01.17.2011

I Want What You Have

“I want what you have. I want your peace. I want your joy.”

One of the 11 men participating in our Jobs for Life (JFL) program in Madison said this to one of our volunteers after class one night. This man’s hunger led him to Bible study and that led to his decision to place his faith in Christ and be baptized!

Who would have ever thought that a program that helps you prepare for job searches and job interviews could lead to an encounter with Christ? But that’s exactly what happened.

In fact, 90% of the graduates stated that one of the things they got from the program was a better relationship with God. And isn’t that what our ministry of reconciliation is all about?

Yes, these men learned invaluable skills to prepare them for employment. But they also learned that aside from any job skills they may have, their character is the most important quality they bring to a job.

JFL has given us a way to give these men “A hand up, not a hand out.” We helped them see that God really does have a plan for them - a plan to give them hope and a future. We’ve shown them that a network of Christians is behind them, along with God, and through prayer He can do exceedingly more than we can ever hope or imagine!

Our Madison site will offer Jobs for Life for men again starting January 2011, and once more this summer.