Are you seeking something that will challenge you and your faith? Do you volunteer your time and ability to help others?
If you do volunteer, then it’s highly likely you understand in your heart that helping others is in a sense helping yourself. That feeling is one you no doubt will encounter should you participate in a program here in Atlanta that Lazarus leads using the Jobs For Life curriculum.
The three-month long Jobs For Life class is part of a partnership between Lazarus, Redeemer Community Church in Vine City and Atlanta Mission where volunteers, or “champions,” engage in mentoring relationships with those in need to rediscover dignity in the form of meaningful employment.
The JFL course I participated in this past fall started with about a dozen students and champions each; men from a wide array of backgrounds and life journeys, who over the course of a dozen weeks traversed down a faith-based road built on trusting God and leaning on friendship and support with a goal of leading to vocational success for the students.
Each week as we sat eating a chicken sandwich or burrito, thanks to partnerships with Chick-fil-A and Bell Street, our group would engage in lively conversation, laugh heartily and bow down to our Lord in prayer. We would discuss topics such as, “What is our value and God’s design for work?” or “What is the concept of character and the ideal employee?” and “Vocational planning and God’s plan in our lives.” We also took career assessments, discussed best practices for resume writing, and conducted mock employer interviews. It was a true joy being with these dedicated men, many who were facing long-term employment.
And the more I learned about their journeys and the obstacles they continue to face, the more inspired I became watching their tenacious focus to find vocational triumph. Their faith, their commitment, their enthusiasm, their self-confidence, their love of God – I was in awe of it all. Truly, these men and this JFL class reminded me of the importance of applying my gifts and talents to a career that will fulfill His purpose and greatly enrich my life and my ability to provide for my loved ones.
You know what they say in job-hunting in that it’s not what you know but who you know. That was somewhat evident as through some hospitality connections, I was able to assist my JFL friend Robert. get hired at one of Atlanta’s best-known restaurants. I’m trying through another connection to get Ralph some voice-over work. I heard today that Barry got hired at Piedmont Hospital, and there have been other success stories, too.
Do you have connections in Atlanta? Can you help someone get back on the right track professionally? Do you have time to give? Are you looking for a program where you can help someone in need of transformation? Jobs For Life is just that, but don’t be surprised if you’re not transformed, as well.