BURT LYON IS A TRUE BLESSING TO OUR ORGANIZATION. BEYOND THE CLASSROOM, HE ALSO FAITHFULLY SERVES AT THE AVENUE AND IN CELEBRATE RECOVERY, POURING INTO THE LIVES OF OTHERS WITH THE SAME HEART AND DEDICATION. WE ARE GRAREFUL FOR HIS WILLINGNESS TO SERVE, TEACH, AND UPLIFT THE MEN IN OUR PROGRAM.
HERE WE HAVE SISTER JAI STICKNEY, THE WIFE OF JOHN STICKNEY, FAITHFULLY SERVING ALONGSIDE US. JAI IS A DEDICATED SERVANT WHO CONSISTENTLY SHOWS UP WITH A WILLING HEART, HELPING PREPARE AND SERVE MEALS EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT. HER KINDNESS AND QUIET STRENGTH SPEAK VOLUMES, AND HER PRESENCE IS A TRUE ENCOURAGEMENT TO EVERYONE SHE COMES IN CONTACT WITH.
Here we have our Ellis County Christian Men’s Job Corps family—mentors, site coordinators, directors, and the men we are privileged to serve—all gathered together. Each man in this photo is a blessing, and it is an honor to walk alongside them on this journey. A spirit of unity, growth, and purpose fills this place, and we are thankful for every life God brings through these doors.
HERE WE ARE GATHERED TOGETHER AROUND THE TABLE, JUST AS WE DO EACH EVENING AT SIX O'CLOCK. THIS TIME IS MORE THAN JUST A MEAL-IT'S A MOMENT TO PAUSE, GIVE THANKS TO GOD, AND RECOGNIZE HIS CONTINUED PROVISION FOR THIS ORGANIZATION. EVERY PLATE SERVED IS A REMINDER OF HIS FAITHFULNESS AND CARE OVER US.
IN THIS PHOTO, WE WANT TO TAKE A MOMENT TO HONOR AND REMEMBER ROBERT HARRIS, PICTURED ON THE LEFT. ROBERT WAS A PART OF THE BEULAH FAMILY-ONE OF THE BEULAH BOYS FROM BEULAH HARVEST-AND HE MEANT A GREAT DEAL TO THOSE WHO KNEW HIM. THIS PICTURE CAPTURES A MOMENT OF FELLOWSHIP AND JOY, STANDING ALONGSIDE CLINT FULLER, JONAHAN NEWHARTS, BRETT ODOM, AND ROY HARRIS AS THEY WELCOMED THE NEW YEAR TOGETHER.
This image represents a new beginning for men across Ellis County—a place where growth, purpose, and opportunity come together. The Ellis County Christian Men’s Job Corps is open to young men and men of all ages who are ready to learn, grow, and build a better future. What you gain here goes far beyond skills—it’s a brotherhood and a foundation that stays with you wherever life takes you. And now, we are no longer “coming soon.” We are here to teach, to serve, and to walk alongside every man willing to take that step forward.
HERE WE HAVE A FULL OF REFREASHMENTS, DRINKS, AND SNACKS-ANOTHER REMINDER OF GOD'S CONSTANT PROVISION FOR THIS ORGANIZATION. TIME AND TIME AGAIN, HE MAKES A WAY, OFTEN THROUGH THE GENEROSITY OF MANY DIFFERENT PEOPLE AND ORGANIZATIONS WHO GIVE FAITHFULLY TO SUPPORT WHAT IS HAPPENING HERE.
HERE WE HAVE THE FOREMAN OF BEULAH HARVEST, KNOWN TO MANY AS BIG FRANK VARGAS. FRANK FAITHFULLY JOINS US EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT AS A MENTOR, BRINGING WITH HIM A WEALTH OF WISDOM, A DEEP LOVE FOR GOD, AND A TRUE SERVANT'S HEART. HIS PRESENCE MAKES A LASTING IMPACT ON THE MEN, AND HIS WILLINGNESS TO SHOW UP CONSISTENTLY SPEAKS VOLUMES ABOUT HIS CHARACTER.
Here we present the Ellis County Christian Men’s Job Corps mascots—two of the finest dogs you’ll ever meet, at least here in Ellis County. On the left is Captain Woodrow Call, and on the right is Captain Augustus McCray. These two are far more than pets; they are truly part of the family.
Well-trained, obedient, and full of personality, they bring joy and encouragement to everyone they come across. In their own way, they reflect the spirit of a servant—loyal, attentive, and consistently present.
You’ll often find them right in the middle of the activity, quietly reminding us of the simple goodness God places in our everyday lives.
Their presence adds something special to the Job Corps. They help make the environment warmer, more welcoming, and a lot more enjoyable. We are grateful for Captain Woodrow Call and Captain Augustus McCray—faithful companions and beloved mascots of this organization.
HERE WE HAVE FRANK VARGAS AND BERT SIGALA SHARING A MEANINGFUL MOMENT IN GOD'S WORD. IT LOOKS LIKE ONE OF THEM IS ASKING A THOUGHFUL QUESTION WHILE THE OTHER IS GIVING INSIGHT, BUT WHAT STANDS OUT MOST IS THE JOY OF TRUE FELLOWSHIP. MOMENTS LIKE THIS REMIND US THAT GROWTH HAPPENS WHEN BROTHERS IN CHRIST COME TOGETHER, SPEND TIME IN THE BIBLE, AND SHARPEN ONE ANOTHER IN FAITH.
HERE WE HAVE AYDEN HERNANDEZ, RUDY HERNANDEZ, ALBERT JIMENEZ, OUR TEACHER RON TOSH, JONATHAN MIXON, JAYDEN SALAZAR, LENNY ROSARIO, AND EDWARD MARTINEZ AS THEY STUDY HAND TOOLS TOGETHER. RON IS LEADING THE CLASS AND POURING KNOWLEDGE INTO THESE MEN, AND IT'S A BLESSING TO SEE EVERYONE ENGAGED, LEARNING, AND TRULY ENJOYING THE LESSON. THIS IS WHAT THE JOB CORPS IS ALL ABOUT-BUILDING SKILLS, GROWING IN CONFIDENCE, AND COMING TOGETHER IN UNITY AS BROTHERS WHILE PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE.
HERE WE HAVE BYRON INGRAM ALONGSIDE ONE OF OUR BELOVED MASCOTS, CAPTAIN WOODROW CALL, BOTH SMILING AND HAPPY TO BE HERE AT CMJC. IT'S ALWAYS A BLESSING TO SEE JOY, LAUGHTER, AND STRONG FELLOWSHIP IN THIS PLACE. MOMENTS LIKE THIS REMIND US THAT THE JOB CORPS IS MORE THAN LEARNING A TRADE-IT'S ABOUT BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS, ENCOURAGING ONE ANOTHER, AND CREATING A FAMILY ATMOSPHERE WHERE EVERYONE FEELS WELCOME.
UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF SUPERVISOR GARY ROGERS, THESE FIVE GENTLEMEN ARE LEARNING VALUABLE HANDS-ON SKILLS AS THEY WORK TOGETHER TO BUILD A WHEELCHAIR RAMP FOR ELLIS COUNTY CHRISTIAN MEN'S JOB CORPS. GARY ROGERS IS LEADING THE WAY, TEACHIING JOHN STICKNEY, RUDY HERNANDEZ, JOE GUTIERREZ, AND RICKY RANGEL THE IMPORTANCE OF CRAFTSMANSHIP, TEAMWORK, AND SERVING OTHERS THROGH PRACTICAL MINISTRY. THIS PROJECT IS MORE THAN JUST BUILDING A RAMP-IT IS ABOUT EQUIPPING THESE MEN WITH SKILLS THAT CAN BLESS THE COMMUNITY WHILE SHOWING THE LOVE OF CHRIST THROUGH SERVICE AND COMPASSION FOR THOSE IN NEED.
Tony Rangel is faithfully leading by example as he instructs the men of the Ellis County Christian Men’s Job Corps in building and assembling a wooden ramp for an elderly woman in need. Through this hands-on project, he is demonstrating the importance of hard work, practical skills, and a servant’s heart in ministry.
As the men work together, they are learning what it means to serve others with compassion, humility, and the love of Christ. This ramp is more than just a construction project—it is a tangible blessing to someone in need and a powerful lesson that faith and service are meant to go hand in hand.
Tony Rangel is faithfully leading by example as he instructs the men of the Ellis County Christian Men’s Job Corps in building a wooden ramp for an elderly woman in need. Through this hands-on project, he is demonstrating the importance of hard work, practical skill, and a servant’s heart.
As the men learn how to serve others with compassion, humility, and the love of Christ, they are also being shaped in character and purpose. This ramp represents more than just a construction project—it is a blessing to someone in need and a living lesson in how faith and service work together.
Lee Savala and Joe Gutierrez, both well known throughout the Waxahachie and Ellis County community, are faithfully serving by helping construct a wheelchair ramp for Cynthia Fuentes at her home. These two dedicated men of the Ellis County Christian Men’s Job Corps have committed themselves to being the hands and feet of Jesus, using their time, strength, and servant hearts to bless those in need.
Their involvement in this project reflects not only their dedication to the Job Corps, but also their sincere desire to serve the Lord by making a meaningful difference in the lives of others throughout the community.
Joe Gutierrez is stepping into a meaningful leadership role as he prepares to supervise a project for the Ellis County Christian Men’s Job Corps while continuing his faithful service to the Lord. His willingness to lead by example reflects his dedication, growth, and servant’s heart as he helps guide others in both practical work and spiritual encouragement.
Joe’s commitment to the mission of the Job Corps demonstrates discipleship in action. He is using his gifts not only to help complete projects, but also to help build stronger men of faith within the community.
Ricky Rangel and Tony Rey Rangel worked side by side as brothers in Christ, using both their hands and hearts to repair a wheelchair ramp for Cynthia Fuentes under the guidance of Byron Ingram. As Byron leads and oversees these projects, these men are not only developing practical trade skills, but also discipling one another in unity and shared purpose.
This stands as a powerful example of “iron sharpens iron,” as they grow together, serve together, and strengthen one another in the process. Through their work, they are becoming faithful disciples who are making a real difference in the community through love, service, and brotherhood.
Jaden Salazar shares his testimony with boldness, opening his heart about his life and the journey that led him to the Ellis County Christian Men’s Job Corps. As he speaks, he reflects on how much he values being part of the program and how thankful he is for the growth, fellowship, and renewed sense of purpose he has discovered here.
His testimony stands as a powerful reminder that lives are being transformed through faith, brotherhood, and the opportunity to learn, grow, and step into a new direction.
Ryan Milstead leads Bible study with a deep passion for the Word of God, faithfully pouring his heart into each lesson as he guides the men in truth, wisdom, and spiritual growth. His love for teaching is clearly seen in the way he engages the class, challenges hearts, and encourages every man to draw nearer to the Lord.
Ryan’s passion goes beyond teaching—it is a calling to disciple others and to help shape strong men of faith who will carry God’s Word into their homes, churches, and communities.
As Scripture reminds us: “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” — Romans 12:11
Jonathan Mixon shares his testimony with honesty and boldness, offering others a glimpse into where he comes from, the journey he has walked, and the faithfulness of God throughout his life. As he speaks about his love for the Lord and his commitment to serving God through Ellis County Christian Men's Job Corp., his story becomes a powerful witness of transformation, purpose, and surrender. Jonathan’s testimony encourages all who hear it, reminding us that no matter where we have been, God can use our past to shape a future of service, faith, and devotion to His kingdom.
Joe Gutierrez and Jonathan Mixon are sharing more than conversation—they are building brotherhood, encouragement, and strength in a positive environment. Moments like these remind us how important it is to check in on one another, speak life into each other, and enjoy being surrounded by men who are growing, healing, and moving forward together.
At Ellis County Christian Men’s Job Corps, every day is an opportunity to encourage one another and be sharpened through fellowship. As Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”
John Stickney is a faithful servant of God and a tremendous blessing to the Ellis County Christian Men’s Job Corps. He is the kind of man who consistently shows up with a willing heart whenever he is needed. When work must be done, John is always ready—no hesitation, no excuses, and never needing to be asked twice.
His dedication, dependability, and “gung-ho” spirit toward this ministry reflect the heart of a true servant leader. John’s faithfulness is seen not only in what he does, but also in the consistency and passion he brings each time he steps in to help.
We thank God for John Stickney and for the strength, support, and servant’s heart he brings to this mission.
Here we have Aydan Hernandez, Byron Ingram, Jonathan Mixon, and Albert Jimenez working together as they cut out pieces for their custom cutting boards. This is more than just a woodworking project—it is a meaningful example of brotherhood, teamwork, and personal growth.
As these men work side by side, they are not only building with their hands but also strengthening and encouraging one another in spirit. Moments like these remind us that true transformation happens through purpose, support, and unity. Iron truly sharpens iron, and these brothers are sharpening one another as they learn, create, and grow together.
We give thanks for the fellowship, craftsmanship, and the bonds being formed through this program at Ellis County Christian Men's Job Corp.