Thursday, February 5, 2009

The dreaded phone call...

Most of you know that Jonathan has been employed at Cummins for 9 plus years. You may also know that in December they cut 600 jobs and we were "sweating it" then, but Jonathan survived. In January, they announced that they would be cutting 800 more jobs starting February 1st. Again, we were all nervous and concerned about Jonathan losing his job. Times are tough everywhere, but especially at Cummins.
Jonathan had some red flags last week that made him worry even more. His boss scheduled a "one on one" meeting with him on Wednesday morning at 9am. They always had a weekly meeting on Friday so Jonathan figured this would be bad news.
On Sunday night, our pastor, Brother Nathan Shockley, preached an excellent message talking about "taking a leap of faith into the unknown!" On the way home from church, Jonathan looked at me and said, "That message was for me...I'm done at Cummins."
Then several times throughout this week, he kept hearing a song by his favorite singer, Ivan Parker, titled "I'll do the miracle." Again, he felt this was a sign from God to put his trust in Him and was preparing himself for the worst.
Yesterday morning, at 9am, Jonathan walked up to his bosses desk for their meeting and his boss said he wanted to "take this somewhere else!" Jonathan said he knew right then it was coming. They walked in silence down the long hallway to the front of the building, into a designated room, and sat down. His boss began to read him a manuscript and proceeded to tell him that he would no longer be employed by Cummins due to major economical cut backs. They asked for his badge, company credit card, laptop computer, uniforms, and anything else that might belong to Cummins. His boss walked him back to his desk to grab his coat and proceeded to walk him out of the doors of Cummins for the last time. As his boss was telling him goodbye, he became choked up and told Jonathan that he was very sorry and wished him and his family nothing but the best.
At 9:24am, the home phone rang and the caller ID stated it was "Jonathan's Cell." I dreaded answering it because I knew it wasn't going to be good news. Jonathan had told me if he called from his desk, things were okay, but if he called me from his cell phone, he'd been walked out! The first words out of his mouth were "I'm done." What a terrible feeling, I felt so helpless and there was nothing I could say or do that could make things better for him.
The kids broke our hearts at lunch as each one of them said their routine prayers, they all prayed to "help Daddy to find a job!" We didn't tell them to say that, but they just did it on their own. Of course, that made me cry all over again. They did it again at supper too! (I don't know how much of that I can take!)
Jonathan has been employed full-time since he turned 16 years old. He isn't one that enjoys sitting at home and especially when it involves babysitting 24/7 either!!! He's already sent his resume to two different companies and is trying to make connections to find a job as soon as possible. He did get a severance package, but that won't last long.
Please pray for him and our family that God will work something out and that he will be able to find the "right" job. Jonathan has a very positive attitude, much more that I probably would if it were me, and I know that God is helping him deal with this.
(He has no idea I'm posting this and may make me delete this when he sees it, but I thought all my blogger friends would want to know what's going on in our lives this week.) It won't be easy but with God's help, we will survive. I would love for you all to help us pray about Jonathan getting a job, and that God will work something out that will glorify Him!

24 comments:

Unknown

We're praying for you! We know it can be frustrating, at times, to find a job-went through that not too long ago! But, God saw us through...still don't really wanna do that again though! ;)

Leanna Pitcher

I am so sorry to hear about the bad news. I will pray for a quick job hunting process. Hang in there.

Tricia G.

Karen, I don't even know what to say...you know that we are praying for you guys and trusting that the Lord will provide. I was reminded of this verse that meant a lot to me when I was going through a struggle - I thought I would share - It's from Nahum 1:7 "The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him." Keep trusting in Him!

Tricia G.

good grief...I wrote a book! Sorry!

Peggy B.

So sorry to hear the bad news. I've been there - done that, and it's not fun, but I can tell you God will see you through. Sometimes it doesn't seem so when we are walking the path, but HE DOES!!!! Hang in there.

Angie D

We're praying here, but also expecting great things from the God we serve. I really believe he has better things ahead for Jonathan!

Can't wait to visit with you guys this weekend...

Vanessa

Jonathan and Karen,

Ask Brother and Sister Walden about the service last night at our church. I wished that you could have been there. Pastor Forsee spoke on Psalm 91, where David is talking about God protecting us. He said that God promises to keep us safe IN the bad times that may come, not to keep us safe FROM them, like in Job's situaton. I thought of you all.
We will be praying that everything works out how God wants it. Remember, He has a plan for each of us!

ng

We know the sinking feeling---but we also know how God took us though. It was never easy, but God taught us some valuble lessons during those times that we could have learned no other way. Gary was called back to work just this past Monday after a 3 week lay-off. Only God knows the future, but we know God!!!
Psalms 27:5

Dorcas

Karen,
I'm so sorry for this horrible news that your husband received about his job! That's got to be devastating. I'll be praying something works out fast for you all!! Keep the faith!!

Becky

Just wanted you to know when I seen it on FB it touch me and I'm remembering you guys daily.

sankey family

We're praying for you all!

Gene Davis

The Psalmist wrote it best when he said "Be still and know that I am God...." You all are in our prayers. I know that God has something special for John.

Belinda

Karen,

My heart goes out to you during this difficult time. God is in control and he will hear and answer prayer. Keep your trust and faith in Him!!

Lady J

Karen, you are already glorying God with your testimony. Read Psalm 50:15 and then see what the psalmist says about HOW we glorify God. I prayed for you all day Wednesday as I could. Never been in your shoes but I know in my walk with God I have found Him trustworthy and always right on time.

A Peek Into My Life

I know that is a scary position to be in. (BTDT!) And yet, time and time again, I've proved that God makes a way when there seems to be no way! Hang in there....!

tacomom

Tony and I were both devastated for you all when we read the news (on FB). It seems like it's happening to more and more of our friends and we are just holding our breath to see how long it will be before we get hit. But as everyone has said, hang in there, keep trusting - God has a plan!! His ways are not our ways! Praying!

Beth Stetler

Thinking of and praying for you.

Anonymous

Hi, this is Gina (Traivs's mom) I am wiping my eyes as I type this. I just know that God will deliver and miracles do happen. God saved me 5 mo. ago after being without God for 29 years and smoking 2 1/2 pks a day he delivered me immediately. Do we think he can't provide a job. Yes Jonathan a miracle is in the making and God is in control.

Anonymous

CAN YOU BELIEVE I AM TRAVIS'S MOM AND CAN'T EVEN SPELL HIS NAME :)

Greg & Stephanie

I don't really know what to say, but wanted to let you know that we will be praying for you all, and trusting that everythings works together for good...many of our friends around here are getting nervous about possible cuts in their employment. Greg and I are trying to avoid the urge to spend, and instead prepare for an uncertain future. Hope things turn around soon!
Gina - I remember you from Pilgrim Camp many years ago...didn't realize you had gotten saved! That is awesome!!!

Janella Thompson

my mom told me about you husband losing his job...I am so sorry to hear that. I am praying for you and your family. I can only imagine the stress that it can cause. It is in these times I am so glad we have a Heavenly Father to lean on and trust. (what do sinner do and how do they handle it???) I am learning myself to lean on the words to my aunt and uncle song "I can trust Jesus, He'll take care of me!"
I hope a job comes soon for Jonathan and you will come out of this stronger than ever.

Anonymous

Jonathan and Karen, I got this bad news from Yishan. I am so sorry to hear this. I wish I could help somehow! I keep my fingers cross for you and hope you will find job soon. There are much worse thing than losing a job, you know... Think of you all! Dana

Janiece

Been there and done that -- almost 2 months ago, ugh! It sure isn't fun getting "the call". Hope Jonathan finds something quick, Jerry is still looking. You're in our thoughts and prayers!

Lisa

So Sorry Karen. That must be hard for a man...I appreciated hearing about his awesome positive attitude. You sound like a lady that will be praying hard for your husband...men need wives like that! Bless your all's hearts...