Setting A Course

Photos by Kathleen Rodgers

The Christian Women’s Job Corps (CWJC) is a ministry that seeks both to assist women in gaining skills for life and employment through job training and education and also to provide mission opportunities for women to help women. The year 2020 brought some unexpected transitions and hurdles for the ministry, as it did for everyone, yet we are excited to begin this new year with a new group of women to serve and a renewed focus on our purpose.

Goals

The purpose of the CWJC is to help our participants learn foundational skills through scripturally based training that can empower them to confidently move forward toward their goals. CWJC accepts participants from all walks of life who are seeking to become more confident and independent by developing these job and life skills. The course includes a non-denominational Bible Study, basic computer skills such as typing and using Microsoft Word and Excel, and a variety of seminars including resume writing, interview preparation, conflict resolution, communications, relationship building, and money management.

The study, Stepping Stones Bible Study: God’s Unfolding Plan of Salvation, was written by former volunteers specifically for the CWJC ministry. The study walks the participants through the highlights of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. It teaches the truth of the Gospel and allows the participants to learn and ask questions about God in a safe environment. The Gospel is also woven into other aspects of the course outside of the dedicated Bible study time. In the computer class, the students type Bible verses as they sharpen their typing skills.

As the students learn about conflict resolution, communication, and relationship building, they are able to see how the truths from God’s word equip and enable them to have a healthy community. The seminars provide job and life skills that the participants can use going forward as they pursue job opportunities and lovingly support their families.

Rather than focusing only on immediate needs that a participant may have, we desire to teach them sustainable skills that will serve them long after they graduate from the CJWC. Although it can be challenging at times to meet the individual needs of each participant in a group setting, we strive to meet each participant wherever they are and help them in any way we can. We work with each participant to help them cast a vision for the next step in their life and we do our best to teach them skills that will be useful as they take those next steps.

Needs

As a part of supporting the participants, the ministry provides appropriate clothing for the women to wear as they seek new job opportunities and pursue their goals. Our clothing coordinator works with each participant individually to ensure that she finds the perfect outfits for her needs. The clothing ministry helps to build the confidence of each participant and ensure that she has all of the tools needed to take the next step. All of the clothing is provided by generous donations from community members, and we are always accepting new and gently worn clothing donations.

Each participant is also paired with a Christian friend. This person serves as a mentor to the participant during their time at the CWJC. Christian friends are there to support and encourage each participant, point them to the Gospel, and provide an example of what Christian community looks like. They provide an opportunity for the participants to share their story one-on-one in a way that she might not be comfortable sharing with the entire class. If you have a heart for seeing women come to know the Lord or encouraging women in their walk with the Lord, being a Christian friend may be for you. We provide the training and resources needed to effectively serve as a Christian friend.

During every class, the participants are provided a meal. Each mealtime gives them an opportunity to get to know their classmates, instructors, and Christian friends. This sweet time of fellowship is made possible by meal donations, which are kindly provided by churches, women’s ministry groups, Sunday school classes, and individuals. We are always looking for new partners in providing these meals, so please reach out if you would like to serve with us in this capacity.

Prayer is a vital part of the CWJC ministry. Above all, we desire to glorify and serve God through this ministry, and we cannot do that without seeking His wisdom and discernment each step of the way. We teach our participants about the importance of prayer and desire to model this discipline for them in how we conduct the ministry. We ask that you join us in praying for CWJC and reach out to us if you would like to be added to our list of prayer warriors.

Given the many facets of the ministry, the CWJC needs a variety of volunteers to effectively serve our participants. From Bible study to computer and job skill classes to clothing and meals, the CWJC offers services to its participants that cannot be provided without many helping hands. We are always looking for new volunteers to partner with us as we serve the women of the Golden Triangle, and we would love to work with you to determine how you can use the gifts God has given you to support our ministry.

Hopes

As with any new class of participants, we are excited to get to know each woman and expectant about how the Lord will work in each of their lives. The women of the spring class of 2021 come from diverse backgrounds, and each of them has found their way to the CWJC for a specific purpose. We pray and trust that the Lord will guide us as we invest in them and seek to provide the resources for them to learn more about Him and take the next steps to wherever He may be leading each of them.

We hope that each participant will leave the course with a better understanding of God’s love and the confidence to pursue their goals.During every class, the participants are provided a meal. Each mealtime gives them an opportunity to get to know their classmates, instructors, and Christian friends. This sweet time of fellowship is made possible by meal donations, which are kindly provided by churches, women’s ministry groups, Sunday school classes, and individuals. We are always looking for new partners in providing these meals, so please reach out if you would like to serve with us in this capacity. Please call (662) 722-3016 for more information or to volunteer with the CWJC.