I have to share a great story about a man from my church who has been unemployed for several months. I have been very fortunate to align myself with two other gentlemen and develop a ministry called Career Transitions Network. We wanted to provide an environment where we could encourage men who were going through a job change or looking for employment. We pray, study God’s word and give them some emotional and practical tools to get through a tough time.

We had out first meeting a couple of weeks ago at 6:30 AM on a Thursday. Approximately nine or ten men showed up. Steve sent me this e-mail:

Hi everyone, this is Steve Porter.  I wanted to share with you all my experiences since our first meeting at church.  I left the transitions group feeling sure and confident.  The hour we spent together opened my eyes to many things.  Most importantly, I realized that I wasnt alone in my search for something better. 

That afternoon, feeling extremely confidant, I contacted a company that I knew of through a friend who works there.  My friend had no idea I was calling and I had no idea whether this company was hiring or not.  All I knew about this company was that it is in healthcare, and the sales/marketing group makes a great living.  I contacted them about 1:00pm on Thursday and inquired on their interest in bringing on a new rep.  I was told that they were always accepting resumes, but right now, they weren’t hiring anyone.  I sent my resume a few minutes later.  I prayed that this would turn into an opportunity.  The following day, on Friday, I called the manager that I sent my resume to follow up and make sure he received it.  He immediately tried to get me off the phone by saying that he did receive it, but again, they weren’t looking right now.  I felt that this was an opportunity that I MUST act upon.  I swayed him from ending the call and about 20 minutes later, we were scheduling an interview for the following Monday.  Over the weekend, I researched this company, their competitors, their growth, and many other aspects of the company.  By Monday morning I was as prepared for this interview as I could possibly be.  I continued to pray.

The interview lasted about 2 and a half hours ending with them inviting me back the next day to shadow one of their top reps. I spent about 4 hours there on Tuesday, shadowing and interviewing with another manager and the CEO, who happened to be in the office.  I was told at the end of the day on Tuesday that they would get back to me no later than the end of the day on Wednesday.  Wednesday was very long.  I knew their office closed at 5:30pm and we had passed that hour already.  My family and I were at church that evening and I continued to pray.  About 7:30 Wednesday night, I got a call.  It was followed by an email offering me the job.  The offer came because, I quote Steve, we are bringing you on for your persistence and eagerness to make the sale and close the deal with this job.  I will be starting full time on Monday, February 9 with a generous salary, full benefits, and a commission scale that is beyond exceptional. 

I got this job because I was confident in my abilities to make something good out of the situation and I’m sure of the fact the God led me and carried me throughout the whole process.  See you in a couple of weeks!!

Steve Porter

Perseverance and faith…maybe someone just wants to see if you have what it takes.

Pierce Marrs