All across Texas, Christian Job Corps (CJC) sites are welcoming places where people can grow in their careers and feel the caring support of a loving community. Far beyond simply filling a “career gap,” CJC ministries restore dignity and strengthen families for Gospel Kingdom impact.
FROM FOUNDATIONAL SKILLS TO FAMILY SUCCESS
A Participant's Story: Nathan, River City Hope Street, CMJC
The Christian Men’s Job Corps program at River City Hope Street believes that providing a clear career path is a powerful way to share the love of Christ. Nathan, a 23-year-old graduate of our Trades Class, is a shining example of the lasting
generational impact your support for WMU of Texas creates.
For Nathan, the journey began working alongside his father, Jose, and his uncle, Omar. Seeing Nathan’s potential, Jose, a local small-business owner and one of our dedicated volunteer instructors, encouraged him to enroll. While Nathan gained the
technical skills to earn his Plumbing Tradesman license, the impact was more than professional. Through daily devotionals and powerful testimonies, Nathan found a spiritual connection that resonated deeply.
Today, Nathan is the future of his family’s business, ensuring his father’s legacy thrives while serving their community with excellence. “Plumbing turned my life around,” Nathan shares. This ministry does more than fill a “career gap”; it restores dignity and strengthens families.
TRADING FEAR FOR A FUTURE
A Participant's Story: Christian Women's Job Corps, Arlington
"Through CWJC Arlington, the Lord has completely changed and turned my life around in just a few weeks! Before coming to CWJC, I was in a very sad spot in my life. I knew it would take something very strong to force me to undergo the radical life change that I so desperately needed.
Every job I found required even a small amount of computer skills, and because I had never learned to use computer programs, I was afraid of computers! I had heard about CWJC and assumed it was just a place with a room full of computers you could practice on by yourself with a teacher to give you some pointers … boy, was I wrong!
After my first day here, I knew the Lord was going to use CWJC to rescue me from the darkness. The classes and curriculum were all so well put together and organized.
I love how CWJC does everything humanly possible to set women up with everything they need to learn to stand on their own two feet and to go out into the world and live a life of greatness, victory, and success!”
TURNING NEIGHBORS INTO FAMILY
A Pastor's Story: Nathan Hoeft, Twin Lakes Fellowship
At Twin Lakes Fellowship in Cedar Park, Pastor Nathan Hoeft sees the church campus not as a financial asset, but as a launchpad for Gospel Kingdom impact. As the flagship non-profit on site, River City Hope Street has redefined the church campus’ purpose, transforming empty rooms into a redemptive space for the “unanswered questions” of the city.
Whether it is an immigrant navigating a new land or a woman suddenly thrust into the role of breadwinner after a catastrophic loss, Hope Street provides a “fraternity of need.”
Pastor Nathan recalls a recent Bible study with ESL participants on the feeding of the 5,000 where “you could hear a pin drop.” Students from diverse backgrounds bonded over the miraculous truth of Jesus as the Bread of Life.
This ministry fosters a unique “island of belonging” in the middle of the daunting journey that is life in America. Beyond just learning English or a trade, participants find a family. Some volunteers and students have remained for over a decade, proving that the bond of shared struggle and spiritual hope is more durable than any ethnic or linguistic barrier. For Twin Lakes, seeing this campus filled with such transformative activity is the ultimate “win” for the Kingdom.
This radical hospitality turns strangers into neighbors. By choosing purpose over profit, the church creates a sanctuary where those living in fear find a constant, compassionate community. It is a place where the broken are not just served, but truly seen and embraced as family.
LITERACY, ADVOCACY, AND CONNECTION
A Community Story: Christian Women's Job Corps, Rusk
Nestled in the heart of Rusk County, the Christian Women’s Job Corps (CWJC) has been quietly transforming lives since 2002. Though Henderson is the county’s only town, CWJC also serves women from nearby rural communities like Laneville, Minden, Mt. Enterprise, New London, Overton, and Price. Over the years, their impact has grown, with graduates now working across the service industry and beyond.
CWJC’s presence is felt deeply in the community. Graduates frequently reconnect with staff, sharing memories of classmates and dedicated teachers. Many students juggle their education with work, and CWJC staff make a point to advocate for them with employers. In one inspiring example, a student and her manager are helping each other learn English and Spanish.
The organization also partners with the local library to improve access for non-English speakers and those without proper identification. CWJC provides students with IDs that grant them access to books through a shared library card system— an initiative that has built trust and sparked a love for reading among participants.
A community favorite is the “Read with Me” program, which encourages family literacy by supplying books students can keep and read at home. One student shared how reading was new in her culture, but it’s now a joyful family activity.
CWJC’s impact is recognized by local schools, businesses, and even government offices, which often reach out with job openings. Through education, connection, and compassion, CWJC is building stronger families and a brighter future for Rusk County.
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How to Support Christian Job Corps
We invite you to support a local Christian Job Corps site or learn how to start a site in your area through WMU of Texas. Together, we can provide the tools for a future filled with hope. Visit wmutx.org/cjc
Texas Christian Job Corps is supported by your gifts to the Texas Missions Offering. Learn more at iamtexasmissions.org.