We’ve watched as the frame of the building has been taken apart and laid in the church yard–piles and piles of reclaimed wood–some of it 28 feet long. A furniture making cooperative has purchased some of the wood for tables and chairs. Several artists have purchased small amounts of shorter boards for their projects. Everyone seems to be benefitting from the harvest. But there are five neighborhood men who have benefitted the most.
These five are the trainees who will conclude their deconstruction training on Friday, November 11. Previously, they were unemployed, at risk of homelessness, and all with some kind of past. Now, they are certified deconstruction workers. They will “graduate” and receive a certificate of completion at our annual Harvest Home Dinner on Saturday, November 12. This is a huge milestone for these men and we are so proud of their accomplishment.
Ken Ortiz, the trainer from The ReUse People, said that normally only 20 percent of people who begin the deconstruction training complete it successfully. Kimball’s training project has had a 45% completion rate! This is in large part due to your prayers for the men. Thank you.
Our project has reclaimed the building materials, but more importantly, God has reclaimed lives.
Tongue on Fire 