The Covington Christian Women’s Job Corps held its third graduation ceremony. Eight women graduating from Covington Baptist Association. Covington Baptist Society on the 25th of August.
This is the most significant group to graduate ever since the Covington CWJC was formed two years ago. The graduating class is Amber Atkins of Geneva, Sadie Bateman of Slocomb and Dothan, Kristie Gerry of Enterprise, Rachel Hawkins of Gantt, Devin Sanders of Destin, Florida, Heather Smith of Dutton, Alabama, Tesia Straughn of Andalusia And Garah Sutton, of Brundidge.
In the wake of their graduation ceremony last Friday The eight women who were awarded their diplomas of the Crossover Ministry program Saturday, the 26th of August. The third class started on April 7th 2023. Like the previous two classes, topics discussed included Bible study as well as a parenting course and life abilities. The third session included an Bible study called “Women from the Bible” as well as the parenting class dubbed “Parenting: Christ Centered Parenting.” In addition four of this year’s students were baptized by Christ in their lives in the course of their study.
“This course was a first for us. The participants really enjoyed reenacting some of the female characters in the Bible. We also added group exploration to the session to provide a moment to guide them in self-discovery. The session was directed by Sandy Robbins, former director of the local Sav-A Life program,” Site Co-coordinator Judy Phillips explained. “We are thrilled of the fact that we started the third session of our program with eight women and that all eight women successfully completed the class on the day of today.” Site Coordinator Shirley Smith added.
Mentors had a one-on-one conversation with their students, and assisted students set short-term and long-term goals. The students learned techniques like preparing an resume, how to dress for interviews while budgeting and managing a checkbook. Local experts from the field community were able to assist with the classes.
For Straughn for Straughn, the CWJC was an excellent program for Straughn’s.
“It really helped me quite a bit and I appreciate the ladies to pieces. They helped me understand the Bible and much more. These guys were God sent. Thank you for everything. I love you all.” Straughn said.
Sutton who got her GED during this time Bateman and Bateman both believed that their participating in CWJC was an honor.
“It has been helpful to me in a variety of ways, inspiring me and providing me with the tools I need to succeed for real-world situations. The mentor I had Michelle Sutton has been wonderful and very personal and filled with encouragement. I’d like to offer my sincerest gratitude to the ladies who were who were involved. I love you all so much,” Sutton said.
“The females God has put here are the perfect example of Christ’s love and I’ve been so happy to meet them. They have shown us how to recognize the value in Christ and have fervently prayed for as well for our needs. Mentor Amber Vierling has lifted me and cried with me and guided me to the scriptures. I’ll never repay her for her help. Thanks, CWJC and for caring about us in the way that it is,” Bateman said.
Hawkins thought that the one-on-1 mentorship to be her favourite aspect of the program.
“This was extremely beneficial for us all. Mrs. Judy is an awesome female who is a great role model. Keep God first and all things will fall into place, such as relationships, family jobs, and so on,” Hawkins said.
Atkins and Sanders who graduated from the college They were extremely grateful for all the activities they participated with during their time within the program.
“I loved getting to know the women who were involved. They’ve given me an opportunity to push myself to do the right thing,” Atkins said.
“Thank to you CWJC thank you for everything you’ve given me. I loved every minute we had together. Everyone of you has been a blessing to me, which I’ll never forget any one of you. I am grateful for you all.” Sanders said.
Smith said that Smith said that the CWJC lifted her spirits and had a positive impact on her life.
“I have been grateful to CWJC for putting me at ease and encouraging me regardless of the challenges life throws at me. The program has helped me realize that I am appreciated and that I’m a part of my family’s lives and in other people’s lives. They’ve helped me learn from my mistakes, but to not stay in the past and to continue on. I am awed by every person involved in CWJC. Mentor Janet Brantley was a blessing and I’ll remember our meetings and prayers. We thank you for your time, CWJC,” Smith stated.
Gerry who is graduated from high school gained a number of advantages from the program because due to her involvement.
“CWJC has shown me kindness, guidance and spiritual leadership. Every person involved took time to take care of, and support me in my times in need. The numerous classes and one-on-1 mentoring by my instructor Charlotte Hawkins allowed me to let go of my worries and enjoy what the Lord wanted me to experience during this particular season in my own life. I will cherish for the rest of my life the memories I made and friendships built on affection,” Gerry said.
The fourth session of the program will start this fall, on the 7th of October. 7. The assistance of the community is needed once more in order to allow the program to run.
“We require your assistance in the form of prayer warriors for these girls as well as mentors and others who can provide the group with a dinner each Friday. the group. Mentoring is a process that takes around an hour of instruction, and we’ll also prepare you for it. You can make a contribution for meals or for groups of people such as the Sunday School class you attend or WMU can offer meals in an entire group. I cannot say enough about the numerous volunteers who have offered to mentor others and pray for us, offer us a meal or even make a financial contribution towards CWJC,” Phillips added.
The Rev. Dr. Otis Corbitt of the CBA addressed the crowd in prayer. The Rev. Dr. Josh Wilson, pastor of Southside Baptist Church in Andalusia was the speaker at the event by delivering a special message to the eight participants in the class of this year.
Mentors of the third grade included Jena Anderson Janet Brantley, Mindy Day, Charlotte Hawkins, Philann Stewart, Michelle Sutton, Amber Vierling, and Christy Younce.
The goal for Christian Women’s Job Corps, an unselfish service that is part of national Woman’s Missionary Union and Covington Baptist Association to offer an Christian setting where women who are in need are prepared for the challenges of life. The purpose of the CWJC is achieved by ensuring that women possess the fundamental life skills that are essential for a successful existence and a stable job and a sufficient income, as well as housing transportation, childcare and medical treatment.
Since April 15th, 2022 CWJC has been meeting every Friday between 9:15 a.m. till 12:30 p.m. at the Christian Service Center in Andalusia. The church is currently sharing a room with the ministry of food distribution and is part of the annual budget of the CBA.
Those interested in volunteering with CWJC should contact Phillips at jujaphillips@gmail.com or 850-228-5020 and Smith at shirley213214@gmail.com or 334-488-4715.
The article GALLERY Covington Christian Women’s Job Corps graduates eight women in third grade appeared at The Andalusia Star-News.
