About the Brittens

Bruce and Carol Britten moved to the North Hill community in Akron for what they called “retirement”. After decades of faithful service in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), Africa, their passion for equipping others for ministry continued to shine. While in Eswatini, they had founded a Bible school with the mission of training pastors to reach remote communities with the Gospel and to plant churches. 

When they arrived in Akron, it didn’t take long for Bruce and Carol to become deeply involved at Urban Vision. They poured themselves into teaching children, visiting neighbors, and serving the practical needs of the community. In 2014, when North Side Open Door Church was launched in the Urban Vision building, Bruce was among the first to serve as an elder. Carol led by example in acts of compassion—quietly and faithfully meeting tangible needs. 

Bruce often quoted Luke 10:2

“The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

He not only quoted it—he lived it, praying for the Lord to raise up new workers for His Kingdom. 

In honor of Bruce and Carol Britten—who lived out their faith with humility and boldness, both here and around the world—we dedicate this training center as a tribute to their life’s work and their commitment to raising up laborers for the harvest.