March 2, 2009
Well, I really did not intend to go three weeks without giving an update on the happenings here. And my prayer is that it will not happen again. What I want to spend a little time writing on today is the amazing staff we have at Salem.
When I think of our staff, there are several adjectives that come to mind: Christ-like, dedicated, loving, wise, caring, diligent, persevering, patient, and competent are just a few of the many that could be written about.
First, all of our staff is professing believers and followers of Christ. That is first and foremost in how we work with the boys. Everything we do begins with Christ. Each staff’s relationship with Christ is evident when they work with our guys. Out of this relationship flow the natural love, patience, and wisdom that it takes to work with teenage boys. Our staff is made up of some of the most patient men and women I have ever seen. They do not get caught up in the moment. When a boy is having a problem or being disrespectful, staff is always ready with a word that is exactly what is needed in that moment. And it is delivered with grace and truth.
In addition, they are extremely dedicated and loyal: to the Lord, to Salem, to the boys, and to our families. The staff here does not get paid a lot of money to do what they do. They do it because they love making a positive difference in the lives of these young men. This is not a job; it is not a career; it is a calling. And each of our folks here knows that and accepts that.
Competence and diligence show up often in staff’s relationship with the guys. What works with one boy may not work with another. And it is the competent and wise person who knows the difference. It is providing the right answer to the situation at the time, and not giving up when it does not seem to work that separates Salem staff from staff at other places like Salem.
Finally, caring about others created in the image of God is what makes our staff do what they do. They understand that each boy is a child of the living God, and as such has value and purpose. And our staff understands that their ultimate purpose here is to bring glory to God by bringing out the best in our boys, helping them understand who they are in Christ, and that God has a plan for their lives.
I will be spending the next several weeks giving you snapshots of each of our staff members. Hopefully it will give you the opportunity to see just how specially each of them is gifted in their work with our boys. And then you will see why I love this staff. They are an awesome group of people.
Brent
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You have done a great job putting together a staff that loves the boys (and their families) unconditionally. We are very blessed by your ministry. Do not forget to let someone else include a snapshot of the fearless leader of this staff of Christ followers. Without you there to help organize things they would not work so well together. A lot less would get accomplished for God’s kingdom without you Brent. You are probably the person who has the most influence in convincing parents to allow their boys to come live at Salem and get their lives on the right path.