Spotlight on Ministry: Out Of Work Support Group
Most men readily admit that they often have a hard time asking for help. That’s why a group of men getting together on their own accord...
Most men readily admit that they often have a hard time asking for help. That’s why a group of men getting together on their own accord to go to a meeting that actually has the words Support Group in the title is so obviously orchestrated by God.
The Out of Work Support Group has existed since even the darkest days of the ’08 - ’09 fiscal meltdown. It began quietly, springing out the of obvious need for support during a difficult time, and not many even knew of its existence until an announcement was put in the bulletin six months ago. Since then, a group of about six guys have been trickling in and out of the church at 11 a.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month to pray, exchange resume tips, recommend books, share quality online job boards, announce job fairs, and look to the Lord for their next steps.
“One of the best contributions the group has made to me is just the prodding to keep going, to keep looking,” says John Donker, a former salesperson who began attending five months ago when he read a blurb in the bulletin. “The group has given me confirmation that I’m not the only one having a tough time in this job market. It can be easy to drop off or even give up, but knowing others are going to be asking motivates me to keep looking.”
Recently Donker experienced an even more tangible confirmation that God is at work, orchestrating the details of many lives in His own perfect timing.
“I know God is in this and aware, but it can be another thing to live that and learn to trust Him,” admits Donker. “But last week we actually had a guy who was looking to hire some people walk right into our meeting. He said he attends Fellowship off and on and told us to pass along information about anyone that might meet the requirements he was looking for. To me, that was a cool acknowledgment that God knows we are here and can and will provide.”
Keith Erickson, who is currently looking for work as a Mechanical Service Technician or an IT Technician and started attending last April, agrees that the group has been tremendously encouraging through his work seeking journey.
“Just being around other Christian men that are seeking employment has it has made me realize that Christians especially can’t afford to be down in the dumps,” says Erickson. “We have to remain positive, in spite of how dismal things are. I want the other members to be positive and upbeat, which means I have to be positive and upbeat, too. There is kind of a “Golden Rule” of mutual encouragement here. I don’t want to be around negative or depressed people, and I’m sure they don’t either, so this motivates me to have the proper mindset and persevere in the face of a gnarly job market. It is our trust in God that powers this enthusiasm and prevents us from just giving up.”
But even full dependence on the Lord and all the encouragement circulated within the group doesn’t always prevent dark clouds of despair from brewing overhead. Indeed, we have never been promised protection from hurt – only One to carry us through it.
“When you are unemployed, the discouragement that comes along with it can manifest itself in surprising ways,” Erickson confesses. “As much as we try to be hopeful, this isn’t always a group full of shiny, happy people. It’s tough to be unemployed and not get anywhere, and men tend to be independent and stubborn – or at least I am! We are literal, concrete thinkers, and it’s pretty easy to fall into the ‘Hey, I can fix it’ trap. I also think that pride can be a factor for all of us, too. We are Christian men, but it’s often hard for men to ask for help, even from God. I’ve been convicted lately that our group needs to reemphasize its spiritual focus to be sure we are more than just a ‘career repair group.’”
Infusing Christ into every aspect of our life is a process it seems every Christian will wrestle with until we are in glory, but Erickson reminds us of a sound principle to reflect on when God feels distant.
“When we feel like God isn’t involved in our lives, we must have confidence in His sovereign will and remember that God’s timing is often not our own,” says Erickson. “We should also check to make sure we have actually been asking Him for help. God mostly wants our communication and our dependence.”
Erikson has recently been drawn to Philippians 4:19, and is even considering using it as a focus verse for the group: “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Indeed, it is an encouraging verse for all to be renewed by.
