V.J. Sanchez Awarded the Columbus Rotary Service above Self Award
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV).
Metro Columbus Christian Women’s Job Corps (MCCWJC) Site Coordinator, V.J. Sanchez, received theColumbus Rotary Service above Self Award on March 1, 2010. V.J. Sanchez daily demonstrates a commitment to the Columbus Rotary’s vision to encourage positive and enduring change in the lives of others. She shows compassion and love for women who come from all walks of life - women who are in abusive situations, whose husbands have left them with children and who have not worked outside the home before, women who have been addicted to drugs and alcohol, and women who have just been released from prison or a half-way house.
V.J. Sanchez spends her days overseeing the entire business aspect of the MCCWJC program, interviewing women who would like to participate in the program, developing training based on the women’s needs, teaching classes, and providing transportation to participants. But her love for the women doesn’t stop at 5:00 PM. In the evenings and on the weekends she helps the women by listening and visiting when they need a friend, transporting them, and gathering furniture or clothing to meet an immediate need. Recently Sanchez and her husband David opened their home and invited two women to live with them. These ladies had nowhere to live after being released from a half-way house.
No matter how busy Sanchez is, she takes time to listen, to comfort, and to encourage. She influences everyone around her by a life characterized by humility, unconditional love, unselfish service, and love of God. She values people more than things or experiences. At five feet tall she is a power ball of energy serving the Lord by giving her time, talent, and treasure – a true volunteer. When asked, “Why?” V.J. Sanchez proclaims, “God called me to this ministry!”
At the Columbus Rotary luncheon, Sanchez began her two minute acceptance speech glorifying God. “All praise, glory, and honor to my God who is the creator of the universe and all that dwell there in. My God made the supreme sacrifice in giving His only Son to live on this earth, to show man how to live, then in obedience to His Father, Jesus willing gave himself, dying on the cross for all peoples’ sin, and rising on the third day. In doing all of this my God and Savior set the example of others before self. It is in Him I live and follow.”
Smiling she said, “I want to thank the pastor I grew up with, Lester Roth, who modeled others before self. He brought his family from a ‘safe’ Mennonite Community in West Liberty, Ohio, to share Jesus Christ with the people of Hocking Hills, Ohio.” She continued by thanking God for her wonderful, supportive family - husband David Sanchez, children - Davidsito, Javier, Carmelita and daughter-in-law Chanell, and, of course grandchildren - Devona, Dejanee, Leonna, Mateo, Isabel and Alonna who make her volunteer work with MCCWJC possible. Sanchez also thanked her MCCWJC Advisory Board and Volunteers commenting that without their faithfulness the MCCWJC program could not exist. She concluded her acceptance remarks by thanking the Rotary Club for the work they do and for the Service above Self award. V.J. Sanchez believes the recognition MCWJC receives from this award will allow the city of Columbus to know about one of the best kept secrets in Columbus, Ohio. Bringing her acceptance speech to a close, she shared Christian Women’s Job Corp’s watchword - Jeremiah 29:11.
Now let’s move from V.J. Sanchez’s servant leadership and see how MCCWJC affects both volunteers and participants in amazing ways indicating how God desires to have a personal relationship with His people as they learn to serve and glorify Him. MCCWJC volunteer office staff includes an office manager and a site coordinator.
Office Manager Jackie Hendrix explains how she became involved with CWJC. “I moved to an apartment on Parsons Avenue, about two blocks from the Stowe Baptist Center. After being confined to my apartment for six months due to illness, I decided to take a walk around the neighborhood. I had heard about the Stowe Baptist Soup Kitchen. As a former restaurant owner, I thought I might volunteer my services. At the Center I saw a flyer about Christian Women’s Job Corps and classes being offered. At that point, I felt I should talk to someone. As a personnel manager with 25 years of teaching and interviewing skills, I thought perhaps I could negotiate some job skill training on computers. I was told the person to talk to was V.J. Sanchez. She agreed to meet with me. The time frame I had in mind was six months to learn the skills. A year and four months later, I am the volunteer office manager. It is rare to meet a non-profit manager with the passion and skills of V.J. Sanchez. She is conscientious with every dollar earned and spent—attributed to her accounting background. She considers each participant as an individual, no matter how similar the background issues. She can often be seen shedding a tear or sharing a smile with the children as well as with the program participants.”
Site Coordinator Lynn Tibbs was asked how she became involved with MCCWJC and V.J. Sanchez. She replied, “V.J. Sanchez came to a women’s meeting at the Lord of Life Fellowship Church, where I attend, to share information about CWJC. About six months later I finally responded to the need for volunteers. I came planning to do whatever was needed. Soon I became a mentor and started working with the ladies. Next I became a volunteer teacher facilitating Anger Management classes. One day V.J. asked if I would consider taking the training to become a Site Coordinator. I did! So that is what I am currently doing. V.J. Sanchez has been a pleasure to work with. We have our differences; but are able to agree to disagree and still be friends and sisters in Christ.”
A ten member volunteer Advisory Board supports MCCWJC meeting four times a year, but actively serving between Board meetings through e-mail communications, phone calls, and ministry of presence at the Stowe Baptist Center. Advisory Board President Elvenor Johns is a strong advocate for MCCWJC and supports the program with zeal. She relates, “WOW! God knows how to surprise His children with unexpected blessings. My heart overflows with gratitude to God for Christian Women’s Job Corps and the tremendous blessings He afforded me in this opportunity for service.” Johns was asked to teach a thirteen session Bible Study class. “Being the retired person that I am, I faced the challenge of getting up EARLY, driving 30 minutes through rush hour traffic and getting to Stowe Baptist Center at 8:30 AM. You know what? God helped me prepare the lessons for each day, get to bed early, and drive from Westerville to MCCWJC on time each day. The beautiful thing awaiting me at CWJC was seven precious, beautiful women who walked through our study on the Life of Christ with enthusiasm and open hearts. They agreed that God brought them there by divine appointment. I witnessed lives being changed and I’m confident that will continue under the leadership of V.J. Sanchez.”
Sharon McKenzie serves on the MCCWJC Advisory Board as WMU Representative and bookkeeper. Sharon smiles and says, “I took the CWJC training long before I ever knew V.J. but never volunteered. Several years later I ran into V.J. Sanchez at an associational meeting. She indicated she needed volunteers to help at MCCWJC. I told her I could give her one day a week. Since the volunteer bookkeeper was no long able to help due to illness, I took over the bookkeeping chores. Now that I understand the day to day activities involved in CWJC, I have a tremendous appreciation for V.J. Sanchez’s ability to build relationships as she works with and mentors the ladies while loving them into the kingdom of God. No wonder we have an 80% success rate!”
Carol Burchett a volunteer instructor and mentor for MCCWJC nominated Sanchez for the Columbus Rotary Service above Self Award. She ascertained that “V.J. Sanchez exemplifies the highest ethical standards and qualities of leadership. The volunteers who help with the MCCWJC program as well as the participants, look up to Sanchez with respect. She is not judgmental and can be trusted as she finds value in each person. She loves what she is doing and loves the women and volunteers with whom she works. Her goal is to provide women in need of a hand up to sustaining employment and meeting their life goals – changing lives, one woman at a time so they become productive members of society.”
Last but not least let’s look at what some of the participants have to say about the program. Amber was overheard in the kitchen commenting “I just love Mrs. V.J. She so understands.” One morning during morning devotion time, Indica called and asked to speak to V.J. Sanchez. Sanchez was leading the devotion and was not available. Indica told the Site Coordinator, “I don’t want to talk to anyone else – only V.J. – because she is the only one that can help me.”
Felicia has been a member of MCCWJC for two years and discloses, “This has been the best two years of my life! When I first came, one of my goals was to obtain my GED so I could make a better life for myself. I tried for years to get my GED, but was never successful. The support I received from MCCWJC was uplifting and gave me the courage to get back up when I failed. I am happy to report I obtained my GED in March and will be attending Columbus State Community College to earn a degree in Business Administration. My dream career is to work in an office. I have learned things at MCCWJC that can never be taken away from me. I have learned to pray and depend on God to show me the way. I never thought that would be possible considering my past. I will never forget this experience.”
Andria explains, “Before I came to MCCWJC, I was discouraged. I am a single parent of two children in search of Christian companionship. I asked the Lord to show me a new path. Everyone has taken me under their wings and helped me understand there are different choices for my life and wisdom and knowledge to be gained from the Lord. These volunteer women have teamed up to give me the tools I need for successful employment. I am learning how to survive and be productive in a work environment. Mrs. V.J. Sanchez and Mrs. Sherri Tarlton are so full of the love that we need today. The volunteers do all this at no charge – the best things in life are free!” (Andria currently attends Franklin University and was named to the Dean’s List last semester and has been awarded a scholarship.)
Chevette says, “After my high school graduation, I felt tied down so I began running the streets. I became deeply involved with a man. I thought he loved me, but soon learned he was using me. I stayed high and lived life not thinking about tomorrow. Through my involvement with this man I committed a crime and was arrested. Following prison I was released to a halfway house to help me get ready to re-enter society. At the house I met some women involved in MCCWJC. They told me about the great women of God in this organization who could help me during by transition time. Being at MCCWJC gave me a better outlook on life. I want to be all I can be! God blessed me in many ways. I know God has a plan for my life. Part of the plan is to have V.J. Sanchez in my life. She opened her house to me. She didn’t know me, but God lead her to open the door of her home so I could have a place to live with a family. Now I have graduated from the classes. I have a Christian woman mentor to walk with me. I am on my way to becoming all that God has for me!”
Visible signs of V.J. Sanchez’s love for the women she works with abound – encouraging words, stern yet loving reprimands, goal setting to keep the ladies on track, and morning devotions with prayers to begin each new day. Especially potent are the arrow prayers V.J. sends heavenward as she relies on God to solve the difficulties occurring throughout the day. More powerful than can be imagined are the verbal praises, outbursts of song, and the rejoicing at even the smallest steps achieved by those under her care. V.J. Sanchez is indeed a faithful servant of the Lord! Let us pray for V.J. Sanchez and the volunteers and participants at MCCWJC as the Lord calls this life saving ministry to our minds.
Lord Jesus, we ask you to give V.J. Sanchez and the volunteers wisdom and understanding of your decrees and help them follow your precepts as they seek your will and guidance in carrying out the mission of MCCWJC. Guide their steps and their speech as they daily work with the women who come seeking a new life. Direct them as they point them to you, Lord Jesus, and model your way of life. Amen!
Now let’s reach beyond our home and church walls and discover ways to use our God given talents to reach out and share God’s transforming power and love. Let’s provide a hand-up and not a handout as we share God’s love with those who are lost and bring them to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Let’s be aware that God is at work constantly drawing people to Himself.
Saturday, April 17, 2010, V.J. Sanchez will be presenting a session called How to Bring People to the Rock at the My God, My Rock Southwest Regional Spring Retreat for women at Calvary Baptist Church in Wilmington, Ohio. Registration begins at 8:00 AM and the cost is $20.00 per person with a deadline of April 9, 2010. The event is sponsored by Women’s Missions and Ministries – State Convention of Baptists in Ohio. Contact Norma McMurry, (937) 879-0618 or narmamcmurry@sbcglobal.net for more information.
For additional information on Metro Columbus Christian Women’s Job Corps and Christian Men’s Job Corps contact:
Metro Columbus Christian Women’s Job Corps
888 Parsons Avenue
P.O. Box 06218
Columbus, Ohio 43206
Phone: (614) 445-6776
E-mail mccwja@rrohio.com
Christian Women’s Job Corps and Christian Men’s Job Corps are ministries of Women’s Missionary Union providing a Christian context in which women and men in need are equipped for life and employment, and are provided a missions context in which women help women and men help men, giving them a hand-up and not a handout. For more information or training opportunities consider visiting the WMU website at www.wmu.com/getinvolved or call (205) 991-4096.
______________________________________________________________________
Sandra J. Wanner, Ph.D.
Metro Columbus Christian Women’s Job Corps
Jobs for Life Director
254.541.5021 – cell
614.604.6251 – home
3/21/2010
