I Just Need an Interview

From Bob Combs, Metro Staff

Our Metro staff in Compton, CA work with Metro Community Development Corp (Metro CDC). Our mission is to be a part of God's work, employing whole-life discipleship, asset-based community development, and "business as mission" (to empower individuals, build families, and strengthen neighborhoods.) Here is just one story of how this is working.

Chris grew up in Compton and faced many challenges as a youngster such as foster care, a gang lifestyle and poor education. After high school, he became involved with our CAD (Construction & Discipleship Program), growing in his relationship with the Lord and earning his contractor's certificate.

On one occasion, Chris bid a job calling for a 20ft beam to be installed in an attic. As they were discussing the job, the client revealed that he was the director of a security organization within a major retail mall. In the end, Chris told the client that he would be willing to install the beam for FREE if the client would interview him for a job with his security firm. The man agreed. After a third-party interview, Chris was hired the following day and has full time employment with benefits! Now he has the dignity of being able to provide for his new wife and daughter.

Driving the security vehicle around the parking lot is one of his functions. To do so, Chris needed to provide proof of having a valid driver's license by the end of the year. Unfortunately, he owed $800 for an outstanding traffic ticket he incurred as a teenager. This amount would not seem horribly overwhelming to you or me, but for Chris, this might as well be millions! His ordinary resources are just too limited and if the fines weren't paid, he'd lose this job.

However, through the extraordinary resources of Metro CDC, another option presented itself. Chris was able to sell one of our donated cars, and not only pay off his debt, but keep his job as well. He is one of our Courageous Leaders, a family man growing in the love and knowledge of Jesus Christ.

To read more about the Metro Compton ministry, visit the website at www.metrocdc.org