transformyourmission

Consequential Contributions

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 00:17:24 GMT

Quiet the naysayers and choose a life of significance

God knew what he was doing when he sent Sheila Veech to pursue a life of significance serving His mission in South America. If you'll trust Him, God can lead you to make a consequential contribution to the world.

I'm currently reading the autobiography of Sheila Veech, a retired global worker and now board member with Reach Beyond, where I serve as the new director of Church and US Partnerships. I am feeling honored to read her story as I prepare to meet with her soon to learn about https://www.transformyourmission.org/contactthe work of this legacy agency.

Sheila served as a missionary in Ecuador, South America for a significant season of her life. If you're sensing God's call to become an international work for the Christian faith, I'd encourage you to read Sheila's book and learn about her journey. I say to you, as I said this week to the graduating college student I've been mentoring , "Plan to serve at least two terms or more in another culture for Christ. Learn the language and culture and seek to encourage and grow new followers for Christ in that context. You may decide you never want to return to America to live."

At this point in my reading I'm learning about her work among the Tsachila people group . When she arrived there and joined the work of linguists, they had no real literature or books in their Tsafiki language . Through the work of the linguists, the New Testament Bible was translated into their heart language.

I was captivated by Sheila's explanation of what happened when the first ever book became available to the people:

The early eighties were a time of unprecedented growth in the Tsachila church. Once the New Testament got into the hands of the believers, it aroused huge interest among the other Tsachila. That was the first real book in Tsafiki and everyone wanted to read it. Many Tsachila had attended basic school at least but had learnt to read in Spanish. They could make out the words on a page, but the meaning of the words was not clear to them. It was amazing to hear them 'sounding out' the words in 'God New Carvings' and watch the smiles spread across their faces as they actually understood their meaning. 'God speakes to me in Tsafiki!' many would exclaim. Never before had a book spoken to them in their own language. This seemed to open their minds and hearts to the Spirit of God and as a result many dedicated their lives to Christ.

What an exciting story! While it's worth celebrating, it is also important to know that It was hard work for Sheila and her linguist counterparts to live and work among these people. They had none of the comforts of home. Yet, what a tremendous difference they made in the lives of this cherished people group. To think they were instrumental in bringing the first piece of literature to a people is unprecedented. And very few of life's highest accolades can compare to this.

Dear reader, what are you doing with your life? How might God's Spirit lead you to do something so as impactful as what you heard about in this reading. Please contact me if I can help coach or mentor you into what God has next for you! You can reach me here .

Empty Eagerness

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 14:31:23 GMT

"Life is not measured by how much you own." Jesus

Recently, I interviewed Dick, a 20+ year veteran in the work of global missions. In that work, he helped people and organizations connect to the agency where I serve, Reach Beyond , and God's broader work of missions happening around the world.

Dick spent decades in the business world. He was successful. By his own admission, "I made enough money."

But he knew those pursuits were hollow, and he wanted to use his life for a greater purpose. He was recruited by Ron to join Reach Beyond, and everything changed in himself, and those he began to serve. Dick began to use his skills and gifts and skills at moving and recruiting people to his business pursuits to something greater, helping lost people around the world find Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

Dick's final thought to me in a follow up email was, "Those 20 years were the best years of our lives."

I love this!

Jesus was leading Dick, and all of us for that matter, toward higher purposes.

His time in business wasn't a waste. God used it to shape him. God, working in partnership with Dick's willing heart, were the catalysts to move Dick toward higher purposes.

God + my willing heart = a life that makes a difference.

Luke 12:13-21 records a parable Jesus told about an eager fool. The story features a man successful by the world's standards, a man who made a fortune yet was overwhelmed by relentless greed.

This man forgot about God, his maker and the one who gave him the strength to accomplish things.

Unlike Dick, this man reached a point of gloating, as he thought, "I'll sit back and say to myself, 'My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink and be merry'" (Luke 12:19)!

"But God said to him, 'You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything your worked for'" (Luke 12:20)?

Jesus concludes, "Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but have a rich relationship with God" (Luke 12:21).

A rich relationship with God always leads to becoming a humble person serving the needs of others.

Which person best represents you in this post? Dick, or the rich man Jesus called an eager fool?

9 Outreach Ideas for Spreading the Light of Jesus during Christmas and New Year Holidays

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 17:59:39 GMT

How to make Christmas more than the material

Most of us want our Christmas and New Year celebrations to expand beyond material transactions, like mailing Christmas cards or giving the proverbial box of chocolates to our friends down the street. We live by eternal values and principles that, when lived out even during the holidays, will make all the difference in someone's eternal destiny. Here are nine action plans you can implement to make a lasting change in someone's life over the holidays.

Host a Christmas party at your home and share a simple gospel testimony and teaching for participants. If you're not comfortable sharing the simple gospel with a group of people, ask your pastor to train you or invite a more seasoned, experienced believers to lead this part of the gathering.
Give away Advent devotionals. And be sure check in with them often during the season to hear about what they're learning. Many churches create these, which means this is a cost effective tool for your to utilize.
Visit shutins , and be sure to pray words of blessing and encouragement over them. It also doesn't hurt to ask if they know Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. If they don't, be sure to share the plan of salvation with them.
Host a movie night . And make sure the Christmas movie offers a clear presentation of the gospel. Buy some extra special popcorn and snacks while you're at it.
Invite unchurched family and friends to a Christmas Eve service at your church . And be sure to greet them at the door and offer to sit with them. Also, check in with them sometime later and ask them what they thought about the service.
Prepare homemade Christmas goodies and deliver them Christmas Eve . Along with your regular Christmas Eve festivities, visit up to six friends or families who don't know Christ with these homemade treats. You don't have go inside the house. And be sure to include a gospel tract with the goodies and follow-up later to ask if they read the tract.
Purchase Christmas/holiday gospel tracts and give them out to as many of the folks as possible . I believe a resurgence is already happening in the use of these simple tools. You can purchase some here .
Host a high quality New Year's Eve party that includes and opportunity for a few folks to share their testimony about the difference Christ has made in their life. Make this special. Hand out special invitations. Serve great food and desserts. Make it memorable.
Share the Gospel story before you start opening Christmas presents. We've done this every Christmas with our family, and it's become a tradition. We would be surprised to know how many Christian families don't read the real Christmas story. Ask you pastor for tools and training if you need it. Here is a website that offers short videos you could use to keep the experience creative.

My prayer for you is that God would use you to make an eternal impact during the holiday season. Feel free to contact me on my website - www.transformyourmission.org - and to let me know which ideas you used.

The Critical (but often overlooked) Role of the Non-Profit Board Vice Chair

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 12:22:41 GMT

An Interview with Lisa Ausley

We seldom give attention to the significance, and often consequential role of the nonprofit board vice-chair. To help us better address this topic, we will hear and learn from Lisa Ausley, who serves as board vice chair of One Mission Society USA, a global mission agency. I worked with Lisa when I served at the organization, and grew to appreciate her influence and support.

TYM: Tell us about how you came to serve in the role of vice chair?

Lisa: I had been on the board for many years, so when we split into two boards, more roles needed to be filled and I was tapped.

TYM: Does a board really need a vice-chair?

Lisa: Absolutely! A chair can go down at any time…out of town, family emergency, medical emergency, even needing a mental health moment! The vice-chair can be an like Aaron or a Hur in the Bible, holding up Moses’ arm so great battles can be won!

TYM: What do you see as the top functions of your role?

Lisa: Encouragement (since that is my gift), seeing the overlooked perspective (because of my gender), lightening the load of the chair, keeping an eye open for quieter board members whose opinions need to be summoned. A vice chair can offer assistance when a need might even be unseen or help the chair to consider the whole room during engaging meetings. Doubling observations of just two eyes, to four is always helpful.

TYM: What special challenges, if any, might a female vice-chair encounter?

Lisa: Having a chair/vice chair of different genders is advantageous. Men and women respond and see things differently. So, if a good working relationship has been forged, each appreciates the other for noticing issues, needs, factors that might be overlooked with just one set of eyes, or two sets of the same-gender eyes. Sometimes women are more sensitive to issues regarding families and sometimes they can lend an intuition that is valuable.

TYM: Can you describe how your role as vice-chair has evolved over the years?

Lisa: As I’ve gotten more comfortable in my role, I feel very confident to whisper insights to the chair during meetings. I’ve gotten comfortable and even bold to suggest ideas and offer to help/serve more deeply in emails, between board meetings.

TYM: What advice do you have for vice-chairs when the board chair drops the ball?

Lisa: Have it as your goal to promote the chair’s success. Be the back-up person. If you see an “oops” respond to it discreetly. If you see a hole, fill it until it can be handled well.

TYM: What happens when you and the chair disagree?

Lisa: The chair is the lead so the chair should lead. The vice-chair is the support. I have never personally had a disagreement with the chair, but have had many helpful discussions. A good chair listens to all the input around him.

When You Complain

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 14:51:25 GMT

God's truth sustains us in times of grief and loss

I've discovered great comfort in God's word while navigating some significant grief and loss over the past year. The following verses of lament give voice to such difficulties. Not only are these words penned by the Psalter meaningful, but I have the added confidence that God's Holy Spirit is working through these verses with timely hope and encouragement. The next time you are down, pray to God through these complaints, knowing God cares and that He's big enough to receive everything you throw at him.

Why? Why, O Lord, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? (Ps. 10:1)

Why does the wicked renounce God and say in his heart, “You will not call to account”? (Ps. 10:13)

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? (Ps. 22:1)

I say to God, my rock: “Why have you forgotten me? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?” (Ps. 42:9)

For you are the God in whom I take refuge; why have you rejected me? Why do I go about mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? (Ps. 43:2)

Awake! Why are you sleeping, O Lord? Rouse yourself! Do not reject us forever! (Ps. 44:23)

O God, why do you cast us off forever? Why does your anger smoke against the sheep of your pasture? (Ps. 74:1)

Why do you hold back your hand, your right hand? Take it from the fold of your garment and destroy them! (Ps. 74:11)

Why then have you broken down its walls, so that all who pass along the way pluck its fruit? (Ps. 80:12)

O Lord, why do you cast my soul away? Why do you hide your face from me? (Ps. 88:14)

How? O Lord, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me. (Ps. 3:1)

How long, O Lord, will you look on? Rescue me from their destruction, my precious life from the lions! (Ps. 35:17)

How long, O God, is the foe to scoff? Is the enemy to revile your name forever? (Ps. 74:10)

Remember this, O Lord, how the enemy scoffs, and a foolish people reviles your name. (Ps. 74:18)

Arise, O God, defend your cause; remember how the foolish scoff at you all the day! (Ps. 74:22)

O Lord God of hosts, how long will you be angry with your people’s prayers? (Ps. 80:4)

How long, O Lord? Will you hide yourself forever? How long will your wrath burn like fire? (Ps. 89:46)

Return, O Lord! How long? Have pity on your servants! (Ps. 90:13)

O Lord, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked exult? (Ps. 94:3)

How shall we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land? (Ps. 137:4)

Sermon: Injustice and the trial of Jesus

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 16:24:58 GMT

I had the privilege of preaching at Wilmore Free Methodist Church. Click here to watch the sermon.

10 Signs Your NonProfit Board May Be The Root Cause Of Your Organization's Dysfunction

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 15:08:06 GMT

10 Signs Your NonProfit Board May Be The Root Cause Of Your Organizational Dysfunction

Part 1

By Duane E. Brown, Ph.D

We like to lay blame on the CEO and/or staff for the dysfunction within non-profits. However, the time has come to begin to lay blame at the root of the leadership, or lack of it, by the board of directors. Not one of the following signs may alone be a major issue. Yet, if you see one of these signs I bet you can find many others.

Here are 10 signs your nonprofit board is a root cause of your nonprofit's dysfunction.

1 . Constant staff leadership turnover at the top. When your CEOs or executive directors keep leaving for greener pastures, are angry, or burned out, look at the relationship the leaders had with the board. In this root cause, the board is often difficult to please, mired in politicization, micromanaging, or offering an unfair compensation plan.

2. The organization lacks clear vision and a written strategy. If your nonprofit lacks vision and a written strategy that is public, blame the board not the CEO. The board has a major part to play ensuring the CEO has these documents in place and that they are being implemented. These should be regularly communicated to the staff and key aspects of the

3. The CEO is weak or mired in internal conflicts with staff. When you have an ineffective leader at the helm, and s/he continues, the fault lies with the board for choosing the wrong leader or allowing an ineffective leader to continue unchecked. This dysfunction works its way throughout the organization, no matter how large or small. Subordinates quickly exit the toxicity caused by this weak leader.

4. Board members never leave. Board members serving for decades is unhealthy. In rare situations you will find long term board members who are effective in their roles. Boards that don’t make room for new members don’t make room for fresh ideas, new money, and new relationships.

5. Longstanding dysfunctional culture. Boards are responsible for the health of a culture. Their roles is not simply financial. If you have a toxic organizational culture, look first to the board. You will discover a board that is not involved in creating a healthy culture, not holding the CEO responsible for “fixing” the staff culture.

Stay tuned for Part 2

The Serenity Prayer (all of it)

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 13:41:50 GMT

It is time to begin to pray the entire Serenity Prayer

The Serenity Prayer is a beautiful piece for troubled souls.

I was praying this transformative prayer this morning, because I am finding solace in it as I walk my own, troubling setbacks due to circumstances beyond my control.

Did you know that most of us only know and pray the first few lines?

The most transformational aspects of the prayer, for me, are in the remaining verses. You can’t have the real serenity this prayer speaks of until you really pray and believe all that the prayer is about.

As I write this entire prayer for you now, may God give you hope and healing as you pray these beautiful words for yourself.

The Serenity Prayer (All of It)*

God, grant me the serenity;

To accept the things I cannot change;

The courage to change the things I can;

And the wisdom to know the difference.

Living One Day at a time;

Enjoying one moment at a time;

Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace

Taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world

As it is, not as I would have it;

Trusting that you will take all things right

If I surrender to your Will;

So that I may be reasonably happy in this life

And supremely happy with you forever in the next.

Amen

*Prayer attributed to Reinhold Niebuhr

Teachers Are True Heroes

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 13:27:47 GMT

Update: I'm now 16+ months into underemployment. So, I've dug deep into my reservoir of courage to be a substitute teacher in the public schools. It's hard work, let me tell you. The experiences have taught me so much, and I am observing first hand what it's like to be a public school teachers.

Let's not forget our public school teachers. Let's prop them up with encouragement and prayers every chance we get. Let's volunteer even an hour a week to help them succeed in their roles.

My wife, Patty, and daughter, Liz are serving as public school teachers in the Jessamine County Public School systems. Having substituted in the schools where they serve, it has been an eye opening experience as I've learned about the blessings and challenges of serving in public education. Here are five insights:

Our kids our precious... the hallways of our schools are filled with precious littles and teens. They are smart, talented, and eager to learn. I am so excited with what I see roaming through the hallways of our public schools.

Teachers are givers... these heroes give and give, and give and give, and give and give, and give and give. You get my point. These men and women are constantly giving of their time and energy to the next generation.

Teachers are tired... they work long hours, often seven days a week, for the sake of our children. Teachers need those many weeks off in the summer to recuperated. And most don't take off all the time the deserve because they're pouring out to get ready for the next school year.

Teachers are heroes ...They possess huge amounts of courage and perseverance every day to tackle the challenges of the public school educational environment.

Teachers give our world hope... they're are models to me (and our kids) of hard work. They serve on the front lines of the American workforce. They're changing lives, one student at a time.

Leaders Make Unpopular Decisions

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 14:45:21 GMT

Because strong leaders always do what is best for their people

"We live in a society obsessed with public opinion. But leadership has never been about popularity." Marco Rubio, US Secretary of State

Some of the decisions that the US Executive Branch under President Donald J. Trump is making will likely be long-lasting and continue with future elected presidents, because, let's face it, they make sense. These decisions are controversial and unpopular. But, effective political leaders make the hard decisions that are best for their own people. A healthy "America First" policy is not wrong.

Two of these controversial decisions are:

1. Manufacturing. Why does America need to have Mexico and Canada build our cars for us, when we can employ our own people and put the money into our economy? Former presidential candidate and successful businessman Ross Perot warned us that NAFTA would lead to the great sucking sound, with manufacturing facilities and jobs leaving the USA. We now know that is true. If DJT can begin to shift jobs back to the USA, future elected presidents will not likely undue this because of the transformational change it will have upon the US economy.

2. US Customs. A more recent issue arising is the US questioning whether it should be paying for customs officers in several of the large Canadian airports so that Canadians can skip the large lines when they arrive by plane on US soil, lines the rest of the world hasto wait in. . This practice started in the 1950s, and America has been paying for this service for Canadians. The US ambassador to Canada raised this issue last week while we was with Canadian business leaders. In recent months, the Canadian government, with the help of mainstream media, has been pushing boycott America. I understand why Canadians are upset and won't travel to US. Yet, this decision to boycott can't continue without serious repercussions upon our Customs and Border policies like the one name here. Why should America pay or this anymore?

How do you want to be remembered? Reflections upon the untimely death of Charlie Kirk

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 12:49:44 GMT

Charlie Kirk was possessed by eternal priorities

How do you want to be remembered?

For the late Charlie Kirk, 31 year-old founder of Turning Point USA movement, he said, for his courage in following his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The left-wing media mislabeled him, defining him as a right-wing, conservative activist. That's not how he will be remembered.

It was Charlie's courage and faith in Jesus that took him to his last college campus to engage in healthy discussion and debate on conservative values with his generation. It's what led to his untimely demise from this earth and now forever absent from his wonderful wife and two young children. Stop right now and pray for his family and for those tasked with selecting a new leader for this great movement.

My son Eric and I talk almost every day on his way to work. I challenged him this morning during our talk to ask, "How do I want to be remembered?"

I push back against the many ways people live so as to be remembered when they die, such as:

-the amount of money in the bank,
-the accumulation of nice homes, cars, and things,
-the positions they hold at work or in their community,
-life's failures.

I wonder if the second person Charlie Kirk saw in heaven (the first being his great HEALER Jesus) was Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Did MLK seek him out and greet him? They both shared a common purpose on earth and shared a common death, untimely assassination. What did they say to each other?

I will not give in to the nihilists in our culture. I will continue to believe in a bright future for myself, my country, and my world that is rooted in the sovereignty of my loving heavenly father and the eternal life he offers through the death and resurrection of his son, Jesus Christ.

Make the best of today, friends!

The Ongoing Canada-US Tariff War

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 15:25:50 GMT

Could it be that Canadians are being duped by the Liberal Party?

I'm surprised that more Canadians do not realize that a tariff war has been fought for many years, one that Canada, not the US, might be more responsible for starting. Political leaders nor the government funded CBC will tell Canadians this. All they want to do is push hateful rhetoric against their American neighbors.

Canada has already been placing unfair and exorbitant tariffs on many US and European goods, and has been doing so for years. Before I share that data, let me first tell you a story.

In 2009, while I was living in New Brunswick, Canada, we were visited by a family member from the US. One Friday night we were out touring the countryside, and took time to stop at a furniture store. On display for sale was a new couch. As we stared at the furniture, my guest commented, "We have that same couch at our church in NY. This same couch is three times more the price here compared to what we paid for it in NY."

Three times the price! That's crazy, but true. That's because Canada limits competition. Canada's socialist policies require that they tax people and goods to the hilt in order to pay for a large yet unreliable social safety net. Many goods that cross the border from the US into Canada are hit with high tariffs that cause a rise in price.

President Trump has ranted often about the unfair economic relationship between the US and Canada. In some cases, he makes overreaching claims about the trade imbalance. Yet, he knows that in many ways the trade situation is unfair and he is imposing reciprocal tariffs (informed by his America First policies) to address this and hopefully renegotiate USMCA and change the economic landscape in order to tip the scales a bit more in favor of the US.

Consider the dairy industry. The World Trade Organization ruled Canada violates USMCA with its dairy quotas , reserving more quota's for its farmers than US and other farmers. Canada won't fix this. Democrat senators from the Midwest lobbied President Biden to address these inequalities because they understood their dairy farmers were being treated unfairly by Canada. Biden was unwilling or unable to contest this and bring change.

Here is more data on Canada tariffs imposed on US (and EU) goods. In some cases these percentages are once quota has been reached. Click on the link to see the source to back up these claims.

Chicken, tariffed at 270%

Turkey, tariffed at 154%

Milk, tariffed at 270%

Cheese, tariffed at 245%

Many more items, such as cars, electronics, metals are tariffed.

The ground of the North American economy is undergoing a massive earthquake, revealing significant cracks in the economies of Canada and the US.

The Breakdown in Talks between Zelensky and the USA

debrownphd@gmail.com (Duane Brown) — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 14:13:19 GMT

Deep down, informed Ukrainians know that their president failed them.

Here are some of my thoughts after having the weekend to think about this. Listen to Megyn Kelly's brilliant analysis of the situation here:

Did you see the picture of the Ukrainian ambassador at the Whitehouse with her head in hands? She was heartbroken, like many Ukrainians. She must have been thinking, "After all the work we've done, our President is blowing up the deal. He was in a shouting match with Biden; now he's in a shouting match with Trump. We told him how to navigate this meeting. He didn't listen to us; he listened to Democrats. What is he doing? Why won't he show respect and where a suit?"

After reviewing the video of the US-Zelensky meeting last Friday, it has become clear to the Americans (and the world) that Zelensky had no desire to sign the deal with the US. A Wick poll revealed that 49% of Americans see Zelensky as to blame for the whole debacle. Zelensky has become an embarrassment for Ukraine. Many are wondering now if He can survive this and if he should resign.

Democrats blew up the peace deal by meeting with Zelensky before he met with the US Government, telling him not to agree. This borders on treason. They would rather defy the American people and secure political points then see the war end. Democrats are now the party of war, not of peace, and more Ukrainians and Russians are dying since Friday because the deal fell apart.

Republicans with Trump have again become catalytic leaders for needed change in Europe. European leaders for decades have depended in US for military backing. European leaders met over the weekend and have taken responsibility for their own future. They have indicated they will put their own boots on the ground, if needed, to serve as peace keepers if Russia and Ukraine can find peace.

The US Not Endorsing Ukraine's Resolution

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 18:29:24 GMT

Here's what I think about the Feb 25, 2025 UN resolution

People are in a rage about the United States, my home country, not signing/endorsing the resolution from Ukraine on the third anniversary of the Russian invasion.

I've read social media posts from educated elites saying the US has somehow fallen off the cliff. Others say we've abandoned our European allies. Worst of all, people are saying the US is somehow supporting Putin and the Russian invasion. These are false narratives we should reject, and step back and think about what is happening. Here are five ideas I'd like to offer to help us think about what is happening.

We've tried this before . Multiple resolutions condemning Russia haven't worked. Why do we believe having another one will make a difference? I don't, and you shouldn't. Where are the Europeans stepping up to lead a change?
Rejecting the Ukrainian resolution in no way condones Russia's invasion. Nor is the rejection a lack of compassion for those suffering and dying. We can agree that Putin is guilty of thuggery and has transgressed international law. And, he isn't deterred by another resolution because his propaganda machine will reframe it to his people.
The United Nations is powerless. That's because globalization and multi-culturalism are in retreat in every aspect of societies around the world. The UN is irrelevant. Most people don't respect the UN. Any resolution from this failed entity lacks teeth and does nothing to stop the war.
The US is the largest contributor to the UN. Those elected to provide leadership have a right to reject such resolution that they don't agree with or that don't represent the values and interest of our country.
The US is providing out-of-the-box thinking and leadership to end the killing - Give it a chance to work. In an unprecedented move, US leadership rejected the Ukrainian resolutions and offered one that supports the stoppage of the senseless deaths of Russians and Ukrainians and sets up a clear path for an economic partnership between the US and Ukraine.

How Hard Should Your Employees Work?

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 23:17:32 GMT

What would your response be...?

Imagine this scenario....

In a staff meeting, one of your salaried team members admits to the group that he worked 70+ hours last week. What should you, the boss, say back to this team member?

Before you answer, consider this back story:

This employee is a launching a new initiative for your organization,
Your organization is in serious decline on multiple fronts,
Most other employees, even senior staff, average anywhere from 32 to 37.5 hours/week.

Which response would you give:

"_____, I am concerned with how many hours you put in last week. What are you going to do to compensate in the week ahead for putting in so many hours?
You say nothing.
"Team, ____ has just admitted he put in over 70 hours of work last week. I want to publicly thank him for his sacrifice and efforts."
"Team, ____ has just admitted he put in over 70 hours of work last week. I want to publicly thank him because, as we all know, our organization is in serious decline. We are not going to turn things around unless we all embrace a 'Do what it takes to get er done' work ethic. Hey, the world is run by tired men and women. I'd like to go around the room and ask everyone how many hours you put in last week. Who wants to go first?"
"Team, ____ has just admitted he put in over 70 hours of work last week. I want to publicly thank him because, as we all know, our organization is in serious decline. We are not going to turn things around unless we all embrace a 'Do what it takes to get er done' work ethic. Hey, the world is run by tired men and women. I'd like to go around the room and ask everyone how many hours you put in last week. Who wants to go first? After everyone answers, you end the discussion by encouraging the team member who worked over 70 hours to realize he better establish some healthy boundaries because he can't work like that every week and get away with it forever.

So, which response would you give if you were the boss?

Can a revival be manufactured?

Sat, 11 Feb 2023 19:07:28 GMT

Whose responsibility is it for revival to happen?

To use the word "amazing" to describe what is happening at my daughter's Asbury University campus doesn't cut it. We spoke on the phone this morning about all the wonderful things happening in the lives of the AU community: confession, repentance, forgiveness, healing, cleansing from sinful attitudes and behaviors, reconciliation, worship.

The questions I am asking, such as, "Who or what causes a revival to happen?" opens up two views on revival in the Christian movement.

One view of revival is that it is a sovereign move of God and no human can do anything to start it or stop it.

Another view says Christ-followers and even entire organizational initiatives will have a big part to play in seeing revival come about. For example, the Seedbed movement birthed out of Asbury Theological Seminary has likely spent millions of dollars "sowing for a great awakening." I've attended several Seedbed conferences where all manner of speakers, leaders and focused prayer times have sought for an Asbury University experience.

What other views of the causes of revival do you have? Of the above two, which one best represents your view?

Why Mentor Others?

debrownphd@gmail.com (Duane Brown) — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 13:22:01 GMT

Mentoring leads to informal accountability

I was recently with a young and upcoming leader as he shared about his weekend plans. He was meeting with his mentor on Saturday morning, so he had to get home and work on his scripture reading because he knew his mentor would asking him about it.

I smiled and my heart beat with joyful conviction that coaching and mentoring is a powerful tool to grow leaders.

The truth is, accountability is the secret secret sauce in getting your goals accomplished and leading a fruitful and purposeful existence. We don't need to go it alone, unless maybe we're among the less than 1% in the world who have write a PhD dissertation!

Today, find a coach-mentor who can help you live with intention. Make sure you set goals together so that every time you meet you'll have the pressure you need to stay on target and get things done.

How to make short term mission work trips beneficial for all

debrownphd@gmail.com (Duane Brown) — Tue, 24 May 2022 03:03:39 GMT

Release your people to use their skills to serve others

Here is a email I sent to a missions leader to help her with concerns about missions trips.

"Dear C _____,

You raised important concerns about short term mission experiences that focus on work projects. Yes, the danger exists that these projects take jobs from locals. I have often felt the same way.

Here are some "arguments" to consider why short term mission experiences that include a work component can be a win-win:

1. Work trips are effective when you partner with local builders to accomplish a project. This way, local workers are not left out nor do they lose out financially. This is a key goal of OMS work trips.

2. When you involve locals, you also create opportunities to build deep relationships with them and find ways to share Christ. OMS trips include opportunities for prayer and devotionals that are tied to faith sharing. In some cases local workers have the opportunity to hear the gospel that they would otherwise not have. And, trip participants receive the opportunity to build deep relationships with locals and share Christ and encourage them. Your national partners have new relationships to follow-up and opportunities disciple people after the work team departs. Work teams return to their home context with a greater motivation to share Christ with family and friends.

3. In some cases, a ministry can't afford to hire and work solely with locals. Having the occasional work team visit and assist a project becomes a real momentum builder for finishing a project.

4. Finally, consider that most economies, especially the US, are globally connected on multiple levels. Many of the products or merchandise I purchase here have been made in another country. Perhaps some or much of that money I paid goes to another part of the world, thus causing my local or national economy to lose out. Despite this, I still buy things made somewhere else. Does this one make sense and hold weight in this discussion?

There is so much anecdotal evidence to support work trips as one type of trip a church uses in its broader short term mission trip strategy. I was really encouraged to hear you say you could easily mobilize a work team trip at ______. If we build in the above guardrails, we could stand back and watch some really awesome things happen with the ______ church family. Go for it.

What's missing in your missioning?

debrownphd@gmail.com (Duane Brown) — Fri, 20 May 2022 01:37:00 GMT

If people are missing in your missioning, try this...

The hardest part of mission planning is not deciding your vision, values or partnerships. The hardest part is personalizing mission for every person in your church.

I recently reviewed a strategy document for a mission program of a multi-site congregation. They had obviously put much thought and planning into their framework, criteria for selecting partners, and budget allocations. But, what I didn't see was their plan for engaging every member of the congregation in missions. I mean, that's what the Great Commission - getting people to make disciples and disciplemakers.

If your lead pastor challenged you to grow engagement in mission by 40% in the coming year, what would you do?

If we want God's people to participate in God's mission, we have to plan for it. Leaders must make room in their schedules to engage one-on-one with every person possible - to listen and learn how God has gifted, wired and equipped them to serve in the greatest work in the entire universe.

I encourage you to think about and write down your strategy for engagement. Use some or all of the the following questions:

How do you define engagement?
What are the pathways to serving God's mission through your church?
What are your growth targets?
Who can serve on your engagement team and help you work with every person possible to help them find their place?
What metrics will you use to evaluate your success?

I am confident if you will build in this missing component to your missioning you will see significant growth and involvement in God's missions through your local church.

Presentation: What Happens When a Church Takes Serious God's Mission

debrownphd@gmail.com (Duane Brown) — Fri, 13 Aug 2021 14:10:22 GMT

Check out a talk I gave at Cherry Run

Click here to watch the video

This is How You Pour into Your Followers by Dr. Duane Brown

debrownphd@gmail.com (Duane Brown) — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 13:07:57 GMT

Do These Five Things if You want to be remembered as a great leader

Recently, I spent my lunch time with a senior leader in our organization.

It was one of the best working lunches I’ve had in a long time. In fact, I can’t remember a time like this, when someone above me poured into me.

For too many of us, times spent with senior leaders are filled with anxiety. Or, we're beaten down afterward and feel like in order to get clean from the experience, we need to take a long, hot shower.

Please! For your sake, and the sake of your team, learn from what I am sharing and put some of these into practice the next opportunity you have to pour into your team.

1. He gave me his full time and attention.

He didn’t check his phone (or Apple watch) the entire time we met.

No blurting sounds either, to interrupt our lunch. In fact, I didn’t know he had a phone.

He listened intently to what I had to say. He asked follow-up questions often.

He looked me in the eyes often when he spoke to me, which said to me he had just the right amount of self-confidence.

2. He bought me lunch.

That is kindness in action, since I invited him to lunch and was profuse in my attempts to buy him lunch.

3. He offered up a sum of money to invest in my leadership development.

Very impressive. This said to me he not only believed in me as a leader but that he sees a future for me in the organization.

When someone does that it causes you to think, “I want to be here for a while.” I came away thinking I have a opportunity to help write our story.

4. He asked about my family.

I know there’s debate about how personal you should get with co-workers. But in this instance, man to man, I appreciated his interest how my wife and I were doing with our transition to this new job and how our kids were doing.

5. He challenged me.

As he politely inquired about one area of life, I was stuck and he knew it. He politely suggested a reason for this and then challenged me by carefully suggesting a way to become unstuck.

Very smart move on his part.

Friends, this isn't rocket science here. Life is about making good memories. This was one of them for me.

I hope you take steps now to intentionally pour into someone and make a forever positive memory for them.

God at Work through OMS

debrownphd@gmail.com (Duane Brown) — Fri, 29 Jan 2021 01:04:01 GMT

Stories of God at Work

The following are short stories prepared by One Mission Society. I share them to encourage your heart with all that God is doing to transform lost people.

Haiti (provided by David and Marilyn Graffenberger) - In the Grison Garde area of northern Haiti, a young woman, Lordiana, accepted Christ. While engaging the one to reach the many, Janiel Charlot, an OMS ECC trainer and church planter in the north of Haiti, trained Lordiana. Later, while accompanying two other church planters to a special annual training, the motorcycle taxi on which they were riding crashed. Thankfully no one was not seriously hurt.

In spite of many challenges, Lordiana has continued as a church planter. A man in the area, a person of peace, allowed her to have a small group meeting in his courtyard. In time, he accepted Christ. Two years later, his live-in wife accepted Christ, then they were married and baptized. The resulting worshiping group has planted another small worshiping group. We rejoice in what God is doing through OMS in Haiti.

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The Republic of Ireland (provided by Jonny and Julie Pollock) - A local woman, M*, recently reached out to us on social media. She has been asking questions about our church plant. She watched some of our teaching online, knew of our desire to be of spiritual and practical help, and was aware of our teaching the Bible to children in the local area. She reflected how different this was to her understanding of religion and has decided to connect with us online, as well as gather with us once restrictions are relaxed.

Contacts such as this are not that common in our rural town, and we are thankful for God’s grace and mercy in bringing this woman across our path. We ask you to join us in prayer for her, that fruit comes from our connection, and that she may come to know Jesus not as a figure of religion but as a wonderful and gracious Lord and Savior. Even in unresponsive and difficult places like The Republic of Ireland, God is conveying his love for people in need of a Savior.

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Brazil (provided by Micah and Marla Routon) - Since the beginning of last year, the church we are helping to plant has doubled. Through the pandemic, we had to go online. We also switched our discipleship classes and small group meetings to an online format, and the response was tremendous. We saw not only people’s faith being challenged to go deeper, but the number of people being attracted to Jesus also growing. Though the pandemic has presented definite challenges, it has been wonderful to see how God is still bringing people to himself.

Working with David and Conce Roof is Pastor Jonas and his wife Virginia. A number of years ago, Pastor Jonas retired from the pastorate. But when he began praying for an opportunity to serve once again in one of the denomination’s frontier areas, deep within the jungle, he and Virginia obeyed God’s call. They have been blessed with good health and been able, even in their advanced years, to play an important part in the planting of a new church in an area of great need. Praise God for what he has done. Even in your old age and gray hairs, I am he, I am he who will sustain you (Isaiah 46:4).

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Taiwan (provided by Rod and Beth Williamson - Twelve years ago, Central Taiwan Theological Seminary purchased 18 acres of farmland in northeast Taichung. Three years ago, we began a four-year process of rezoning the land so that it could be used for training pastors. Ten of the fourteen needed approvals have already been received. The eleventh approval from the Environmental Impact Committee is the toughest of all the approvals remaining. Just a few weeks ago, after six months of meetings, the Environmental Impact Committee finally gave its approval. The remaining three approvals should not be difficult, so we hope that in a few months, we can begin the preliminary construction of a retaining wall, contouring the property, roadways, water control, and putting in utilities. This will take about a year. A seminary’s impact is greatly increased when both head and heart are trained, when teaching focuses on knowing about Jesus, and learning how to follow and worship him in daily life. May this campus be a place where leaders are trained who train many others, leading to the multiplication of leaders … and where Taiwanese missionaries are trained for impactful cross-cultural ministry!

_______________

Taiwan (provided by Don and Marla Bettinger) - One of the things that gives us the greatest joy is to see coworkers step up or take the initiative to be a witness to their own people. This Christmas, one of our coworkers, Chyou Ting, shared her testimony at two separate Christmas events. One was a Christmas breakfast we hosted for a number of our unbelieving friends, and the other was a meeting that she initiated on her own. This second one was a “Gospel Teatime” in which she invited several coworkers from the hospital ICU department where she works. She and her friends did the music, shared a testimony, and gave a Gospel presentation. We only needed to open our home and teach the women how to make cookies. At least one of the coworkers made a decision to accept Christ that night. Chyou Ting invited her to the LIighthouse home church this past Sunday evening, and she came. We praise God that Chyou Ting has caught the vision for sharing the Gospel and making disciples.

_______________

Taiwan (provided by Mark and Michelle Dinnage) - One of the college-age men with whom Mark has been able to meet for discipleship is a great person of peace, gifted in connecting people. He invited fellow classmate, Johanna, to Bible study. A few months later, Michelle prayed with Johanna to accept Christ, and then she was baptized in October. Johanna grew up in Honduras with her mother, who is also a Christian. Johanna has also become closer with her father, who is Taiwanese. Johanna is now growing daily in her faith. Lost people matter to God, and he wants them to be found.

_______________

Kenya (provided by Silas and Rahab Waweru) - We were able to distribute food to selected vulnerable families in November. The area where this was done has suffered many attacks from the terror group Al-Shaabab, a radical Muslim group seeking to extend its dominance through violence in this region, which has few Christians and a majority of Muslims and practitioners of African traditional religions.

This distribution focused on 40 of the most vulnerable households. It was done during the week Rahab ministered in a women’s seminar. We distributed wheat flour, dried corn and beans, cooking oil, sugar, and rice. We shared the Gospel and prayed for the sick as the team distributed the food. This had a great impact as some recipients were so sick and unable to help themselves. One family shed tears when they received the food as they had not eaten a good meal for a long time. This humbling experience opened doors for us to minister to felt needs of the people and also challenged the local church community to exercise the grace of giving. The Gospel in word and deed touched lives in an amazing way! “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Mat 5:16).

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Thailand (provided by Scott and Sarah Morrison) - 2020 began full of joy and enthusiasm in our ministry as we saw two young believers baptised, two households start the journey of following Jesus, our coworker miraculously healed, an abundance of fantastic Jesus conversations, and consistent answers to specific prayers regarding many Buddhist people around our town.

One of our most unusual answers to prayer included our noodle soup seller. One day, she asked me “What do you do here? Are you a teacher?” I responded, “I’m not a teacher. We tell of the way out of sin.” She looked at me with wide eyes and said, “I have a lot of sin. Could you teach me?” This sparked a great conversation that left the door open for me to return.

A few days later, we passed her as she was setting up her stall and stopped to ask if we could bless her in Jesus’ name. She enthusiastically accepted, and we prayed a blessing over her.

Fast forward three days. Our noodle soup seller came running up to me and said, “Scott, since you gave me that blessing, I received 2000 baht (around her week’s salary).” But then, she spoke a word that I didn’t understand, huay. I said to her “This is God showing you that he sees you, loves you, and wants you to know him, the God who created the world and gave life to all people wants you to be in relationship with him.” She was grateful and full of joy, saying that she was eager to learn more.

I came home, positively buzzing about the interaction. I told Sarah about it and mentioned the word that I didn’t understand – huay. Sarah smiled at me and said, “Huay means ‘lottery’!” We had a good laugh, knowing the lottery isn’t usually something we would promote as God’s vessel for financial blessing! But who am I to say he didn’t choose to reveal his goodness to this lady, at this time, in this way? Regardless, this opened a fantastic opportunity for her to begin a journey of discovering how good Jesus is!

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Ecuador (provided by Darryl and Kelly Chambers) - God has moved in the hearts of the members of our three newest church plants. Most are young Christians who are still learning and growing in their faith. They have mostly been on the receiving end of ministry. During quarantine, we saw God move in such amazing ways to empower these young believers to step up into leadership roles in their families and communities. Because we could not hold public meetings, we saw many parents step up and take on the role of spiritual leader for their families, hosting their own family worship services, holding kids’ clubs in their homes for their children, and reaching out to their neighbors to hold outdoor evangelistic events. As they got involved in helping the churches with the distributing of goods to those in need, they began to recognize the needs of others, often giving the bags of goods that they had received to a family who was in greater need. They began seeking out those to whom they could provide assistance. Where our missionaries had taken the leadership roles before, they were now taking the role of encourager as their church members began to step out in faith to reach and help their communities.

_______________

Northern Ireland (provided by Donald Coulter) - A ministry God has allowed me to partner with as a director/trustee is the Cherith Gospel Outreach. In the period from January 2017 until the end of February 2020, OMS UK sent a piece of Gospel literature through an initiative called “Into Every Community 4 Christ (NI),” administered by me into each of the 800,000 homes in N Ireland. Dick Keogh, of the Cherith Gospel Outreach Trust, wrote a wonderful Gospel booklet. Dick helped plant two churches and has been involved in evangelism over many years. We are currently distributing his booklet, No Longer Hoping, into the 1.79 million homes in the Republic of Ireland with the help of the Irish Evangelistic Band (IEB). This will be completed in the first half of this year. In all of these initiatives, a Bible and booklets on the way of salvation are sent out upon request thereafter. The wide scattering of much seed leads to a harvest.

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India (provided by Sundar Raj, serving as an ECC trainer) - This is a testimony of sister Sampurnamma, from a non-Christian background. Her husband suffered from serious stomach pain. The sister, not knowing what to do, took him to the hospital. The doctor treated him with medicine for the pain, but it did not work. The doctor then did a scan of his stomach, and the report was normal. But her husband was getting worse. Another person insisted she take him to church. So sister Sampuranamma brought her husband to church. We prayed for healing. God

healed him completely, and after this, the whole family accepted Jesus Christ. They were baptized on January 3, 2021. All glory and honor belong to God!

_______________

India (provided by M. Raju, an ECC worker in one Indian region) – Here is our report for the work in South India this year:

Decisions for Christ 2,550

Baptisms 584

New House Churches 1,154

New Trainers 750

Leaders in Training 204

I am Second Bible Study 205

New Prayer Cell Groups 120

New Groups 162

With God’s help, I am working to motivate pastoral workers to identify two villages every month for outreach and new churches.

_______________

India (provided by Virendra Khutey, ECC worker) - A brother, Dilip Kumar, is from a high caste and was totally paralyzed. His blood pressure and sugar were at very unhealthy levels. He was confined to his bed for three months. He was the only wage-earner in his family, with his illness leading to a financial crisis. One evening, his family members came to us, sharing their story with many tears. We then went to their home and prayed for him. God completely healed him, and now, we are in regular contact, and he rides his bike and brings his family to our church every Sunday. “You answer us with awesome deeds of righteousness, O God our Savior, the hope of all the ends of the earth . . .” (Psalm 65:5)

Most Shocking Events of the week, Jan 4-10, 2021

debrownphd@gmail.com (Duane Brown) — Sun, 10 Jan 2021 20:03:56 GMT

Why the world should be alarmed by unfolding events in the United States

I've seen some wild ocean storms living in the Canadian Maritimes for nearly two decades. Yet, I always, always believed the storms would eventually end and calm will return. The current storm hitting the United States and the world has already caused horrific damage, with no clear sign of when the damage will stop so that we can get back to some sense of normalcy.

We knew the political divide in the US, for example, had been brewing for years. As the November 2020 election neared, we expected upheaval. If Biden lost, radical leftist would storm the streets and riot. If Trump lost, right wing zealots would do the same. Well, it happened, and it might only get worse. I read so many posts on social media claiming, "This is not America!" Unfortunately, it's time for all of us to face reality and admit America is what it is!Why are we shocked? Our political leaders and law enforcement authorities have failed us miserably.

Here's a rundown of the most shocking events of this week (Jan 4-10, 2021), a week like no other in my more than five decades of life.

1. Chinese Communists arrested the entire democratic opposition in Hong Kong, reversing any hope of a free and fair election. You can read more about that from the Wall Street Journal . However, what seems to be more shocking is the lack of attention and interest from mainstream media.

2. Donald Trump, the outgoing President of the USA, held a protest rally down the street while US Congress met to certify electoral college results in favor of Joe Biden.

3. US citizens (pro trump folks and likely Antifa, BLM and other rioters) easily stormed The People's House, the Sacred Temple of Democracy, while the electoral college was being certified. Our elected politicians cowered in fear, running for their lives . Civilians and one law enforcement died.

4. Big Tech Businesses Twitter, Facebook, Google, Apple, and Amazon removed a competitor, Parler, from their platforms and censored the speech of millions of American citizens, citing violations of community standards. On Saturday, unfortunately, the most trending hashtag on Twitter was #hangmikepence. Really, Big Tech?

5. The American Civil Liberties Union seems to be the lone voice in sounding the alarm of Big Tech's censorship. Yes, that's shocking, because the ACLU is so partisan and favors Progressives.

My bible readings this week have brought to attention one key verse, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others" (Philippians 2: 3-4). May this key verse guide my thoughts, words, and actions in the coming weeks and months.

Declaring Your New Year Resolutions Helps You Keep Them

debrownphd@gmail.com (Duane Brown) — Fri, 01 Jan 2021 18:23:04 GMT

Declaring Publicly Your New Year Resolutions

If you're about to set in motion some resolutions for 2021, my advice is to declare your intentions to your closest friends. You have a much better chance of keeping them if you make them public.

Here's why!

Psychologist and professor Steven Hayes discovered through his research and experiences in the classroom that when students wrote their goals related to their study habits and declared them publicly to their classmates, they were much more likely to achieve their goals. This translated into improved test scores. Conversely, those students who did not write out their study goals and declare them to classmates performed worse on tests.

From the evidence, when you can impose a bit of social pressure upon yourself concerning your New Year's intentions it might just help you to live up to them.

Questions for consideration:

1. Have your written out your intentions for 2021?

2. Who among your friends can you declare your intentions?

3. When will you do this?

Wishing you all the best in 2021

Duane Brown

Energized for God's Mission

Thu, 01 Oct 2020 12:13:12 GMT

Energized for God's Mission by Dr. Duane Brown

Read Colossians 1:24-2:5

Begin by reading the passage in Colossians I have named that corresponds to this devotional. As you read especially take note of the many times Paul speaks of the struggle and agony he is experiencing.

For example, Paul writes, “We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me” (Colossians 1: 28-29, New International Version).

Paul was in prison when Colossians was written. He was lonely and isolated from the people and work that he loved. He faced agonizing conflicts around what the church believed about the person and work of Jesus. He longed for lost people to find salvation through Jesus Christ.

If you are a church leader, you understand a life of struggle and even agony. The enemy likes to stir up trouble especially as the church tries to stay focused on finding and making fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. Someone once said, “There ain’t no mess like a church mess!”

Despite Paul’s setbacks, he stayed on mission, and we can, too. Paul kept going because he was energized by the Holy Spirit. How do we stay plugged in to the Holy Spirit? It is a minute-by-minute obedience to God’s will in every area of life.

How To Maintain Your Car

debrownphd@gmail.com (Duane Brown) — Sun, 05 Jul 2020 19:19:16 GMT

How to Maintain Your Car

My first car was a 1986 Dodge Daytona purchased in June 1989. My grandmother gave me a loan for the car. It was ice blue metallic in color, with a 2.2 turbo engine. I bought it prior to relocating from upstate NY to Nova Scotia, Canada, where I was to start my first job as pastor of Sandford Wesleyan Church. It was all fancy shmancy going to my first job. Because the owner had left the car sitting unused for a while it needed new front brakes, which I did not discover until after I had purchased the car.

No one taught me how to maintain a car. My dad was a commercial electrician, but when it came to teaching his boys basic skills he was not that much interested. Over these 30+ years I have learned to maintain my car. I am not afraid to ask questions or ask for help from others, which has resulted in my learning how to change my oil, brake pads, changing out a starter with a bit of help from a friend. You will be able to do the same if you take seriously the ownership of a car.

Here are 10 things to remember or do when maintaining your vehicle, that will help it to last longer and secure the best resale price.

1. Begin by keeping a log of car repairs. I either use the manual supplied by the manufacturer or simply add a sheet of paper and store it inside the car manuals in the glove box. Whenever I have work done, I record the date, the mileage, and what I did. That keeps me up to date on all maintenance. And, when you ever sell the car, you will be able to show the prospective buyer everything you’ve done to the car.

2. Wash the car regularly and detail the inside often. I have detailed professionally probably 100 more cars. I cannot emphasize enough this aspect of maintenance. I use a 1-year wax. And between those waxes I use a spray on/wipe off wax that lasts a good month or more. Use the vacuum on the carpets and upholstery often. I use a spray foam from Walmart or Dollar General for my carpets and mats, which helps lift the dirt and deodorizes the mats. I cannot count all the compliments I’ve received over the years because I keep my car detailed. I have never much bothered detailing the engine compartment, by the way. But it cannot hurt. Food consumption while driving is the archenemy of a clean car.

3. Change your oil every 3000 miles. This is the most important regular maintenance you will ever do for your engine. If you cannot do it yourself, take it to a Valvoline or Walmart and get them to do it.

4. Rotate your tires every 6000 miles, or every other oil change. Tires are the only thing between you and the road. So, it helps to buy good tires, and maintain them well. You can rotate your own tires if you have a jack and wrench. I purchased a torque wrench, so I can properly torque my lug nuts. This helps with proper tire wear. Once and a while pay to have your tires rotated, because the shop will usually balance your tires for you, which is necessary again for maintaining good tires. Also, after you have driven 500 miles on your newly rotated tires, be sure to check the lug nuts to ensure they’re still tight, because they could loosen.

5. Check your air filters often. You have two basic filters: the engine air filter and the cabin filter, which is inside your car usually behind your glove box. I have never been good at knowing when to replace the engine air filter. But, the standard rule every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, over every 4th or 5th oil change. If you drive on dusty roads, check it often and change it more often. For your inside cabin filter, check this once a year and change as needed. This is often an overlooked maintenance issue but makes all the difference in how you’re a/c performs.

6. Take extra care maintaining your windshield wipers in the winter months. If you don’t invest in expensive wiper blades (it’s your call), the cheaper blades often car frozen to your windshield on those cold winter mornings. It becomes difficult to loosen the cheaper blades from the windshield without tearing them apart. You may want to resort to lifting your blades from the windshield after your done driving for the day.

7. Check your brakes often. Because most cars are front wheel drive, your front brakes will not last as long as your rear brakes. When you buy your brake pads/shoes, it is important to know how many miles they will last. If you know that, you will know when it’s time to check them for wear and tear. Change out your pads before they start to wear on your rotors, and it will save your rotors from undue wear from over-used brake pads/shoes.

8. Replace your spark plugs regularly, according to the plug manufacturer’s recommendation. You can replace your plugs if you have the right tools. Just be careful you do not break the plug while trying to remover, or you’re in big trouble. Using a torque wrench to tighten them is a plus.

9. Check your battery at least once a year for buildup of corrosion. The corrosion is a white or sometimes bluish-green powdery substance called lead sulfate or anhydrous copper sulfate that accumulates on your terminals. When this substance builds up, it prevents your battery cables from properly conducting electricity, which can lead to other major problems. I use a battery terminal wire brush (pictured here) to remove the sulfate

10. Do not forget renewing insurance, license, and annual registration. You cannot drive without them.

Post-Covid Church and Missions Podcast

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 16:21:06 GMT

This is a subtitle for your new post

Check out a podcast interview I gave about the church's mission in a Post-Covid19 age. You can find that here .