Construction
Too many people end up on the streets or turning to activities that don’t benefit their lives in their survival mode of providing an income. For those who were unable to finish their education due to the costs of an education or the family needs and burdens, opportunities for steady work are few and far between.
Many young men that we have had the opportunity to talk with or have gotten to know who are in those very situations have expressed that the main thing that they need is a job. No one desires to be jobless, unable to provide for themselves or their families. Most just need an opportunity and people to believe in them and give them a starting place, giving them the tools and training they need to succeed.
What are we doing if we aren’t helping others ‘learn to fish’? Giving money to those in need is a good thing, but how much farther can things go and multiply if the focus is setting people up, giving them opportunities, training them, supporting their efforts, and encouraging them to succeed? Not everyone has money to give, but they can give of their time, knowledge, gifts and talents to benefit another person and allow them to keep on going far beyond anything that you can personally do or give to them.
By providing work for men who are eager to get their hands dirty and not afraid to try, commit and work hard right along side of us, we can not only help them physically, but spiritually as well.
God in His infinite wisdom began leading us in our ‘tent-maker‘ role to use what we were familiar with doing prior to our arrival in Costa Rica. Designing, constructing, remodeling and managing homes as side businesses for over 30 years has allowed us to move forward in earning our way on the mission field while also providing for those in need of jobs. The best part is that this is just one more opportunity to train others up in the ways of the Lord, encouraging them with work and hope at the same time. Our ‘Work Discipleship Program‘ has begun building homes using the talent of our good friend with 30 years experience in construction combined with our construction, design and remodeling knowledge and skills.
Just as Aquila and Priscilla were willing to invest the time necessary to take one young man under their spiritual care and pour into his life the things of Christ, we strive to do the same thing with our Work Discipleship Program. Working side by side with young men to train them to be tent-makers, our goal is to teach them the truth of God as we labor together making it a part of both our life and ministry. And as a result of this time, just as with Aquila and Priscilla, our prayer is that each laborer may become an effective servant of God (1 Cor. 1:12).
Do not take advantage of a hired worker who is poor and needy, whether that worker is a fellow Israelite or a foreigner residing in one of your towns.” Deuteronomy 24:14
If you would like to help support the salary of someone in the work-discipleship program, please donate below.
