"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For everyone that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened."
Matthew 7:7-8 (KJV)

"So, how did a Grandma Lady end up working in the County Prison system?  It all began with my working as lead cook for Camp Retreat centers for twenty-seven years.  This experience working with a large volume of food and often working with troubled teens for staff, prepared me to enter a supervisory role in a large institutional setting.  One of the last camps I worked in had a Christian volunteer who was teaching Map Reading.  He turned out to be a Deputy Chief (a high level position) with the Sheriffs Department.  He enjoyed my "style" and quality of food so much, he had bugged me for years to apply for the position I eventually held.  I was concerned about my lifelong problem with claustrophobia -- so many locked gates and doors!  After much prayer, and opportunities to face this challenge, I finally went to work with the Sheriffs Department.  The rest is history, as the saying goes."

My advice to folks seeking to change employment is really simple.  Prayerfully consider job options available to you.

  Reach beyond your comfort zone here.  Next, consider your personal experience and where you see the Lord using your unique gifts for ministry.  Also important is, what do you ENJOY doing most?  Then submit job applications trusting our Lord to open and close doors for you.  Relax and wait!  Our Lord is faithful to answer your prayers according to His will for you.

My own move from Christian Conference employment to Prison System Culinary supervisor took years to come about.  My Lord patiently coaxed me through His Word, counsel of Christian friends, and by simply opening the doors of opportunity.  After much prayer, I went and applied for the job of Sheriff Culinary Supervisor.  I knew my Lord understood my motives and could and did open the door for me to become an institutional cook.  Unfortunately, but all in God's timing, I was injured on the job and retired after only eight years in this fascinating and rewarding environment.

God uses our experience and our heart's desire (hopefully to serve and honor Him). And our unique talents or "gifts" to guide us in His will for our employment and service.  Our "job" should give us satisfaction and pleasure.  Not to say we will never experience challenges in our job.  If God truly directs your job search, you will be a joyful and fulfilled person as you serve Him through your work (ministry).

In conclusion dear Brethren, if you "feel" it may be time to change jobs, go ahead and prayerfully place some applications and resumes around and wait for the Lord to open and close doors for you.

Taken, in part, from an article called "Dragon Lady", a dialogue with a Culinary Supervisor in USA Prison System
by Diane Boone, CCF Member
http://www.ChristianChefs.org/about/dianeboone.html

If God is speaking to your heart about these things, and you need somebody to talk with, please don't hesitate to e-mail us about your need and somebody from the Fellowship will contact you as soon as possible.  If you have a prayer request or would like to start a theological discussion on this or any other topic please feel free to post it in our Message Boards.