CHAT

Vision:
Through the love of Jesus Christ and His witnesses, to have the young people and adults of Church Hill be confident about and capable of conducting basic home repairs, be knowledgeable about basic tools and develop woodworking skills in order to build self esteem and improve their lifestyles at home and in the workplace.

Description of this Ministry:
Nehemiah’s Workshop provides a gathering place for youth and adults to learn about various aspects of domestic repairs, tool skills and woodworking taught and mentored by volunteers.  The workshop is equipped with primary woodworking tools, workshop supplies, hardware, workbenches and storage.  Workshop sessions teach participants how to conduct basic home repairs, use common household hand tools, build small projects and other similar life skills.

The ministry of Nehemiah’s Workshop is targeted to:

1. The youth of Church Hill.  CHAT kids and others participate in sessions at the Workshop.
2. Men and women of north Church Hill. The Workshop will be open for adult groups and one on one opportunities for teaching sessions and to work on special home repair projects.
3. The Church Hill community at large.  The Workshop will hold workshop sessions for anyone desiring to learn about basic home repairs, which will in turn build a sense of community.
4. Residents Action Team.  This group of professional tradesmen, who have been organized for several years by Third Presbyterian Church, offer their services free of charge for individuals in the Church Hill community in need of essential home repairs.  The Workshop will serve as a remote shop for the professionals who need to do more advanced work than possible on the job site.
5. Widows and single mothers.  The volunteers of Nehemiah’s Workshop provide their services to widows and single mothers in the Church Hill community for home repair services.

The Name:

Nehemiah’s Workshop is named after the Old Testament prophet Nehemiah. Nehemiah was responsible for leading the people to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem which had been broken down . The rebuilding effort brought safety and security to the people of Jerusalem. However, of greater significance was the “rebuilding” of faith in God that occurred with the people as a result of the momentous project. After many years of faithlessness, there was a reaffirmation of faith and religious revival as the people promised to serve God faithfully. It is hoped that Nehemiah’s Workshop will not only help the community maintain and rebuild their homes, but bring about similar reaffirmations of faith and dedications to our Lord Jesus Christ.