Linnea BergJay FastThe jobs I've most enjoyed have involved working with people and contributing to needs in our world. I believe each person has physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, and as a pastor I love mobilizing people to make a difference.
I first became interested in helping widows and orphans when I began connecting with orphanages in Mexico and saw the vast needs for help among children in our world. In 2014, I went to Nairobi, Kenya to serve at Morning Star Orphanage, and while there I saw again the needs that exist as a result of poverty, sickness, and other conditions plaguing many in our world. As a father of three daughters I often imagine what it would be like for my children to grow up under similar circumstances, and I'm compelled to make a difference. When I'm not taking part in ministry, I enjoy outdoor activities with my wife and daughters, hanging out at the beach, and running. I love watching sports and particularly enjoy watching college basketball. I am profoundly thankful for the blessings of growing up in an environment of love and support, with friends and family, and for the opportunities I've had to follow the dreams I believe God has placed on my heart. Dave NicholsThe jobs I've most enjoyed have involved helping people. The 20 years I spent as a local church pastor gave me endless occasions for this, but I also had many opportunities during the 12 years I worked at Northern Baptist Seminary. As the chief development officer, I helped people maximize the impact of the gifts they made; as the chief business officer, I helped students, staff and faculty during challenging times. For the past four years I have helped churches as a consultant in stewardship and discipleship.
I became interested in helping widows and orphans when I became aware of both the great need that exists and the great opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives. I am particularly excited about opening doors by giving people "a hand-up rather than a hand-out." When I'm not involved in ministry, I enjoy playing golf, reading all kinds of books, and watching goofy television shows like American Ninja Warrior, Chopped, and West End Salvage. I am profoundly thankful for the blessings of life and the grace of God. I have a wonderful family, great friends and a good life - none of which is deserved. |
Ken CarlsonThe jobs I've most enjoyed involved working with kids as a teacher, counselor and coach. Our entire family spent a few summers at camps doing a variety of jobs, mostly centering on food. God has been and is good.
I became interested in helping widows and children following my first trip to Kenya to spend a few weeks working at an orphanage north of Nairobi. It truly was a life changing experience. Having been back to Kenya in a number of different settings I have seen how famillies have been affected by poverty and how the AIDS has destroyed so many families. My last trip enabled me to witness Morning Star in action. You can see from the staff and children that Christ's love is present. When I am not taking part in ministry at our church, I am still taking part in ministry where I live. Involvement in the condo association where we live can be a real challenge to my faith. Reading and watching sports (what else at my age) take up a good part of my time in addition to traveling, mainly to see family. I am profoundly thankful for so much. While there have been moments when my faith was not what it could be, so often it has been in my looking back that I see how the Lord provided in so many ways. Bob MillerI have most enjoyed on a mission trip a day that includes: laboring and seeing a job well done, fellowshipping with the team, working alongside and getting to know the locals and, of course most of all, spending one-on-one time with the children.
I became interested in helping widows and orphans when first retiring. My first mission trip in 2002 was working in the orphanage that Reah’s parents ran. I knew I was where God wanted me and most every year since has included ministering in some way to widows and orphans. When I'm not taking part in ministry, I enjoy golf, traveling for fun, and spending time with family and friends. I am profoundly thankful for God’s leading me in these retirement years in ways that I had no idea he would lead. My early years of teaching had me working summers where I learned construction skills that I didn’t realize at the time would be put to God’s use. I am thankful that I can continue to used by God and share his love to a world in need. |