All Blog Posts Tagged 'Faith2Faith' - Work and Learn Inc.2024-03-28T21:39:56Zhttp://worknlearn.ning.com/profiles/blog/feed?tag=Faith2Faith&xn_auth=noHow Do People Become Christians?tag:worknlearn.ning.com,2019-08-08:4084797:BlogPost:506192019-08-08T11:00:00.000ZDaniel Dyerhttp://worknlearn.ning.com/profile/DanielDyer
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><em>How Do People Become Christians?</em></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">A book called <em>Breaking the Huddle<a href="#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1"><strong>[1]</strong></a></em> describes “how [many] people journey toward Jesus naturally”.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">They cross “thresholds” passing through several phases.</span></p>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt;">To know and <strong>t<em>rust</em></strong> a…</span></li>
</ol>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><em>How Do People Become Christians?</em></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">A book called <em>Breaking the Huddle<a href="#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1"><strong>[1]</strong></a></em> describes “how [many] people journey toward Jesus naturally”.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">They cross “thresholds” passing through several phases.</span></p>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt;">To know and <strong>t<em>rust</em></strong> a Christian.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Become <strong><em>curious</em></strong> about Christianity, Jesus or faith.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Become <strong><em>open to change.</em></strong></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Go from meandering to <strong><em>seeking</em></strong></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Move from lost to <strong><em>saved</em></strong> (i.e., start to follow Jesus, make a decision for Jesus, invite Jesus into their heart, become a Christian, convert, show evidence of regeneration, be born again).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Become a</span></li>
</ol>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Very few Christians describe themselves as an <strong>evangelist</strong>.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">But any Christian can learn <strong><em>Relational Evangelism</em></strong> and help move people from one phase to the next.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>You</strong> might be an evangelist and not realize it.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">You might be able to sense what phase someone is in, and help him or her cross the next threshold.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Jesus took the Samaritan woman at the well through all five phases in one meeting. <strong>John 4: 1-26</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">And “Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony.” <strong>John 4:39.</strong></span></p>
<p><a href="#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1"><span>[1]</span></a> Don Everts, Doug Schaupp, Val Gordon, <em>Breaking the Huddle,</em> IVP Books, p. 15.<sup>.</sup> The authors gained much of their experience working with InterVarsity Christian Fellowships implementing the Alpha course in college Christian clubs</p>Work&Learn Graduation #22 celebrated by 67 attendees on June 4, 2019tag:worknlearn.ning.com,2019-06-05:4084797:BlogPost:432712019-06-05T13:26:28.000ZDaniel Dyerhttp://worknlearn.ning.com/profile/DanielDyer
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span>67 people attended Work&Learn Graduation #22 on June 4, 2019.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span>The celebration was at Huntington Street Baptist Church, New London, CT.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span>The Teen Challenge Choir from New Haven performed and gave testimony.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span>New London Mayor Michael Passero attended and honored the…</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span>67 people attended Work&Learn Graduation #22 on June 4, 2019.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span>The celebration was at Huntington Street Baptist Church, New London, CT.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span>The Teen Challenge Choir from New Haven performed and gave testimony.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span>New London Mayor Michael Passero attended and honored the graduates.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span>Pastor Brad Whipple, Seaport Community Churches, Groton, gave an inspiring Word of Hope to graduates and attendees.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span>Dinner by Texas Roadhouse was enjoyed following the ceremony. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span>Enrollments are being accepted now for classes that will start again on August 27, 2019.</span></span></p>15 Mentors and Coaches Train as the Support Team for Work&Learn Course #21tag:worknlearn.ning.com,2018-07-08:4084797:BlogPost:314102018-07-08T21:29:02.000ZDaniel Dyerhttp://worknlearn.ning.com/profile/DanielDyer
<p>The <strong>Mentor and Support Team</strong> for Work&Learn’s 21st Course met for in-depth training July 7, 2018, at St. John’s Christian Church in Groton.</p>
<p>The Course itself will start August 14, 2018 and meet 6 pm Tuesday nights at Huntington Street Baptist Church in New London. Graduation, open the public, will be November 13, 2018.</p>
<p>Pastor Al Garcia presented the results desired for each Participant to know more about God and to realize his or her career potential. He…</p>
<p>The <strong>Mentor and Support Team</strong> for Work&Learn’s 21st Course met for in-depth training July 7, 2018, at St. John’s Christian Church in Groton.</p>
<p>The Course itself will start August 14, 2018 and meet 6 pm Tuesday nights at Huntington Street Baptist Church in New London. Graduation, open the public, will be November 13, 2018.</p>
<p>Pastor Al Garcia presented the results desired for each Participant to know more about God and to realize his or her career potential. He highlighted the contents of the 35-page <strong><em>Mentor and Volunteer Guidelines</em></strong> booklet.</p>
<p>Each week Mentors will review with Participants the steps they are taking in their Personal Development Plan.</p>
<p>Expert coaches explained the one-on-one coaching sessions they will have with Participants on <strong><em>Important Money Matters, Career Assessment, Resumes, Doing Job Search and Application on the Internet, Job Placement, and Spiritual Counseling.</em></strong></p>
<p>Mentors have started to match with Participants before the course begins. Additional volunteers are needed to help Participants with transportation, serve sandwiches before each class, conduct practice interviews and employ the Graduates.</p>
<p>Several openings for the Course still exist. Call 860-501-9675 or Email worknlearninc@gmail.com.</p>A Christian-based Alternative to Incarceration and Drug Rehabilitationtag:worknlearn.ning.com,2014-12-24:4084797:BlogPost:246472014-12-24T19:47:09.000ZDaniel Dyerhttp://worknlearn.ning.com/profile/DanielDyer
<p>Efforts are underway, centered in New London, CT, to apply the Word of God to address issues of homelessness, drug addiction, incarceration and unemployment. Diverse Bible-based ministries are collaborating to expand their rate of success in transforming the lives of the people they serve. The collaboration also expands the options available to volunteers called to support the efforts in ways that make the best use of their individual talents and interests.</p>
<p>Jesus prayed that his…</p>
<p>Efforts are underway, centered in New London, CT, to apply the Word of God to address issues of homelessness, drug addiction, incarceration and unemployment. Diverse Bible-based ministries are collaborating to expand their rate of success in transforming the lives of the people they serve. The collaboration also expands the options available to volunteers called to support the efforts in ways that make the best use of their individual talents and interests.</p>
<p>Jesus prayed that his followers would be one. So unity in purpose comes naturally to believers cooperating to meet the holistic needs of others who may not otherwise experience the hand of God in their lives. </p>
<p>A few examples can best illustrate what’s underway. </p>
<p>New Creation House Ministries, Inc. manages several Christian-based “sober houses” in New London in which men in recovery from addiction learn the Word of God, find work, develop skills, and are among people who show Christian love, in order to prevent relapse. Residents are expected to work or find work during the day. Four nights a week they attend Bible study conducted by pastors supported by their respective churches.</p>
<p>Work&Learn, Inc., a Bible-based nonprofit run entirely by volunteers, mentors and teaches Biblical Principles and Career Skills to enable unemployed and underemployed men and women take up new careers and to find and succeed in jobs in those careers.</p>
<p>Since New Creation has residents who need the work and spiritual strengthening taught in Work&Learn’s courses, collaboration between these two ministries multiplies the impact either could achieve on its own. Some of the pastors who teach at Work&Learn also teach at New Creation.</p>
<p>Another example is the extensive support given by churches in the region to provide volunteer kettle bell ringers for the Salvation Army outside major stores during the Christmas season. How else could the Salvation Army get a former bank president to pitch in for a couple of hours doing this? He probably also pitched in more than his time. And that didn’t jingle like his bell.</p>
<p>Faith2Faith ministries played a key role organizing meetings to let the churches know that the Salvation Army just did not have the funds this year to make minimum wage payments to a sufficient number of bell ringers and also needed help from other churches to provide Christmas dinners to 500 needy people.</p>
<p>Faith2Faith gathers a core group of about a dozen pastors once a month to explore additional options to combine efforts supporting other service ministries. One of these is LifeFAQs. Pastors can recommend to Faith2Faith individuals they back with 100% confidence to go into New London High School for LifeFAQs three hours a week to coach one of the 45 students who are failing two or more subjects. </p>What are volunteers doing at Work&Learn?tag:worknlearn.ning.com,2014-11-21:4084797:BlogPost:243622014-11-21T12:00:00.000ZDaniel Dyerhttp://worknlearn.ning.com/profile/DanielDyer
<ol>
<li>Mike is a <b>participant</b> taking the course to learn the Bible and career skills to get a job.</li>
<li>Brenda is a <b>graduate</b> taking a class in Word offered to graduates to improve their computer skills.</li>
<li>Dave is a <b>mentor</b> leading small discussion groups and encouraging participants in the steps they need to take.</li>
<li>Eddie is on the <b>support team</b> setting up the classroom and helping out. Betty records attendance, hands out materials and monitors…</li>
</ol>
<ol>
<li>Mike is a <b>participant</b> taking the course to learn the Bible and career skills to get a job.</li>
<li>Brenda is a <b>graduate</b> taking a class in Word offered to graduates to improve their computer skills.</li>
<li>Dave is a <b>mentor</b> leading small discussion groups and encouraging participants in the steps they need to take.</li>
<li>Eddie is on the <b>support team</b> setting up the classroom and helping out. Betty records attendance, hands out materials and monitors participation.</li>
<li>Lloyd is one of the dozen <b>pastors</b> who teach different Bible topics in every course.</li>
<li>Dan does online career assessment and <b>interest profiling</b>.</li>
<li>Jessica does <b>job searching</b> online to find openings for participants and for residents in addiction recovery ministries.</li>
<li>Ralph <b>teaches</b> how to interview and organizes <span>practice </span>interviews.</li>
<li>Gary teaches <b>choosing a career.</b></li>
<li>Sharon teaches <b>public speaking.</b></li>
<li>Jeremy teaches <b>personal budgeting.</b></li>
<li>Riccio <b>enrolls</b> residents who live in several addiction recovery houses that he manages.</li>
<li><span style="font-size: 13px;">Greg teaches</span> <b style="font-size: 13px;">Bible study</b> <span style="font-size: 13px;">in addiction recovery (sober) houses.</span></li>
<li>Al does postings on <b>Facebook</b>.</li>
<li>Dan maintains the <b>database </b>of mentors, instructors and other <span>volunteers</span>.</li>
<li>John and Jeff are <b>class leaders</b>.</li>
</ol>
<p>In what way would you like to use your abilities to help our neighbors?</p>
<p>“<b>There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord</b>.” 1 Corinthians 12:5</p>Research Indicates that Religion Reduces Drug and Alcohol Addictiontag:worknlearn.ning.com,2014-03-29:4084797:BlogPost:239032014-03-29T16:00:00.000ZDaniel Dyerhttp://worknlearn.ning.com/profile/DanielDyer
<p><b>Can Faith Rewire an Addict's Brain?</b></p>
<p><b>New evidence shows that 'God consciousness' can keep young people off drugs and alcohol.</b></p>
<p>By Byron Johnson and Maria Pagano , Wall St. Journal, March 27, 2014</p>
<p>Young people who regularly attend religious services and describe themselves as religious are less likely to experiment with alcohol and drugs, a growing body of research shows. Why? It could be religious instruction, support from congregations, or conviction that…</p>
<p><b>Can Faith Rewire an Addict's Brain?</b></p>
<p><b>New evidence shows that 'God consciousness' can keep young people off drugs and alcohol.</b></p>
<p>By Byron Johnson and Maria Pagano , Wall St. Journal, March 27, 2014</p>
<p>Young people who regularly attend religious services and describe themselves as religious are less likely to experiment with alcohol and drugs, a growing body of research shows. Why? It could be religious instruction, support from congregations, or conviction that using alcohol and drugs violates one's religious beliefs.</p>
<p>Moreover, frequent involvement in spiritual activities seems to help in the treatment of those who do abuse alcohol and drugs. That's the conclusion of many reports, including our longitudinal study of 195 juvenile offenders that will be released in May in Alcohol Treatment Quarterly.</p>
<p>Fewer and fewer adolescents today are connected to a religious organization. Young people are less affiliated than previous generations, with 25% of the millennial generation unattached to any particular faith, according to a 2010 Pew Research report.</p>
<p>The problem is more fundamental than missing church on Sunday. Young people in our study of juvenile offenders seem to lack purpose and are overwhelmed by feelings of not fitting in. Meantime, the legalization of marijuana in several states, the flood of prescription medications, and the availability of harder street drugs gives youth wide access to mind-altering substances.</p>
<p>How do we help them? As one troubled young woman in our study, whom we will call Katie to protect her identity, said: "I started to get better when I started to help out in Alcoholics Anonymous. When we help others, we get connected to a power greater than ourselves that can do for us what alcohol and drugs used to do."</p>
<p>Katie's idea, to connect those who are struggling to a "higher power," may seem too simple. Clinicians remain divided about whether AA's goal of helping alcoholics find a higher power to solve their problems is appropriate in treatment planning. But new research, including our own study, is beginning to lend support to Katie's conclusion.</p>
<p>There are two key elements of the 12-step program AA uses: helping others and God-consciousness. Those who help people during treatment—taking time to talk to another addict who is struggling, volunteering, cleaning up, setting up for meetings, or other service projects—are, according to our research, statistically more likely to stay sober and out of jail in the six months after discharge, a high-risk period in which 70% relapse.</p>
<p>Increasing God-consciousness also appears to produce results. Our study showed daily spiritual experiences predicted abstinence, increased social behavior and reduced narcissistic behavior. Even those who enter addiction treatment without a religious background can benefit from an environment where they are encouraged to seek a higher power and serve others.</p>
<p>Nearly half of youth who self-identified as agnostic, atheist or nonreligious at treatment admission claimed a spiritual affiliation two months later. This change correlated with a decreased likelihood of testing positive for alcohol and drugs during treatment.</p>
<p>A connection with the divine and service to others both seem to enhance sobriety. That's because they provide what young people like Katie have been missing: a deep sense of purpose, opportunities to provide help to other people, connections with others, and the chance to make a difference in the world. This reduces self-absorbed thinking, something AA cites as a root cause of addiction.</p>
<p>Though AA was designed with Christian principles, its founders ultimately developed an approach that did not require participants to hold any particular religious beliefs. But the founders were on to something when they rooted AA core tenets in a connection with a higher power and service to others.</p>
<p>Why might this combination work? Neuroscientists, including Andrew Newberg in his 2010 book "How God Changes Your Brain," are beginning to uncover what happens to the mind when the unconscious neurological foundations of addiction are short-circuited by spiritual awakening and a new focus on helping others. Neuronal pathways in the brain appear to be instantaneously realigned.</p>
<p>Research suggests that addicts may be prisoners of the left hemisphere of their brain, which tends to ruminate on problems such as social anxiety. But when their right brains are triggered by an intense emotional experience, unexpected solutions appear. Spiritual experience can be an important catalyst to this kind of brain rewiring.</p>
<p>As a teen we will call Ben told us, "I am aware today in sobriety that my thinking has drastically changed. You take a telescope and move it a centimeter, and your whole world changes. Now I ask myself: What can I bring to the table? How can I help?"</p>
<p>How does a person rewire their own brain? There are many paths, but some adolescents agree with "Allen," who told us, "I need a power greater than myself to enter my life."</p>
<p><i>Mr. Johnson is a professor of social sciences at Baylor University. Ms. Pagano is a professor of child psychiatry at Case Western Reserve University.</i></p>Why should I join this Work&Learn website?tag:worknlearn.ning.com,2014-02-22:4084797:BlogPost:234992014-02-22T16:30:00.000ZDaniel Dyerhttp://worknlearn.ning.com/profile/DanielDyer
<p><i>Why should I join this Work&Learn website?</i> <b>To learn what volunteers are doing to help unemployed adults get jobs they like and to experience the hand of God in their lives.</b></p>
<p><i>Why do we members gather online?</i> <b>To share ideas and actions and receive notices of new classes and events.</b></p>
<p><i>As members who contribute content to the website, what do we get out of participation?</i> <b>Combining our efforts gives us greater impact.</b></p>
<p><i>As members…</i></p>
<p><i>Why should I join this Work&Learn website?</i> <b>To learn what volunteers are doing to help unemployed adults get jobs they like and to experience the hand of God in their lives.</b></p>
<p><i>Why do we members gather online?</i> <b>To share ideas and actions and receive notices of new classes and events.</b></p>
<p><i>As members who contribute content to the website, what do we get out of participation?</i> <b>Combining our efforts gives us greater impact.</b></p>
<p><i>As members who view the website, what do we take away?</i> <b>We receive notices of future Work&Learn events and learn how to volunteer to help people in their lives and with employment.</b></p>
<p><i>What are the goals for the Work&Learn website?</i> T<b>o enroll, mentor and train more people in Work&Learn classes so they can change careers, get employed, and support their families, churches, and communities.</b></p>
<p><i>What are your personal goals for joining the Work&Learn online community? _ _ _ _ _ _</i><b>Add these to your profile if you wish.</b></p>
<p><i>What are some of the things you can do to help participants?</i></p>
<ul>
<li><b>Recommend the course to anyone who is unemployed or underemployed. Call 860-501-9675.</b></li>
<li><b>Attend one of the classes to become more familiar with Work&Learn.</b></li>
<li><b>Post this <a href="http://worknlearn.ning.com/page/excerpts-from-work-learn-brochure" target="_self">brochure</a> in your church or library. Take copies to a sober house, halfway house, homeless shelter, soup kitchen or other service agency.</b></li>
<li><b>Volunteer in one of the classes as a mentor or job advisor or doing a practice interview for a participant.</b></li>
<li><b>Send an invitation to a friend to join this website (community) or to volunteer with you.</b></li>
<li><b>Attend the next Work&Learn graduation to hear two-minute testimonies by the graduates.<br/></b></li>
<li><b>Recommend a graduate to an employer who will benefit by hiring a Work&Learn graduate.</b></li>
</ul>
<p><b> </b></p>Testimonies by Participantstag:worknlearn.ning.com,2013-06-22:4084797:BlogPost:222632013-06-22T13:30:00.000ZDaniel Dyerhttp://worknlearn.ning.com/profile/DanielDyer
<p><i>“It’s been a long time since I’ve had to look for a job and this will better prepare me.”</i></p>
<p>“<i>I like how all mentors are encouraging & non-judgmental.”</i></p>
<p>“<i>The class was awesome.”</i></p>
<p><i>“Teaching me how to present myself for a better job.”</i></p>
<p><i>“Can this be longer?”</i></p>
<p>“<i>The combination of Biblical teaching & life skills complement each other.”</i></p>
<p>“<i>I liked listening to peoples’ input on everyone’s career…</i></p>
<p><i>“It’s been a long time since I’ve had to look for a job and this will better prepare me.”</i></p>
<p>“<i>I like how all mentors are encouraging & non-judgmental.”</i></p>
<p>“<i>The class was awesome.”</i></p>
<p><i>“Teaching me how to present myself for a better job.”</i></p>
<p><i>“Can this be longer?”</i></p>
<p>“<i>The combination of Biblical teaching & life skills complement each other.”</i></p>
<p>“<i>I liked listening to peoples’ input on everyone’s career choices.”</i></p>
<p>“<i>I really like this class and look forward to coming here on Tuesdays.”</i></p>
<p>“<i>It is getting better every class. I love it.”</i></p>
<p>“<i>I really liked the mock interview.”</i></p>
<p>“<i>I just love this class and the people.”</i></p>
<p><i>“It’s great to see how each of us has grown in confidence, speaking ability and determination as well as in spiritual gifts.”</i></p>
<p><i>"The classes helped me to focus and use every moment at work to glorify how good God is. This mindset has kept me employed, promotions and job offers keep coming."</i></p>
<p><i>"I was devastated and totally ignorant of how to go about finding a new job."</i></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong><i>See more testimonies on the Work&Learn page at <a href="https://greatnonprofits.org/org/work-learn-inc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Great NonProfits</a>.</i></strong></span></p>
<p><i> </i></p>