[1]ROCK HILL, S.C. (BP)–A 12-year-old son, along with his mom, has gained a new purpose in life from Christian Women’s Job Corps.
The youth’s mother is grateful for the Woman’s Missionary Union program’s help. “I have a good job, my kids are doing well and I’m buying a house,” she said.
“I am so happy about Phillip,” the CWJC participant added. “He really knows God now, and he is happy.”
Elizabeth Ford, CWJC director for the York Baptist Association based in Rock Hill, S.C., became concerned about Phillip at the end of the last school year. He had been expelled the last week of school and would have to attend summer school and then repeat a grade.
“He seemed headed for destruction,” Ford recalled. “I felt that if he was not reached [over the] summer, his attitude and anger might lead him into trouble.”
His home life had been disrupted by addictions and his parents’ separation, Ford said. “He had a bad attitude because he didn’t like what life had dealt him,” the CWJC leader said.
[2]School officials admitted to Ford they were uncertain if the youth would finish summer school. So, Ford presented an alternate plan that CWJC would propose for his summer.
Phillip attended a week of York Baptist Association’s Sonlight Adventure Camp, where he and his mom participated in a family intervention program.
“Through a ropes course, they learned that family life requires teamwork,” Ford recounted. “By the end of the program, Phillip was cheering for his mom — who was afraid of heights — as she attempted to scale a tower.”
Phillip went on a youth mission trip with Northside Baptist Church in Rock Hill to repair houses in North Carolina. Phillip developed a strong bond with the youth pastor, and he made a decision to surrender his life to Christ.
Don Hebert, who led the mission team, commented, “A turning point for Phillip was the mission trip. His attitude is very different now. He is setting goals for the future and desires to be involved with the youth group.”
Others have noticed the dramatic change in Phillip.
“The school counselor has told me that when you see Phillip coming down the hall, you can tell he is a different young man,” Ford said.
“His life has totally turned around,” the CWJC leader continued. “He wants to be a missionary. He’s reading the Bible to his younger brother and sister, and he wants to share Christ with all his friends.”
CWJC has assigned a tutor to work with Phillip, and a Baptist Student Union student is leading him through “Survival Kit for New Christians.”
“We are happy beyond measure that another young person has been saved from all the things that tempt troubled youth,” said Ford, “and truly saved, to boot!
“I can’t encourage CWJC enough to be sure missions is a part of their program and to intervene to save the children.”
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