December 2013 – Motivation to Build a Life and a Business

“Motivation to Build a life and a Business”

By: Michael J Miller Jr.

 

 

 

 

 

One of the issues in raising up young men like Yoel for so many years is the problem in facing reality. Even though Yoel has been a part of the Border Buddies Program for at least 5 years or more Yoel still hadn’t come to terms with the true internal problem that he had. He finished his studies at INFOP (technology school for Carpentry) but he couldn’t find a job. Yes we sympathized some with him in that there is a 50% unemployment rate and that he doesn’t have any experience. So we sent him and Yoevanny out on foot to go and ask for work at all the local businesses that make furniture. For weeks they would come back and say there isn’t any. However Yoevanny did find a job and it doesn’t pay well and the boss is abusive but he is working and building furniture. However Yoel was spending all his time sleeping, watching TV, and playing with kids that were younger while his older friends were studying or working. We had a long talk with him and that still didn’t change his attitude. So one night during our Bible study I said you need to work. So he started working for the ministry in doing various jobs. Basically anything I could find for him. Then I finally said, “You need to start a business.” However while working on starting his own business we ran into that same internal problem that he wouldn’t let go of nor talk about. Finally I spoke to him hard to say you need to wake up or keep sleeping. He broke down and started to explain that all he ever desired was for his mom to love him, except him, to give him responsibility and to acknowledge that he existed. He kept talking and acknowledged that Glenda and I were giving him that but he still wanted the acceptance from his mom. I looked and there were many of the boys crying while he talked. Yoel finally came to the reality that he had to move on with his life and put his effort in building a business and the relationships that God has given him in order to survive and become the man that God intended for him to be. I think Yoel witnessed to the others that night because we have seen the change in the little ones that are a part of the group. How do we know? Because, we are seeing the difference in their attitude and outlook on life. We know that this business could go in any direction but we also know that Yoel could be a business owner that provides jobs and change for all his employees. This is the Heart of the Mission.