Teen prays five years for father’s redemption

At age 9, Abby Menchaca began to pray for transformation in her father’s life. Five years later, she saw her prayers answered when Oscar Menchaca proclaimed his freedom in Christ at the Christian Men’s Job Corps Kerr County graduation.

Abby Menchaca (right) prayed for her father for five years. Her prayers were answered through Christian Men’s Job Corps in Kerr County.He grew up in a home plagued by alcohol and drug abuse, and “Oscar was following his family’s behavior,” said his wife, Regina Menchaca. He began to “hang out with peers who would lead him into temptations,” she added. Although he never was violent, sometimes he made wrong decisions, she said.

About two years ago, she was almost ready to give up on their marriage. She did not feel peace in their relationship. “I listened to God, and he said, ‘Don’t give up,’” she said.

Many late nights, Abby walked into the living room where she saw her mother anxiously awaiting Menchaca’s return for the night, wondering if he was safe.

About a year ago, Abby prayed longer and harder than ever before. She recalled spending an hour on her knees one night asking God, “When are you going to bring him closer to you?” Menchaca owns a flooring business in Kerrville, and in January, a couple of jobs cancelled. Since he had nothing else lined up, he decided to apply for Christian Men’s Job Corps, a ministry of the Woman’s Missionary Union of Texas.

Training in a Christian atmosphere

The program, supported through gifts to the Mary Hill Davis Offering for Texas Missions, provides a Christian atmosphere where men are equipped for employment while rebuilding their personal and spiritual lives. Menchaca told his wife about a dream that prompted his decision. In the dream, armed men guarded a road leading to his mother.

“We can’t let you in if you aren’t a man of God,” the guards said.

“I’ll turn my life to Jesus,” Menchaca told them. They let him through to see his mother who was robed in white. She told her son he needed to get right with God.

With tears in his eyes, Menchaca told his wife the dream felt so real.

The job cancellations and the dream were just a part of God’s timing, she said. “When (God) is ready to handle business, he’ll take care of it.”

Noticed a change

After three weeks at Christian Men’s Job Corps, the family began to notice a change in Menchaca. He talked about the Bible more, Abby said. He knew more about it than she did.

“God is good,” she said. “He answered my prayers.” Abby always longed for a good relationship with her father. After five years of prayer, they are closer than ever. “She’s just loved him unconditionally, regardless of the mistakes he’s made in the past,” her mother said.

She praised the Christian Men’s Job Corps of Kerr County, saying, “To know there are people out there who care about you, want to help you in any way they can and feed you the word of God is just amazing.”

The Kerr County ministry has graduated 115 men since it opened in 2005, said Tom Jones, executive director. The program provides instruction in life skills, computer, work ethics and Bible study.

All-male classes

Menchaca particularly benefited from the all-male classes, his wife noted.

“Some men get shy around women when they need to open up their hearts,” she said. Menchaca graduated in May with a new personality, demeanor and outlook on life.

“I plan to walk with the Lord for the rest of my life,” he said. “I will be his servant and never forget what the Christian Men’s Job Corps has done for me.”