Observations at the End of Year Three |
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June 1, 2023 will mark my 3rd anniversary as President of Reach Out Youth Solutions. When I think about June of 2020, it still seems so surreal to me. We were only three months into the pandemic. Masks were a requirement, Zoom was starting to be discovered by the masses, and most churches were still only meeting online. And, in the midst of all the ever-changing circumstances in our world at that time, I was also learning how to navigate through my newfound role as the President of a non-profit with a rich history and world-wide footprint. For what it’s worth, here are five things I’ve observed or been reminded of while traveling on this journey…
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1 – The TEAM who accompanies you during big changes makes all the
difference.
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I am thankful to God for the blessing of unwavering support from my family “team.” Holly and I have been married 27 years. She continues to be my greatest cheerleader, prayer warrior, and confidante. Last summer, two of our five kids (Shaelee and Rylee) joined me on our inaugural trip into India to begin Jesus-Focused Youth Ministry training there. What a blessing to share life and ministry and a vision for the world together!
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We also have an unbelievable team in our global office at Reach Out!
Deedee and Sareka helped us navigate through the creation of a new website, CRM, and the complete relocation of our office from Atlanta to DFW with excellence. They have continually proven to be the administrative backbone of this ministry throughout the turbulent waters of COVID and the unique organizational challenges of succession. Gordon and Ellis provide us with bookkeeping proficiency that is unparalleled for any non-profit (or for-profit!). There is no doubt the Gordon and Ellis standard plays a HUGE part in our ECFA seal of approval each year! Siobhan continues to lead us through the dynamic social media landscape in ways I am uber-grateful…especially considering my own personal social media inadequacies! And Ed has brought our team an expertise in fundraising that was critically needed.
Not surprisingly, God knew exactly what we needed…when we needed it. And, what makes this team even better? They all love Jesus, work really well together, and are sold on our mission of equipping and multiplying global leaders who will influence the younger generation to follow Jesus. We have an unbelievable team! Did I already say that? In 3 John, the Apostle John encourages believers to “work together for the truth.” I am thankful to be a part of a team that truly enjoys exemplifying this at every turn.
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2 - America IS a country in the world. |
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I know…at this point you might be a bit concerned about me! Let me explain. Reach Out was started in the US in the 70’s. But in the mid-90s the focus of Reach Out began to shift. God began opening doors for us in a variety of countries, and by 2020 we had become a truly expansive international organization spanning over 30 countries, with the majority of our focus outside of the US. |
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Over the last couple of years, God started stirring in our hearts the need to make certain that resourcing and coaching local churches in the US was also in our sites. (You’ll read more about how this is happening in next month’s Connection Point!). Here are a few stats that have broken our hearts over the last several months, but we know that God is still on the throne, and still has a plan…
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3 – If anyone tells you presidential succession within a non-profit is
easy, they are lying.
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Why is it difficult? How much time do you have? Seriously…here are three reasons right off the top of my head: (1) There are a variety of internal and external factors that impact passing the baton successfully, even in a perfect world where the person succeeding has initiated their own succession and they believe in the person to whom they are handing the baton. (Fifteen years of relational capital certainly helps!) (2) Often, those who financially contribute to a non-profit do so because they are more tied to a person than an organization…and this DOES impact funding for a period of time. (3) The one receiving the baton is incapable of feeling the full “weight” of the baton until it has passed into their hand. The good news…NOTHING surprises God, and we KNOW that He equips us with ALL we need for doing His will (Hebrews 13:21).
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4 - “Wins” come in all shapes, sizes, and unexpected surprises! |
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What’s a missional “win”? Simply, I believe it is when God uses us to help people know Him and make Him known. Three examples: (1) In April, we saw over 500 people trained in Jesus-Focused Youth Ministry in Liberia…because two years ago I said yes to teaching ONE seminary class for a week in Monrovia. (2) While we aren’t necessarily classified as a “church-planting organization,” last year our leaders around the world planted 97 CHURCHES using Jesus-Focused Youth Ministry! (3) We continue to see God use our leaders in the salvation of others, as they meet basic needs in the midst of enormous trials and tribulations around our world…whether it is through a food crisis in Cuba, war in Ukraine, or flooding in Africa.
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5 – Being literally overwhelmed by the goodness of God is still a
regular occurrence.
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There are a variety of reasons I know this to be true, one of which is that I can rarely get through singing “Goodness of God” without tearing up. Whether it’s a story our Africa Continent Leader Charles Juma tells me about, a youth leader impacting their community in Kenya, or a new financial partner that gives to us when I KNOW they could have chosen a million different other things, people, or organizations to give their money to, or the reality that God chooses to use me to steward such a critical ministry at this time in our world…I am still overwhelmed…every day.
Thanks for reading my third anniversary ramblings. My prayer is that they impacted you…maybe to pray for America, maybe to thank your team, or maybe just to become a bit more sensitive to the goodness of God that surrounds you every day.
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If you would like to become a financial partner today, you can click here. |
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We invite you to pray for Reach Out in specific ways by scrolling down to our monthly prayer requests or you can print them below. |
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Randy Riggins, President
Reach Out Youth Solutions
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