After shopping for a few hours on a Saturday, I returned to my new office with an ottoman, five plastic picture frames (to be filled with my best work - a portfolio on the walls), a clock radio, a scented candle and some sundry supplies. I WAS BIG TIME NOW! I couldn't help but get excited about my new space. It felt so official.
That evening, I attended church, where our pastor encouraged us to pray for the persecuted Church worldwide. I instantly felt pangs of guilt. How can I possibly spend so frivolously on decor and candles, when people - REAL LIVE PEOPLE - are huddled, fearful, trying to live out their faith in the midst of persecution and terror?
"What do I do, God?" was my prayer. "How can I possibly reconcile my easy, privileged existence with the knowledge that there are others who suffer so much? Is it enough to be charitable? To just give cash?"
A weekend of mulling, praying, thinking, dreaming... all while painting my daughter Catie's room. Ideas began to gel.
That evening, I attended church, where our pastor encouraged us to pray for the persecuted Church worldwide. I instantly felt pangs of guilt. How can I possibly spend so frivolously on decor and candles, when people - REAL LIVE PEOPLE - are huddled, fearful, trying to live out their faith in the midst of persecution and terror?
"What do I do, God?" was my prayer. "How can I possibly reconcile my easy, privileged existence with the knowledge that there are others who suffer so much? Is it enough to be charitable? To just give cash?"
A weekend of mulling, praying, thinking, dreaming... all while painting my daughter Catie's room. Ideas began to gel.
- What if I could support a mission with my proceeds? I have great friends entering the mission field right now. Could that be an option?
- How can I get my employees to buy in? They don't know my friends. Should they choose their own charity? Would that open a can of worms?
- What if I could choose a mission that is so basic that it couldn't be controversial or off-putting to any clients... like CLEAN WATER? (Water? WELL COMMUNICATIONS?? Now my company name is more than just clever - it's MEANINGFUL!)
- What if my employees could earn a trip to the recipient village, so we can build relationships, truly benefit the communities, and inspire my employees to be more productive so their jobs are about much more than a paycheck or portfolio piece?