Kathy Hillman: ‘You can do it!’

The graduates glowed with nervous anticipation in their royal blue caps and gowns. Friends and family gathered in the chapel. At last, the music began, and 11 women marched down the aisle. As I looked into their faces, I knew this would be no ordinary ceremony. It wasn’t. The service blended laughter, tears, gratitude and hope. The event marked new beginnings for the graduates whose ages spanned nearly 40 years and whose backgrounds ranged from poverty to plenty.

Kathy HillmanRather than inviting one “valedictorian” to speak, Waco’s Christian Women’s Job Corps Executive Director Pam Mohundro asks all to make brief presentations. Each understands the fear-producing assignment and the required Bible study when she enrolls in the course.

Mary, Isabel, Patricia, Joni, Maria, Cynthia, Sheryl, Elva, LaJuan, Lidya and Melinda stepped to the microphone in turn. When one of the women had difficulty speaking, her classmates softly encouraged her. “You can do it!” they said. And she did. My eyes filled with tears, and my husband John’s misted as Elva called the course a “gift from God” and Melinda “gained more than my heart can hold and my arms can carry.”

Computer skills drew most to the program. Isabel said all she knew about computers was that “things disappear easily.” Several told of being years behind after leaving the workforce to raise children. Another talked about losing her long-time job. In addition to employment skills, all explained they learned much about God and themselves.  

Christian Women’s Job Corps graduates enter in processional. (Photo: Kathy Hillman)With personal public speaking hurdles finished, the women received diplomas. John and I joined the graduates to celebrate. We had met some earlier when four generations of our family prepared lunch for the daytime track. One introduced us to her grinning younger brother who babysat while she attended class. Another exuberantly talked about her new job. Each shared a grateful heart and a changed future.

Christian Women’s Job Corps and Christian Men’s Job Corps equip participants for life and employment in a Christian context. Every ministry site is customized, but every class member receives a caring mentor and the opportunity to know Jesus. Through the years, the programs have helped thousands achieve self-sufficiency.

Joni gives her presentation. (Photo: Kathy Hillman) Woman’s Missionary Union began CWJC under the direction of Dellanna O’Brien, a native Texan and Hardin-Simmons University graduate. After seeing the urgency of women in poverty in urban Chicago and hunger in rural Appalachia, O’Brien asked, “Isn’t there something we can do?” She organized a meeting that birthed the concept. Five pilots launched in 1996, including one in San Antonio. The first CMJC site became operational in 2004 in San Angelo. 

Today, 174 sites offer the program. Texas hosts 70 of them, including 57 CWJC, eight CMJC and five joint sites. Additionally, Texas facilitated training for Venezuelan and Mexican women, resulting in four international sites. The director of Texas’ newest site in Pecos is herself a CWJC product. In the eight years since her release from prison, April has obtained associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Most of all, she dedicated herself to Christ and opening the door to hope like she found at CWJC Tyler.

Danny (Photo courtesy of Christian Men’s Job Corps of Amarillo)In 2013, Texas programs served more than 3,000 individuals. By the end of that year, some 60 percent were employed, and more than 200 made professions of faith. Among those is Danny. A long history of alcohol abuse and DWIs led to jail. He was accepted into the pre-release education program and later Amarillo’s CMJC. Today, he is a completely different person in Christ. He taught relapse prevention classes and got a job repairing RVs. A 10-foot fall onto concrete left him with a serious head injury and multiple broken bones. After lengthy recovery, he’s back at work. He gives God credit for CMJC, a good job and saving his life spiritually and physically.

After high school, Ray pursued paychecks rather than a profession. Later, the 26-year-old stayed home with their three daughters while his wife worked. Ray (Photo courtesy of Christian Men’s Job Corps of Boerne)At CMJC Boerne, he discovered his aptitude for serving others, quickly absorbed job skills, and thrived in the men’s Bible study. At the celebration supper, Ray described how he grew up without a dad and the volunteer instructors became role models and father figures. He has taken the first steps toward a nursing career by enrolling in certified nurse assistant training and has a job waiting.

God changes lives through Christian Women’s Job Corps and Christian Men’s Job Corps. Yes, they can do it, and Texas Baptists can help with encouragement, service, support, and prayers.

For more information about CWJC/CMJC in Texas, visit http://wmu.texasbaptists.org/get-involved/cwjccmjc/ or contact Texas WMU CWJC/CMJC Consultant Becky Ellison at (254) 716-0319.

Kathy Hillman is president of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. She also is director of Baptist collections, library advancement and the Keston Center for Religion, Politics and Society at Baylor University.