Caretakers Tribe

Temple Maintenance Collegia

Temple was the name given to the complex of buildings in Jerusalem that were the center of the sacrificial place of worship for the Hebrews, especially the Temple of Solomon built in Jerusalem for national worship of Yahweh. The other Hebrew expression for temple is hekal, “palace, great house” deriving from the Sumerian word for “great house.” By the time of Christ, the importance of the temple was somewhat lessened.

Collegia are first mentioned in Acts 19 as a base of organized opposition to the Christian church.  They were also known as trade guilds.  These societies were not trade unions in the modern sense.  Their functions were primarily social, and they got in the way of the Christians more than a few times.  (1 Cor; 2 Peter; Jude; Rev 2-3).  We decided to give the Collegia another chance, and so the Temple Maintenance Collegia is the headquarters of the Caretakers Tribe.

Temple Maintenance Collegia houses the Caretaker Tribe Minister, Scribe, Templekeeper, and Clerks.  A Dispatcher assigns tasks based on priority to all the Taverns and Shops and coordinates the many different maintenance crews for the greatest possible efficiency.  The Collegia inspects for, and receives all requests for work, triages, and then schedules and dispatches the appropriate Shop, Tavern, or other crew to take care of the need.  

The Collegia houses key personnel required for the efficient operation of our facilities.  A Locksmith controls all locks and keys and works with the ID Badge System allowing staff and Sojourners to move safely around the facility. The HVAC Specialist maintains and repairs all the HVAC equipment as well as specialty equipment, such as any of the Hospitality Tribe refrigeration equipment.  The drafting area (practical and teaching) is in the Collegia, with a Head Draftsman. The Building Engineer equipped with floor plans and a working knowledge of the physical plant is here as well.

A Preventative Maintenance Officer keeps track of what is needed for all the building equipment to run well and keeps the Dispatcher informed of where to send people from the various crews to maintain that equipment.  The Safety Compliance Officer makes sure that everything in the physical plant as well as all equipment is being used properly and in compliance with all local codes and ordinances.

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Onesimus Stewards (Oh nehs' ih muhs) are supervised through the Collegia.  The name most probably is a nickname used for slave.   Paul plays on the word in Philemon 11 and 20. Onesimus had robbed his master, escaped, and was brought to Paul in his captivity.  After meeting Paul, he accepted Christ, and Paul wrote his letter to Philemon which demonstrates so vividly the social solvent that Christianity had brought into the world.   Paul pled with Philemon to free the servant because Onesimus had been so helpful to the apostle. In sending him back to Philemon, Paul urged the owner to treat the slave as a Christian brother.  

Stewardship means to utilize and manage all resources God provides for the glory of God and the betterment of His creation.  A Steward (Hebrew śar, “head” person; Greek epitropos, “manager”; oikonomos, “overseer”) was to care for another’s household. We read of Joseph’s steward (Gen 43:19; 44:1, 4) and of Herod’s steward (Lk 8:3; “manager,” NIV). As great confidence was reposed in these officials, Paul describes Christian ministers as the stewards of God over His church (1 Cor 4:1-2; “those given a trust,” NIV. Believers are also said to be stewards of God’s gifts and graces (1 Peter 4:10).  The people who handle the unending housekeeping, janitorial and custodial services at our facilities honor the concept that no matter what the work, or one’s “position in life,” when done to the glory of God, it pleases Him.  

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Headed by the Sexton of the Stewards (a Sexton was a church, congregation or synagogue officer charged with the maintenance of its buildings and/or the surrounding graveyard), the Sexton is responsible for developing and implementing cleaning schedules and hiring the various crews.  

Onesimus Stewards take care of such tasks as cleaning and sanitizing the public restrooms; cleaning and sanitizing the Sojourner and Servery areas; dusting, general cleaning, and maintaining of all the common areas; and polishing all our metal surfaces.  They maintain supply rooms, mix all cleaning solutions, service vacuum cleaners and sweepers, and supervise the housecleaning of all residential common areas, maintaining supplies of cleaning products, and coordinating the check-out system that allows Sojourners to use things such as irons, ironing boards, toilet plungers, and other general household items.  The Glass Crew repairs, replaces, and cleans all glass/windows at the facility, while the Floor Crew mop, vacuum, sweep, and maintain all the tiled and carpeted areas throughout our facilities.  

The ComeUNITY Laundry is staffed by Fullers under the supervision of a Governor, (The fuller may best be described as an ancient laundryman. He worked with soiled clothing and with the material from the loom ready for weaving. His service entailed the cleaning of any fabric.) The fullers are responsible for laundering blankets, bedspreads, heavy jackets, some special work uniforms, contaminated laundry, staff laundry, and take care of any other laundry services as needed.  (Sojourners are responsible for their personal laundry needs.)  Fullers regularly check and stock residential laundry rooms throughout our facilities and assist the Costume Department in caring for its collection of costumes.  

Maestro Sastre The word Maestro is a title of extreme respect given to a master musician. By extension, it is used in English to designate a master in an artistic field, usually someone with strong knowledge who instructs others in the field, though the term may sometimes be conferred through sheer respect for an artist's works. In Spanish, the word “Sastre” is used for a tailor - a person who makes, repairs, or alters clothing professionally. Our head tailor is our “master sewer,” overseeing any clothing alteration needs for the staff, Sojourners, and all the other Tribes through the ComeUNITY Laundry.  

At the core of the Caretakers Tribe are the Shops and Taverns that handle the brunt of the maintenance work for us.

Shops are where manual or industrial work is done; it is another name for workshop. We have three shops, overseen by the Shopkeeper (an individual who owns or runs a shop) for Temple Maintenance Collegia.

Huram the Artificer’s Shop (Hew' ram) is a name probably shortened from Ahuram meaning, “exalted brother.”  Hiram, the king of Tyre (2 Chron 2), sent Huram the artificer to help with the metal work on the temple Solomon was building (2 Chron 2:13-14; 4:11-16).  Metal workers were known as “Artificers” (2 Kings 24:14, 16; Jer 24:1; Acts 19:24).  Thus, the Shop responsible for all metal fabricating and other metal work is named for Huram and the work he did and handles all vinyl and metallurgy – piping, sheet metal, siding repair, maintenance, replacement, and/or construction.  It is headed by a Master Mechanic who is assisted by Journeymen Mechanics.  These Mechanics work with and train Apprentice Machinists.  Huram the Artificer’s Shop also does all the welding that is needed under the supervision of the Chief Welder, assisted by Welders who work with Apprentice Welders.

 

Joseph the Carpenter’s Shop (Joh' sihf) In the NT, several Josephs are mentioned.  The most known being the stepfather of Jesus, who was the husband of Mary, the mother of Jesus (Mt 1:16; Lk 3:23) and is regarded as the legal or foster father of Jesus (Mt 1:16, 20; 13:55; Lk 2:4; 3:23; 4:22; John 1:45; 6:42).  A carpenter living in Nazareth (Mt 13:55; Lk 2:4), known as Joseph, was a descendant of David (Mt 1:20; Lk 2:4).  Joseph undoubtedly taught Jesus the carpenter trade (Mk 6:3).  A Carpenter was a worker in wood, a builder.  The work of carpenters is often mentioned in the Bible (Gen 6:14; Ex 37; Isa 44:13).  Carpentry as a trade was lifted to a high position of honor by Jesus (Mark 6:3).  Among early craftsmen, the carpenter (2 Sam 5:11) had special meaning as the occupation of Jesus. Most of the biblical references to carpenters, however, are to foreign workers. The chief work of the carpenter was making roofs, doors, window-shutters, lattice-squares, and divan frames for the houses; plows; and yokes.  Hence, Jesus knew yokes, as well as the various aspects of farm life, and could say, “My yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Mt 11:30). How appropriate for the woodworking shop to bear the name of Joseph the carpenter. Joseph the Carpenter’s Shop handles all the woodwork, carpentry, drywall, and other wood projects for our facilities.  Under the direction of the Master Carpenter who is assisted by Journeyman Carpenters, they maintain, replace, and repair, as well as handle any new construction projects that are undertaken.  The Carpenters work with and train Apprentice Carpenters.  An Expeditor works with the Master Carpenter, making sure that any of the larger projects run smoothly.  Joseph’s also constructs all the theatrical sets and props that are used by Grace Place Theatrical Productions in their various productions.

Rainbow Shop a rainbow is caused by the reflection and refraction of sunlight by droplets of rain. A rainbow often appears after the passing of thunderstorms, marking its end. The bow is colored by the division of sunlight into its primary colors. The rainbow stands eternally as a sign of God’s promise. The rainbow and its beauty became a symbol of the majesty and beauty of God. While having a vision, Ezekiel compared the brightness of the glory of God with the colors of the rainbow (Ezek 1:28). Habakkuk also used the bow to describe the scene of God’s final deliverance of His people (Hab 3:9). Revelation records John’s vision of the throne of Christ as surrounded by the rainbow, “in sight like unto an emerald.” (Rev 4:3). Later, Revelation 10:1 pictures a descending angel with the rainbow shining upon his head and having a face as the sun. No matter the colors, our Rainbow Shop handles all our painting needs; painting and staining a variety of surfaces, touching up, and re-painting as needed.  It is managed by the Chief Painter who is assisted by a crew of Painters, handling even the specialty paint affects that we use, stenciling, faux, dioramas, etc.  The Rainbow Shop also supervises all the painting for all the theatrical sets and props used by Grace Place Theatrical Productions.

Taverns in the Bible Three Taverns was a place on the great “Appian Way,” designed for the reception of travelers.  The general store, the blacksmiths, and the refreshment-house … Tres Tabernae is translated as Three Taverns, but it more correctly means “three shops”.  Paul was met here on his way to Rome by a band of Roman Christians (Acts 28:15).  Therefore, in the book of Acts, a tavern was any kind of shop.  Our three taverns provide us with some of the things we need to function on a daily basis and are overseen by the Tavern Keeper (a keeper of a public house; to maintain as in to watch over, to take care of:  tend)

Torch of Lightening Tavern a “torch” or “lamp” was an instrument used for artificial lighting.  KJV often has “candle” and “candlestick” and the NEB has “standing lamp”.  Their use is mentioned in connection with the golden lamps in the tabernacle and the temple (Ex 25:37; 1 Kings 7:49; 2 Chron 4:20; 13:11; Zech 4:2).  The lamps used by Gideon’s soldiers in Judges 7:16 were doubtless torches.  Lightening is a flash of light resulting from a discharge of static electricity in the atmosphere between rain clouds.  When it occurs between a rain cloud and the earth a thunderclap is also produced. In the OT, lightning is always associated with God. God is the Maker of lightning and thunder (Job 28:26; Jer 10:13) which reveal God’s power and majesty (Ps 77:18; 97:4) and symbolizing his command of the forces of nature (Job 38:35; Ps 135:7; Zech 10:1). We want everyone to see the light, both physically and spiritually so our Torch of Lightening Tavern handles all of our electrical needs and is headed by the Master Electrician who is assisted by Journeymen Electricians.  Together they work with and teach Apprentice Electricians.  Torch of Lightening Tavern deals with anything requiring electrical service, cable, from construction projects to repair, maintenance, or replacement.  In addition to servicing all our appliances, this tavern maintains supplies of all our lighting needs and parts, as well as running a comprehensive preventative maintenance program.  The Torch of Lightening Tavern also manages the Appliance Booth which sells, services, and repairs a wide variety of small, personal electrical appliances for all our Sojourners, staff, and the public.  

    
Harumaph’s Stone Tavern (Huh rew' maf) is a name that means, “split nose.”  He is the father of the worker who helped Nehemiah rebuild the wall of Jerusalem (Neh 3:10). So, the Tavern which bears his name handles all masonry work for our facilities. It is headed by the Master Mason, assisted by Journeymen Masons, who work with and teach Apprentice Masons as they do the work of Harumaph’s at our facilities.  Anytime you find poured, formed, or block concrete, stone or brick, Harumaph’s is responsible.  From new construction to repair, maintenance, or replacement, these are the people handling all the beautiful stonework at our facilities.

Jonah’s Water Tavern (Joh' nuh) means, “dove” and is the name of a Bible book. He is the author of the book of Jonah in the Bible, the spirit and teaching of which rank with the highest of the OT prophetical books.  Most folks have heard the story of the prophet being thrown off a ship into the ocean where he was swallowed by a whale for three days in order that God might get his attention and persuade him to do what God wanted of him.  The Bible speaks of water in three different ways: as a material resource, as a symbol, and as a metaphor.  Because of the watery story, it seems best to have the Tavern that handles all of the plumbing needs bear the name of Jonah. The tavern is responsible for anything having to do with the construction, repair, maintenance or replacement of plumbing lines or fixtures throughout our facilities.  Headed by the Master Plumber, assisted by Journeymen Plumbers, together, they work with and train Apprentice Plumbers to do the work that they do.

Additional maintenance related operations that come under the Caretakers Tribe’s area of responsibilities include:

Anemos Pneo In Greek, “anemos” always means “wind” and “pneo” is a verb indicating “to blow” (Acts 27:40).  Therefore, the wind farm supplying energy from God’s breath (winds) is known as Anemos Pneo (Wind to Blow). Our Anemos Pneo has the goal of being a front-runner in developing and using wind and solar power throughout our facilities.  Anemos Pneu is on the leading edge in developing ways to supply electricity to our facilities and to the community, as well as training Sojourners and others to continue the work in the community.  Anemos Pneo is led by a Governor and is operated by Wind Tamers.

 

Beth Marcaboth (Behth-mahr' kuh bahth) is a name meaning, “house of chariots.” Beth is the most common OT word for house.  It is used often with other words to form proper names, the most common of which are Bethel and Bethlehem. Marcaboth was a city allotted to the tribe of Simeon (Josh 19:5). It was possibly one of the cities that Solomon built for his chariots (1 Kings 9:19). Beth Marcaboth oversees all our vehicles, for both indoor or outdoor use and all public parking areas. Every vehicle that we own is serviced, maintained, and routed for use by the Master Mechanic and a staff of Journeyman Mechanics.  We refer to all our vehicles as Chariots.  Chariots were two-wheeled land vehicles, made of wood and strips of leather, and usually drawn by horses. In addition to their use on the battlefield, they were also used for hunting, for transportation of dignitaries, and in state and religious ceremonies.  In the OT Egyptian chariots were the first to be mentioned in the Bible (Gen 41:43; 46:29; 50:9). Chariots became an important part of Solomon’s army and his commercial affairs (1 Kings 4:26; 9:15-18; 10:28-29). According to Assyrian records, Ahab brought 2,000 chariots into the battle of Qarqar in 853 B.C. Chariot Drivers are anyone who is licensed to operate any of our vehicles at the facilities.

 

For ease in helping the public in finding their vehicles, all parking areas at our facilities are named. Behemoth Parking Lot for buses and large vehicles. Camel Parking Lot for the public, particularly handicapped and theater patrons. Cart & Wagon Parking, for the general public. Chariot Parking Structure, multiple-story parking structures for the general public. Golf Parking is located at the top of the Chariot Parking Structure for those visiting our Trials and Tribulations Miniature Golf Course which is on the top floor of the structure. Levite Parking Lot for those visiting the Levite Institute. Pasture Parking Lot for staff. Wise Men’s Parking Lot, for the general public, particularly those visiting Gennesaret Health Care Center. All the parking, access drives, loading docks, and gates at all facilities are supervised by Gideon’s Army.  

Chariot Wash & Wax is a multiple-lane facility for washing our chariots and where the public can get their vehicles cleaned.

Beth Pazzez (Behth-paz' zehz) means, “house of scattering.”  A town in the territory of Issachar, (Josh 19:21) is our central supply warehouse which buys many of the supplies that our Tribes need to function and operate at our facilities.  Supplies are purchased at a bulk price and then distributed as needed, saving the facilities a great deal of money. The only Biblical reference to a warehouse is in Luke 12:24.

Dung Hill (usually rendered as “offal,” “refuse,” or “rubbish”).  The “Dung Gate” was a Jerusalem landmark in the time of Nehemiah (Neh 2:13; 3:13-14; 12:31). Located at the southwest corner of the wall, the gate was used for the disposal of garbage which was dumped into the Hinnom Valley below. Referred to as the Refuse Gate by KJV, NASB and Rubbish Gate by TEV.  We’ve decided that the valley has by now become a hill, thus the place for our recycling efforts as well as our worm farm is Dung Hill. It is our recycling center, operating and maintaining a facility-wide program designed to eliminate costly waste.  Under the direction of a Governor, all waste is carefully sorted by the Recyclers so that our aluminum, metals, glass, paper, and plastics are able to be re-used by our facilities or sold or given to appropriate companies for recycling.  A compost heap and our Worm Farm (a vermiculture program) are operated at Dung Hill in conjunction with the Farming Tribe, further eliminating the need to pay for rubbish collection.

New Creations Factory (2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”).  New creation is found in the New Testament, related to the new life and new man through rebirth in Christ Jesus. Other references to the concept include the language of Ephesians 2:10, "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."     

A factory or manufacturing plant is an industrial site, consisting of buildings and machinery, or more commonly a complex having several buildings, where workers manufacture goods or operate machines processing one product into another.  

Our New Creations Factory is more than 40,000+ square feet of space dedicated to the design and development of items typically considered to be junk, garbage, or obsolete and repurposing them into something that can once again be useful.  The creative mind of the Repurposing Production Manager and the Repurposing Team is constantly thinking outside of the box as they work to convert all kinds of metal, plastic, glass, wood, and other kinds of unwanted or unused scrap into marketable products useful in any number of applications in both the public and private sector markets, including at all our facilities.  The Manager will work with the entire Caretakers Tribe to develop ways to deliver innovative products that customers will be able to use, while teaching and supervising the Repurposing Team to produce those products.

 
It is the additional responsibility of the Caretakers Tribe to supervise and maintain an in-facility security system and force known as Gideon’s Army (Gihd ih uhn means, “one who cuts to pieces.”) Gideon was given the task of delivering the Israelites from the Midianites and Amalekites, desert nomads who repeatedly raided the country. An army was a nation’s military personnel organized for battle. Thus, in Egypt, Israel could be referred to as having “armies” even when they did not have a political organization (Ex 6:26; 7:4; 12:17). Goliath learned that to defy God’s people was to defy the “armies of the living God” (1 Sam 17:26, 36), for God was the “God of the armies of Israel” (1 Sam 17:45).    

The Gideon's Army develops and provides guidelines and supervision for the inspection of all in-coming materials to prevent any contraband or other inappropriate items/materials from coming into each facility.  Gideon’s Army monitors to be sure that all our facilities follow all state and federal laws, as well as our rules and procedures regarding security and the safety of all who are at every facility.

Gideon’s Army is tasked with providing safety and well-being to all who come to our facilities. All security needs from electronic surveillance monitoring to physical patrols are provided by Gideon’s Army under the lead of the Captain and the First Lieutenant who oversee the facility-wide closed circuit transmission system operated through the Great Commission Communication Center (GCCC). 

By the very nature of what we do, careful security needs to be maintained - for the peace of mind of the surrounding community as well as for all of those at each of our facilities. The liaison between the prisons and jails we deal with will be handled by the Gideon's Army. Background checks will also be done on all staff and interns.  Of key importance is that our security presence be known, not as an intimidating factor; but that the image of an “intimidating factor” be replaced with a show of purpose to protect all those who come to our facility.     

The Army Dispatcher receives emergency messages and organizes the movement of Watchmen and Guards with or without vehicles, to respond to destinations within the facility where help is needed.

Watchmen (One who stands guard).  Ancient cities had watchmen stationed on the walls whose responsibility was to patrol the streets and sound a warning if an enemy approached (2 Kings 9:17; Ezek 33:2-3).  Our Watchmen patrol on foot and in a variety of vehicles (Chariots).  

Guards (an individual or body of troops assigned to protect a person or thing). Two of the terms for guards are derived from the root shamar (to hedge about, guard, protect). Three Greek nouns are translated as guard. Hyperetes is used for those guarding the high priest’s quarters (Mt 26:58; Mk 14:54). Koustodia (Mt 27:66; 28:11) is a Latin loan word, suggesting that this guard was indeed a Roman guard. Philake is used for stations of guards in Acts 12:10. It is the last usage that most closely resembles what our guards do, as they are assigned to supervise specific locations.

Jashobeam’s Guys (Juh shoh' bih am is a name that means, “the uncle (or ‘the people’) will return.”  A warrior of Saul’s tribe of Benjamin who supported David at Ziklag as he fled from Saul (1 Chron 12:6). Jashobeam is listed first among the “chief of the mighty men whom David had” (1 Chron 11:11). He commanded David’s first course or division (1 Chron 27:2).  Jashobeam is also the son of Zabdiel, a descendant of Perez who belonged to the tribe of Judah. The Captain of Gideon’s Army is responsible for recruiting, training, and always having ready this emergency response unit. Jashobean’s Guys are highly trained to respond and quickly put an end to any security breaches, or situation that threatens the safety and well-being of our Sojourners, staff, and/or visitors while at any of our facilities. You don’t want to meet them.

As in the New Testament “watches” are broken down into three-hour shifts:

           Night Watch:  
                  1st Watch, 3-9 PM
                  2nd Watch, 9-12 PM
                  3rd Watch, 12-3 AM
                  4th Watch, 3-6 AM
           Day Watch:  
                  3rd Hour, 6-9 AM
                  9th Hour, Noon-3 PM
                  12th Hour, 3-6 PM

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Outposts (a detachment of troops stationed at a distance from the main force or formation, usually at a station) are located 

at strategic locations throughout our facilities for use by the Gideon's Army and its personnel.

Antonia Parlor the Tower of Antonia is the name of a fortress near the temple in Jerusalem built around A.D. 6 that was named for King Herod’s friend, Mark Anthony. It served as a palace residence for Herod, barracks for the Roman troops, a safe deposit for the robe of the high priest, and a central courtyard for public speaking. Our Antonio Parlor is the intake and reception area for all incoming Sojourners.  The Antonia Parlor provides the first step of the arrival process. All Sojourners are checked in, given a security clearance ID card, and agree to the rules while in our programs and facility.  Working with the Sojourner’s Tribe, each Sojourner is then assigned to a program and living area.   

The Armory (Used for three Hebrew words, one of which nesheq is rendered “treasury” or “store house,” a place where Armor was deposited when not being used (Neh 3:19; Jer 50:25), houses equipment and supplies needed to maintain a safe and secure facility, as well as holding any Sojourner’s personal property not allowed to be kept with them while staying with us.  

Dungeon like the Roman inner prison (Acts 16:24), it consisted of a deep cell or cistern (Jer 38:6). To be shut up in, a punishment common in Egypt (Gen 39:20; 40:3; 41:10; 42:19).  In the OT, Mosaic law allowed for a place of custody until the case was decided (Lev 24:12; Num 15:34), but beginning only in the Persian period does the Bible mention incarceration as a penalty for breaking the religious law (Ezra 7:26).  In NT times, persons could be imprisoned for nonpayment of debt (Mt 5:25-26; Lk 12:58-59), political insurrection and criminal acts (Lk 23:19, 25), as well as for certain religious practices (Lk 21:12; Acts 8:3).

While we certainly don’t run a prison, we do have a time-out area for residents who aren’t following the rules or who can’t get along with others.  This is a segregated disciplinary area for those who just can’t accept the hospitality and cannot follow the rules at the facility and may be awaiting return to their home area.   Additionally, Wards where people are kept under guard in Acts 12:10 and primarily denotes “a watching” or “to watch” as in Acts 4:3; 5:18; Gal 3:23. at our facilities, are the individual rooms where those who have had to be taken to the Dungeon are confined.  We want to clearly distinguish between any kind of cell and emphasize that these are individuals who have acted out and need to be watched and observed for a period of time while they cool down.  Larger Wards are within the Dungeon area should the need arise to hold a larger group. The Cistern (a waterproof receptacle for holding liquids) handles the food needs of those who are in this area.