Thank you for your patience! We have been fairly quiet about what has been going on at Faith and Work Enterprises for a while. The main reason for our quiet? God has been unfolding His plan step by step, and we are humbly following as we seek to be His instruments in the lives of these young men. Throughout 2018, God has consistently shown us that it is not by our own plans that his work will be done, but that nonetheless, he will continue to lead and provide.
We experienced two unexpected location changes for reasons beyond our control, which delayed the launch of the program. By God’s grace, an opportunity allowed us to open our classroom and chocolate kitchen at Christ the King Episcopal Church in west Baltimore County. Although it is one bus ride from Sandtown-Winchester, the distance and unfamiliarity with the county has had an effect on the number of men willing to participate. And while disappointing, God is increasing our awareness of the complex challenges and barriers that these young men are facing. All this is causing us to work prayerfully and responsively to shape the program in a way that will meet them where they are and help them move forward.
Will our classroom and kitchen space stay in west Baltimore County?
We have learned not to pretend to know the plans of the Lord, even though Christ the King has been a wonderful starting place. The distance continues to reveal a significant challenge, so while we continue there for the short term, we are actively seeking a suitable and affordable location closer to Sandtown, and within the 21217 zip code.
When will chocolate be available for sale, as a way to support the work of this mission?
While our first and second cohorts are producing chocolate bars, this will serve solely as a learning environment until we secure a food processing license from the Maryland Department of Health. This process involves meeting facility and procedural requirements, so it is coming, but not immediately.
What can be done to help now?
Because our plans and starting date changed so much in 2018, we were not comfortable with turning to our supporters with a big push for more help. Now that the program is up and running, we are eager to share what’s happening with congregations and groups. If you would like someone from our organization to visit your congregation, please contact us.
In addition, our ongoing financial needs continue. Regular monthly and quarterly support is a blessing to sustaining this ministry. If so moved, donations can be received online through our website (www.faithandworkenterprises.org), or by sending a check to Faith and Work Enterprises, 929 Ingleside Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21228.
And above all, of course, PRAY. There has been no doubt that the prayers of God’s people have been the greatest resource in getting this mission from a vision to reality!
Want more details or do you have specific questions? Feel free to reach out to us any time. (info@faithandworkenterprises.org)
Thank you so much for your generous partnership!!
In God’s grace,
The Faith and Work Enterprises Team