November 2012 Newsletter

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New Job Created

Jim’s life story has been guided by a combination of several factors including genetics, accidents and circumstances, all of which could not be controlled. He also made some choices, unwise as they became. He has had issues since birth with insomnia, an inability to sleep properly that affects emotions, motivation etc. Jim believes a sleeping medication caused him to start having seizures at a young age. He had a motorcycle accident and suffered head trauma from kickboxing. He was also injured when he had a seizure while driving a car. Jim can no longer have a driver’s license, taking away a sense of independence even limiting employment options. In an accident at work, he herniated a disc in his back, further limiting physical abilities. His father died of cancer, and shortly after, his mother was diagnosed with cancer as well. He left his job, sold his condo and moved back home to take care of his mother. From that point life changed.

Up to then, Jim had a rather impressive resume. He has college degrees in philosophy and psychology from good schools. He had a good position in the psychometric testing of staff for an organization. He was looking for answers to the “Why me?” question of his condition of insomnia. From there, he wanted to help other people understand their issues. But Jim was needing some help of his own. For six years, he was his mother’s daytime caregiver, while working evenings in technology related jobs. After his mother passed away, he wandered.

What was a well educated and experienced professional to do when that identity is marred with the frustrations of sleeplessness, restlessness, injuries, medications, emotions, inability to drive, unfulfilled hopes and seizures that could happen at any time? Jim needed to redefine himself.

He was raised in a Christian home, went to Christian schools, cannot remember ever not identifying with Christ. The Mission’s New Life Program brought him back to his roots. Here, he said, he has had a reaffirmation and strengthening of this faith. He has had time to build on his relationship with the Lord and to work with staff in counseling and Bible studies. First in life, Jim is a child of God; he is not a medical condition, an intellect or any other aspect of the world.

Jim graduated from our program in April and was hired in May as a part-time employee of the Mission. He has room, board, and a salary. It is a new position created out of the need to repair donated computers and electronics. He also works in our thrift stores, especially the newly opened Mission Bargain Center. We believe his work will generate enough income to cover his expenses and perhaps more. The issues of his concern listed above limiting employment possibilities are not issues to us. He is an employee that has responsibilities, no longer in a rehabilitation program, but transitioning, redefining. Like all of our staff, he is a Christian with a mission to share the Lord and his testimony with others. He may stay with us, or launch to something else. What he does have is a renewed hope in the Lord and life now.

Hiring Jim on staff is yet a further commitment of investment in him. Opening the new Mission Bargain Center, located on the corner of Pine Street and Cass Avenue, is a further investment in the vitality of the Mission and downtown Roseburg.