| October 17, 2019 ◊ Issue 12 |
| | Andrew Baker, founder and president of BrainWave Consulting Company, LLC, loved computers as a child. As an adult, he created his business in 1995. The part-time venture became a full-time company in 2012, providing cybersecurity, remote server and network management and a host of other services. “Although I did not always notice it at the time, as I have looked back on the early part of my career, I can see many places where God was setting a foundation that I wasn’t even aware of until much later,” says Baker, who lives in West Virginia. “He placed me in positions of significant business responsibility at a pretty early point in my career, and He opened doors for me that allowed me to set up my business at a point when I didn’t even know I needed one.”
What has been an obstacle that you have had to overcome? How have you learned to handle this and what tips can you share with others? As a technologist, and someone who is used to making things happen, the hardest part for me in this journey has been to fully trust God. There are times where I have trusted God intellectually (in principle), but not in actuality. Even sometimes when I am praying for God to help me with a problem — lack of resources, getting a business opportunity, etc. — I’m framing a proposed solution to Him in a very humanistic way. (I need these resources, and if you allow me to get such-and-such a contract, then I will have what I need.) Letting God be God has sometimes been a challenge for me, but I find that as I engage in more ministry, He presents this issue to me more clearly and on a more regular basis. Thus, God has been using my ministry endeavors to others to help me understand Him better, and that translates into a better personal experience with Him. How have you seen God using you where He has placed you? God has granted me access to business owners, business leaders and technologies leaders – only some of who have a religious background – and is helping to show them (and me) that religion is not something that is at odds with good business. (Proverbs 22:29; Romans 12:11) He has also trained me to be a leader in church, which comes in handy when you attend a small country church. Recently, God has put a burden upon my heart to leverage technology for the Gospel, and start doing some online Bible studies. This has led to two Bible study podcasts, one in which I collaborate with my brother, Robert, and one I’m managing myself. What advice do you have for others in business and ministry based on your experiences? I would like to offer two key pieces of advice:
1. Look for both direct and indirect witnessing opportunities for your business. Don’t force the issue, but ask God to send opportunities your way, and be on the lookout for them.
2. When God puts a burden on your heart, just start trying to pursue it, no matter how feeble you think the effort is. If you stand on the banks of the Jordan trying to figure out the perfect strategy, or trying to determine exactly what God wants, then nothing happens. But when you step into the water, then all sorts of things begin to happen. |
| | | — Michele Joseph, managing editor, ASI Columbia Union newsletter |
| | A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT The year seems to have ignited its rocket boosters as 2019 moves rapidly toward year-end status. However, as the days and weeks and months go swiftly by, what a blessing to know that each moment still carries as its cargo the privileged purpose granted to us as children of an Awesome God, to actually be ambassadors for Him. In keeping with that privilege, ASI Columbia Union stands proudly with our sister chapters and ASI supporters around the globe as we continue to fulfill the tremendous ASI mission – to share Christ in the marketplace.
It is amazing to recognize that God in His divine wisdom is strategically gifting us, preparing us and placing us where there are people that need to know about and hear about Him. And our unique privilege is to be the mouthpiece and living example that will turn someone toward meeting the Best Friend they could ever have … Jesus Christ!! As you receive this month’s newsletter, our prayer is that the opportunities that are presented to you to share Christ in the marketplace will be readily recognized, and that the Creative Genius known as the Holy Spirit will show you engaging and relevant ways to introduce others to Christ. I encourage you to be you, embrace the presence of the Holy Spirit as your heavenly partner, and enjoy the ride as God uses you in the tailor-made plan He has developed for your unique witness.
As always, a reminder regarding upcoming events:
- COMING SOON — Plan to attend our next networking event on Oct. 24 at 6 p.m. at the home office of Nova HomeWorks located at 2290 Shaw Road, Sterling, VA 20166. Come join us as we connect with current members and meet new and prospective members. Hope to see you there.
- The ASI-CU Spring Convention will be held April 24-25, 2020, at the Living Hope SDA Church in Haymarket, VA. The theme will be “Lord, Give Us This Mountain” and we are blessed to have Pastor Mark Finley and Pastor Richard Martin as our main speakers. Exciting and engaging workshops will also be presented. We are looking forward to an uplifting and empowering experience!
I look forward to seeing you at an upcoming event or speaking with you soon. Blessings.
Your fellow servant, |
| | Mark A. Brown, ASI Columbia Union President
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| | | | | PRAYER REQUESTS This month we are praying for: |
| ASI Columbia Union
executive team as we plan and prepare for the April 2020 convention.
JOIN THE PRAYER LINE
Call 570-354-0272 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. to pray with Sharon Pruitt, CUASI vice president for spiritual development, and other CUASI members.
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| GOD'S PROMISE
“And the Lord will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above only, and not be beneath, if you heed the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you today, and are careful to observe them.” — Deuteronomy 28:13, New King James Version |
| | April 24-25, 2020 — ASI Columbia Union Spring Convention, Living Hope SDA Church, Haymarket, VA. |
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| July 29-Aug. 1, 2020 — ASI International Convention, Orlando, FL. For details, visit ASI's website. |
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| Our mission is to obey the Holy Spirit’s call to encourage, empower and equip Adventist members of Columbia Union to work together to finish God’s work in these times in harmony with the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
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| ASI Columbia Union Board: Mark A. Brown, president; Zubin David, vice president for membership; Sharon Pruitt, vice president for spiritual development; and Daniel Reed, vice president for projects, missions and evangelism ASI Columbia Union Staff: Nicole Labiche, administrative assistant Sponsor: Celeste Ryan Blyden, vice president, Columbia Union Conference Newsletter Managing Editor: Michele Joseph |
| | DID YOU MISS IT? Now you can read earlier editions of our newsletter by visiting the archive. Catch up on our news and learn about the variety of ministries, businesses and jobs held by our members. |
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