Our Story
How it all began.
The Carpenter Shed, surrounded by 20 wooded acres on Cheniere Lake near West Monroe, Louisiana, was founded in 2016 by Josh Hudnall, Recovery Pastor of the White’s Ferry Road Church. The name was inspired by his father-in-law, carpenter Mac Owen, a former addict who turned his life around and went on to help countless others overcome their addictions. Mac is now the Celebrate Recovery National Director and his wife, Mary, is the Celebrate Recovery National Training Coach.
Before becoming a minister, Josh learned the trade of carpentry from Mac (who was also an Elder at White’s Ferry Road Church). But more than carpentry, Josh saw firsthand how Mac was helping other men with addiction problems turn their lives around. Josh eventually took over the cabinet shop, followed his passion to serve God, and continued Mac’s work with young men seeking intentional, purposeful lives.
The Carpenter Shed is led by Josh Hudnall, Andrew Dodson and Kyle Smith, all fathers of boys, both biological and adopted, who know from personal experience what it is to be lost and found. All have different stories and areas of expertise. What they share is a desire–a calling–to create a safe place for young men to find their purpose and way ahead.
Together, they’ve turned first one and now two homes on Cheniere Lake into a place where young men who’ve given up on themselves come to believe, deep in their hearts, that they have worth both to themselves and to the world.
The Carpenter Shed gives young men the tools to create purpose, meaning, and direction for life transformation.
Most of these boys have lost their way and don’t even know where to begin. The Carpenter Shed is where transformation starts. Our ultimate goal is to transform them into responsible and purpose-driven men.
Ready to get started?
Give us a call today for more information about The Carpenter Shed.