City Life Ministries - Men's Programme

Recognizing that the men are the gatekeepers and true providers for the community, CLM has developed programmes and opportunities that highlight their roles and giftings.

I-61 Men’s Programme

With the strategy of the ministry being pulled from Isaiah 61, it was decided to build an I-61 Men’s Leadership Team.  The original group consisted of 8 young men between the ages of 19 and 25.  They were taken through a project management and leadership development course and were then given the opportunity to utilize these skills in various projects which focused on structural development and improvement of homes and shops within their community.  These projects have given rise to a more long-term programme called ISAP (I-61 Special Assistance Projects).

Isaiah 61 speaks about the empowerment of the ‘Pillar’s in the community that will in turn be the vehicles of change.  (V. 4) And they shall rebuild the old ruins, They shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the ruined cities, The desolations of many generations.

The I-61 message and philosophy lays the foundation for all the programmes, projects, and activities that are carried out by City Life Ministries.

ISAP (I-61 Special Assistance Projects)
 
ISAP was birthed out of the Project Management and Leadership Development Programme for young men.  In this ongoing programme the group of young men is poised at any time to play their rightful roles in the community. 

The ISAPs were set up to give attention to the smaller needs of the people.  It was noted that there was a danger in focusing only on building the bigger programmes which may lead to overlooking the ‘little man’ needing a ‘smalls’ or a ‘hand’.

ISAPs are mostly structural assistance projects (eg. fixing roofs and bathrooms) but also include other small ventures such as the filling of medical prescriptions, clothing, diapers,  food/groceries, and other emergency relief needs.

Men’s Football (Soccer) Programme

With the sport of Football being most popular game in Jamaica, it was not difficult to pull together 17 men and to seek to shape them into being the up-front and most visible face of the community.

The sporting aspect of the programme is couched within an overall leadership development and life-skills context. 

Leadership Development seminars and lessons are carried out as a part of their weekly (Saturday) practices and also (when planned) a Wednesday evening Men’s Meeting.

Football matches are set up to challenge the men but also to build relationships with other groups.

Matches are set up with teams outside as well as within the community.  This breaks down relationship walls and highlights the ‘Life’ of the inner-city community.

Men-At-Work

In order for the men to play their role in a consistent way, they need jobs.  CLM seeks to assist in this challenge by developing the Men-At-Work Programme.
This programme prepares, places, and supports men during the important transition into a life of productivity.

They will be required to attend two weeks of seminars which will prepare them for the working world.

They will be placed in jobs and relationships with the employers and supervisors will be built and follow-up carried out.