. 

Happy Anniversary, Ted and Naomi! Thank you for your faithful generosity and the hope you offer to others.