Generosity at Work: Meet Paula

Paula graduated from WorkFaith’s Workforce Development Training in August of 2018. Originally from Alaska and a proud graduate of Texas A&M University, Paula has over 20 years of experience in the oil and gas industry.

But in November 2016, the environmental consulting firm Paula worked for laid her off due to a lack of funding. Unfortunately, this was the second layoff Paula experiences in 2 years. This led to her questioning her worth and feeling devalued. The layoffs came at the same time her daughter was entering her senior year of high school. 

Once her daughter graduated, Paula moved to central Texas to live with her extended family. She had sold her home in Alaska and describes the situation as feeling as though she was homeless. She would endlessly apply for jobs, and although she had several first interviews, she could never secure a second. 

Feeling lost and unsure of what to do, Paula applied for a position in England. An offer came, but the position required money. Over time, it became apparent that this “opportunity” was a scam. Paula came to find out that the scam had resulted in the loss of all her finances for her daughter’s college and her own living expenses.

In her desperation, she sent a note to her friend, Keith Henson, and he shared about WorkFaith. She went to WorkFaith the very next day for her orientation and enrollment into the Workforce Development Training. 

Paula quickly jumped into a class that week. Upon graduating, she set an ambitious goal of finding a job within 45 days. As she entered into her new job search, she felt better equipped to get further into interview processes. She also saw that every disappointment was an opportunity to learn what she could do better for the next interview.

Right before Thanksgiving, Paula applied for a position that she was particularly excited about and received an interview! Due to the Holiday, there was a natural delay in the interview process. She kept waiting for a phone call but did not receive one. She looked online, only to find that the position had been filled. Discouraged and at the end of her rope, she cried out to God in total desperation. 

She went back to WorkFaith where everyone prayed for her. She shared her desperation with them, and they encouraged her to consider biblical counseling. In her own words, in this moment WorkFaith became her family. Paula had the courage to seek help and receive the guidance of brothers and sisters in Christ. Paula shared, “I have a family, and it’s called WorkFaith.”

It just so happens that Paula was offered the position she saw had been filled, only it was filled by her! She received the offer the very next day!


“It’s not just that WorkFaith was able to help me get a job, and I have the great opportunity to work for a great company. WorkFaith helped me remember God loves me, and it also allowed me to be able to heal when I needed it most.” – Paula