May Newsletter - Lufkin

​April showers DO bring May flowers.

EMPLOYMENT REPORT:

• New jobs-6
• Still working-3
• Day labor-5
• The Fieldhouse-4 graduates

Praise the Lord!

Ahh...springtime, the season we step outside after the long, cold winter. Heaters are turned off, yards are readied for the spring care and projects of all kinds are begun.

April was busy for us in many ways. Six o’clock was the time and Carpenter’s Way Baptist Church was the place. Seven men completed and graduated from the Christian Men’s Job Corps, also known as The Fieldhouse. Three evenings a week the men met at the house. A meal was provided before they started the Bible Study by Dr. Tony Evans, “Kingdom Man”. Jobs for Life was the curriculum for 16 sessions. Personal Finances and Character First were then incorporated into the class times. One night was dedicated to computer skills.

With all that said GODTEL is pleased to congratulate all the graduates. Four of these men were from GODTEL. Two of the men moved before the session ended but they came and completed the course. Way to go-Joshua, Christopher, Jermikel and John!

Not to be left out, The Mosaic Center, also, had their graduation. Even though GODTEL did not have any participants for graduation we did have Christi. Christi was a mentor. This was actually her third class to mentor at the house. I was blessed to attend the graduation ceremony this time.

Christ Congregational Church is where the graduation ceremony took place. For twelve weeks nine women attended class five days a week from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm. At graduation, these women have completed the Jobs for Life curriculum, earned a food handler’s card and CPR Certificate. After the “business” end of the evening there was, of course, the cookies and punch and fellowshipping with hugs and happy tears.

After the job corps sessions it is up to the graduate to make good and right decisions-hopefully seeking God’s will. Pray for these folks as they take what they have learned and make a difference in their lives.

RESURRECTION DAY!

Christ He is risen. He is risen, indeed! After 8:00 am Bible study at GODTEL, some of us headed to our churches to proclaim the good news of Christ’s birth, life, arrest, beatings, death, burial and life changing resurrection. We have victory over the enemy through the resurrection of Jesus. Praise Him!

Our Easter meal was provided by St. Cyprian’s Episcopal Church. Judy and her “crew” came, again, this year to help serve. Judy brought some new friends with her. We had a delicious meal and wonderful fellowship.

Two hams shared table space with potato salad, baked beans, vegetable salad and fruit salad and cupcakes, cookies and small candies. Oh, and rolls. Oh my. I am “full, again” just thinking about it.

The death of Jesus on the cross was the only way God’s wrath could be satisfied over man’s sin debt. Jesus was perfect and unblemished. And it was His shed blood that paid the price of our sin. His victory over death is what gives us life and hope. We serve a living God. Hallelujah!

Our guest cooks were as busy as we were. The yummy meals from them included pizza, pork roast, sloppy joes, Navajo stew and pizza. What a treat to start the month with pizza and end it the same way.

Hudson Helps strikes again! This group of students from the Hudson Middle School came one morning to work. We obliged them and set them to washing windows, wiping down chairs, doors and walls.  Instead of whistling while they worked I told them about GODTEL and what we do. Their time was short, but the work was completed by the time they had to leave.

Tomatoes and cream peas were planted this past month. The young plants are growing and well watered. Our mouths are watering while waiting impatiently for the plants to yield flowers then little tomatoes and then big tomatoes. Yum!

East Texas weather is definitely keeping us guessing. We are still having cool nights and warm to hot days. Not to worry. Blankets are still out for the nights but  will soon be put up for the summer. Next year’s blankets will be brand new home made quilts. They are warm and colorful. Thank you, Evon. We will have warm thoughts of you this winter.

Coming up this month is Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, Armed Forces Day and graduations galore. So as you fill the month up with celebrations and gatherings of all kinds remember to hug your mother. Take a moment to remember the fallen war dead. Thank the first responders whether they be police officers, firefighters, military personnel and volunteers ready to help in any emergency.

Thank you for your fast and generous response to the call for coffee, creamer and cereal. We will definitely have an energetic  start to our day.

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep….I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.” 

John 10:11 & 14
    
We are His sheep and we hear His voice.
 
Because we serve a living God,
Martin and Mary Baker