Now that I am home for the summer, I have had the opportunity
to start working at Swan Graphics with my parents. It has been such a privilege
to finally see first-hand all that they are doing in the lives of the youth in the
White Swan community.
My favorite part of the workday is our lunchtime.
Typically, either my mom or myself will make lunch for all of the employees, we
will eat together in our conference room, and we will do a Bible study together
that ends in a time of prayer. We just finished reading the gospel of John and
are currently going through the book of Acts. Each employee has their own Bible
labeled with their name on it, and each one will take turns reading verses
around the table. It has been so special to see the youth interacting with
Scripture that they are reading for the first time and investing in daily
prayer for needs in their families and the community.
Each employee has a very specific role around Swan Graphics
that gives them a sense of responsibility and purpose. One employee specializes
in yard work and interior maintenance as well as printing when the orders are
heavy. Another employee is extremely detailed and is learning all of the
necessary components to our new embroidery machine. Some of our employees who
have been here for a few years are excelling in design work in Photoshop or
mastering the art of screen printing. Two employees are working together during
downtime to get their drivers licenses, and two of our employees will be entering
their senior year of high school and beginning to plan for life after high
school.
It has been so humbling to see all that the Lord is doing
through the investment of my parents in the lives of these youth. The patience,
loving attention, and commitment of my mom and dad are speaking volumes into
their lives. While this community struggles from hopelessness and loss, Swan
Graphics is providing hope and a workplace family.
One of the things that the Lord is teaching me is that
something as simple as a t-shirt order is contributing to spreading the hope of
the gospel. More orders lead to more hours at work and the need for more
employees to add to our family at Swan Graphics. Through daily devotionals,
opportune conversations, and living life together, the gospel is being spread,
Christ is revealed, and God is renewing the brokenness as He promises.
