Recently I found myself thinking about how I could make Christmas special for my family despite our humble circumstances while we live here on campus. Like many of you, money is tight and our finances won't allow us to indulge in extravagant celebrations and gift giving. I am fairly certain that many of you are also feeling the burden of the holidays and will be looking to improve your skills and employment in the coming year.
Many of us have recently graduated and have been flung into a job market that seems to be struggling. I challenge you as the New Year approaches to seek out employment and job training that will provide you and your family with a secure future. The Lord has said "I will render unto the man according to his work" (Proverbs 24:29). When Adam and Eve were cast out of the Garden of Eden, the Lord told them "In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread" (Genesis 3:19).
For a long time I thought this scripture simply meant that their food was no longer going to be easy to find as it was in the garden, but lately, as I have continued my own job search, I have come to a different conclusion. For us in the Gateway Ward, it is important that we understand that if we want to eat, then we need to sweat a little. Dig your elbows in and search for the jobs and skills that will provide for your family. In this time, it is unlikely that jobs will fall into our laps like they have in the past. We may have to sweat for our bread but I promise you it is there. There is plenty of bread (and jobs) to be had. If we are hard working and diligent in our job search, it will be for us like it was for the Lord's chosen people when he "rained down manna upon them to eat, and had given them the corn of heaven" (Psalms 78:24).
As you contemplate the Savior this Christmas, challenge yourself to exemplify the qualities that made him great. He was the adopted son of a hard-working carpenter and his work in life exemplified the qualities of both his earthly father and that of his Father in Heaven. He walked the earth and performed the work that Heavenly Father had given him despite the challenges he faced. While his apostles slept, Christ took on the greatest work, and atoned for our sins in Gethsemane. In it in his steps we should follow. Work hard. We have been promised that we will be blessed for it.
"Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded." (2 Chronicles 15:7)
Here is the current information on the Mesa LDS Employment Resource Services and the classes they are currently offering. You can also drop in during business hours to get individual help.
235 S. El Dorado Cir., Mesa, AZ 85202
(480) 829-8999
Fax: (480) 894-1786
wel-ec-mesa@ldschurch.org
Mon - Fri (9:00 am - 4:30 pm)
Tues (9:00 am - 8:00 pm)
Current offerings:
Professional Workshops (ERS Ctr): 1st & 2nd Saturday of every month (9am-4pm)
Career Workshops - Night (ERS Ctr): 2nd & 3rd Wednesday of every month (6pm - 10pm)
Career Workshops - Night (Mesa AZ Alta Mesa Stake Ctr): Last Wednesday & 1st Wednesday of every month (6pm - 10pm)
Self-Employment Workshop (ERS Ctr): 1st & 2nd Tuesday of every month (6pm - 9:30pm)
Resume Writing Class - Night (ERS Ctr): 4th Tuesday of every month (6pm - 8pm)
Resume Writing Class - Day (ERS Ctr): Tuesdays (9am - 11am)
Family Finance Workshop (Reservations call 480-715-8437): 4th Thursday of every month (7pm - 9pm)
Map/Directions:
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Here's a testimonial of LDS Employment Resource Centers:
“The world would take people out of the slums. Christ takes the slums out of people, and then they take themselves out of the slums. The world would mold men by changing their environment. Christ changes men, who then change their environment. The world would shape human behavior, but Christ can change human nature”
- Ezra Taft Benson, Conference Report, Oct. 1985
As your Ward Employment Specialists, Ryan and I know that at times it can be difficult to survive as a student, while also meeting the financial needs of your family. One of the most difficult parts of student life can be finding employment that meets our needs. But, although becoming self-sufficient is not always easy, we know its possible. Heavenly Father has promised us that we will be provided for if we work hard and develop skills:
"It is interesting that the first recorded instruction given to Adam after the Fall, dealt with the eternal principle of work. The Lord said: 'In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread.' (Gen. 3:19.) Our Heavenly Father loves us so completely that he has given us a commandment to work. This is one of the keys to eternal life. He knows that we will learn more, grow more, achieve more, serve more, and benefit more from a life of industry than from a life of ease" - Howard W. Hunter, "Prepare for Honorable Employment," Ensign, Nov. 1975, 122
We have decided to create this blog to help you know where to start as you attempt to find good employment. There is a wealth of resources available to you which will make it possible for every member to meet the needs of their family. We hope that you will take advantage of the resources that we are providing to you and know that you will be blessed as you actively seek to improve your skills and employment.
As we work with you more we will continue to update this blog so please check back frequently. We will also be working closely with other leaders in the church and the community to help you find opportunities in your careers and family life.
- Stewart
