Evan Karl
I have been an engineer at JGR for a year. I had also spent time interning for two summers at JGR which is when I first was introduced to the chaplaincy ministry at JGR. As an intern, I regularly attended Wednesday Bible Study with other guys in the shop. I was always thankful to be able to attend these weekly meetings and be encouraged spiritually in the middle of my week. Once I became a full-time employee, I wanted to get more involved. I quickly asked about small groups and was able to get into a small group with other engineers. Through meeting one-on-one with one of our chaplains and my involvement in our small group, I feel I have grown to know Christ more and understand what it looks like to follow Him according to the Bible. I have also benefited greatly from the relationships I have built through the ministry here at JGR. It can be difficult to build those types of relationships with the time commitments and pressures of our industry. I am thankful that the chaplaincy ministry has provided those opportunities.
In an industry that is so performance-based (from organizations to each person), I have benefited greatly by remembering what life is about. I need to be reminded of God’s grace and love in this pressure environment. I need to grow in my knowledge of the Bible and be encouraged in my faith. I have people regularly around me in my world who do that through the chaplaincy ministry.
Lately, in the middle of very busy weeks, I find myself overcome with thankfulness as I am reminded that it is by God’s goodness that I have my particular talents and each opportunity that I have here at JGR. The chaplaincy ministry helps me remember why God has me here: to use my talents and opportunities for His glory! I have personally seen, that though JGR desires to be competitive and win championships, there is a bigger purpose. I think the chaplaincy ministry is a significant part of helping instill Coach Gibbs’ value of caring for JGR’s most important resource (its people) into the culture of the company.
