THURSDAY NIGHT MISSION: BUILDING BEDS FOR WALK IN LOVE
On Thursday evening, the men of the Ellis County Christian Men's Job Corp had the privilege of taking a meaningful field trip to City Hall, where we were warmly received by Jason Watson, Senior Director of Building and Community Services. Mr. Watson graciously stepped away from his busy schedule to guide our group through the fundamentals of blueprint reading, showing how plans are developed long before the first board is ever cut.
The experience proved to be eye-opening, bridging classroom instruction with real-world application and giving our men a greater appreciation for the skill, detail, and precision involved in the construction process.
We are sincerely grateful to Mr. Watson for opening his doors and investing in the lives of our men. His willingness to share his expertise reflects the kind of community partnership that helps growth and development thrive. Opportunities like this not only strengthen technical abilities but also build confidence, purpose, and vision for the future. At Ellis County Christian Men's Job Corp, we are committed to equipping men not only for employment, but for purpose—and this experience marked a meaningful step in that journey.
“By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.”
Jonathan Mixion is carefully measuring the sides of the bed, demonstrating strong attention to detail and pride in his workmanship. Alongside him, his partner Aiden plays an important role by verifying the measurements to ensure everything is accurate and constructed correctly. Byron oversees the process as the supervisor, providing guidance and support as needed, while Joe serves as the superintendent, helping ensure the entire project stays on schedule and on track.
Together, they completed their assessment and log, reflecting not only their technical skills but also their teamwork and accountability. This bed is being built for the Love Your Neighbor organization and represents the purpose behind their work—serving others with excellence, unity, and intentionality.
Aiden Hernandez is stepping up to take the lead as he carefully cuts the wood pieces needed for the bed, demonstrating both skill and confidence in his work. He is not only focused on making precise cuts but is also embracing a teaching role, guiding Byron and Jonathan through the process and showing them the proper way to handle tools and take measurements.
This moment reflects growth, leadership, and a willingness to share knowledge with others. As they work together to build this bed for the Love Your Neighbor organization, it’s clear this is more than just a project—it’s a hands-on lesson in teamwork, responsibility, and lifting one another up.
Albert Jimenez is pictured here alongside the Ellis County Christian Men’s Job Corps mascots, Captain Woodrow Call and Captain Augustus McCrae. These two faithful companions bring joy, comfort, and unity to the program, consistently present and enriching the spirit of fellowship. Albert stands proudly with them, representing the brotherhood and connection that is cultivated within the Job Corps. Moments like this remind us that it’s not only about the work being done, but also about the relationships, encouragement, and sense of family that develop along the way.
At the Ellis County Christian Men’s Job Corps, two teams worked diligently to build beds, each demonstrating dedication, teamwork, and pride in their craftsmanship.
On one team, Aiden Salazar, Edward Martinez, and John Stickney worked under the supervision of Lisa Zavala. They remained focused and committed, striving for excellence in every step of the project.
On the other team, Jonathan Mixion, Aiden Hernandez, and Albert Jimenez were guided by Joe Gutierrez. They worked in unity, consistently supporting one another throughout the process.
Both teams completed their projects with outstanding effort, showcasing not only their developing skills but also the strength of leadership, accountability, and brotherhood within the program.
At this moment, the men are working side by side, carefully double-checking one another’s measurements and craftsmanship as they prepare to assemble the beds. There is a strong sense of unity and accountability, with each man taking responsibility not only for his own work but also for helping his brother succeed.
This process of checking and rechecking reflects discipline, patience, and a commitment to doing things the right way. As they prepare to bring all the pieces together, it becomes clear that this is more than just building beds—it is building trust, teamwork, and a foundation of excellence that will extend far beyond this project.
Here at the Ellis County Christian Men's Job Corps, we are ready and willing to serve our community in every capacity we can—emotionally, spiritually, physically, and financially. Our mission is to be present, to be available, and to meet needs wherever they arise.
We believe this is what Ellis County has been waiting for: a group of men committed to stepping up and making a difference. With servant hearts and a desire to honor the Lord, we strive to be His hands and feet—pouring into others and helping strengthen our community through faith, love, and action.
Every Thursday night at the Job Corps is more than a meeting—it’s transformation in motion. Men come together not only to study God’s Word, but to lay a solid foundation for their future. Through hands-on projects, they develop practical skills that prepare them to provide for themselves and their families, while also growing spiritually. It becomes a space where faith is put into action, brotherhood is strengthened, and lives are rebuilt one lesson, one project, and one prayer at a time.
Skill builds a livelihood, but faith builds a life—and together they shape a man’s purpose.
Bible Verse:
“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” — Proverbs 16:3
Every Thursday night at the Job Corps is more than a meeting—it is transformation in motion. Men come together not only to study God’s Word, but also to lay a foundation for their future. Through hands-on projects, they develop practical skills that help them provide for themselves and their families, while also growing spiritually.
It is a place where faith meets action, brotherhood is strengthened, and lives are rebuilt one lesson, one project, and one prayer at a time.
Bible Verse:
“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” — Proverbs 16:3
Quote:
“Skill builds a livelihood, but faith builds a life—together, they shape a man’s purpose.”
Partnering with other ministries strengthens the body of Christ and multiplies the impact of service. It reflects the unity of the church and demonstrates God’s love to the world, making every effort to serve others truly meaningful and focused on the Kingdom.
IS A POWERFUL MEN'S GATHERING THAT TAKES PLACE TWICE A YEAR, BRINGING MEN TOGETHER TO PAUSE, REFLECT, AND DRAW CLOSER TO GOD. WE LOVE TAKING OUR JOB CORPS MEN TO BE PART OF THIS MEANINGFUL EXPERIENCE. IT'S ALWAYS A BLESSING TO SERVE ALONGSIDE THEM, SUPPORT THEM SPIRITUALLY, AND STAND BEHIND THE BE STILL MOVEMENT. WATCHING THESE MEN GROW IN FAITH, BUILD BROTHERHOOD, AND ENCOUNTER GOD IN A DEEPER WAY MAKES EVERY TRIP WORTHWHILE.
WE ALSO LOVE TO SERVE THROUGH THE KAIROS PRISON MINISTY INTERNATIONAL, FAITHFULLY MINISTERING INSIDE PRISONS AND SHARING HOPE, ENCOURAGEMENT, AND THE LOVE OF CHRIST WITH THOSE WHO NEED IT MOST. THIS MISSION IS CLOSE TO OUR HEARTS, AND WE ARE ALWAYS ASKING FOR PRAYER AND SUPPORT AS WE STEP INTO THESE SPACES TO SERVE. IF YOU FEEL LED TO BE PART OF ANY OF THESE PROGRAMS, WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO CALL AND ASK HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED. THERE IS ALWAYS ROOM TO SERVE, PRAY, AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
CUSTOM WOOD DESIGN CUTTING BOARD PROJECTS
The men of Ellis County Christian Men's Job Corp. recently completed a beautiful custom wood cutting board design project that blended craftsmanship, creativity, and purpose.
Using both modern technology and hands-on skills, they selected a pattern on the computer, projected the design onto a wall, and then created a stencil to transfer onto the cutting board. From there, they carefully brought the design to life by cutting it out with a bandsaw or jigsaw, developing precision, patience, and attention to detail throughout the process.
More than just a woodworking exercise, the project served as an opportunity for the men to recognize and apply their God-given abilities, while being reminded that each of them is being shaped with intention and purpose.
Through the dedication and leadership of Lee Zavala, this moment represents more than instruction—it reflects mentorship in action. Positioned at the center, Lee is guiding Jonathan Salazar and Edward Martinez as they learn how to properly use a tape measure, a foundational skill in construction. His patience, knowledge, and willingness to invest in these men are key to the success of this program. We are truly grateful for Lee’s commitment, as this class would not have been possible without his faithful mentoring and servant’s heart.