Thursday, May 31, 2018

Dogs are life changing

Our life with a dog is not quite 2 years along, and we have enjoyed many things that have come from having a dog.



We have met way more neighbors than we had in the previous 15 years!  We are out more and most people like meeting dogs.





We get outside more.  Brexit loves being outside.



We meet other dogs, including this Great Dane named Lincoln.





We have unique dog decorated clothing.


We are more directly involved with wildlife, like this owl.

The culture in ministry


BUILDING A HEALTHY CULTURE

A few years ago, Cru began utilizing a staff survey with the Best Christian Workplaces Institute (BCWI) to look at how our staff experience serving with the ministry.  They look at things like team health, work with purpose, leadership, strategy and communication, among others.  In the end, an organization ends up with a score, from “toxic” to “flourishing.”

You may remember that we have been assisting GAiN, our humanitarian ministry, for the last few years.   When we first talked I shared with Al, the President,  how his staff need to know that Gain wants to invest in them and build a culture where people would want to serve.  We started making a plan to do that.  

GAiN’s scores in this survey have increased significantly in each of the last two years.  Morale has increased dramatically because they are clear about what they are doing, and the team have been intentional about appreciating their work.  They are now certified as “healthy” by the BCWI survey. 

Al, wrote to my supervisor this month, “In terms of fruitfulness, our achieving a Best Christian Workplace certification by BCWI and our being financially solvent is in no small part due to Barrett’s help with our Leadership team. “   Your investment in our ministry with Cru is making a difference!  Thank you.

Staff join Cru to make a difference in the world for Christ; they are willing to raise their financial support to do it; they enter willing to serve.  We want to support that desire and faith.  It takes intentional effort to create the kind or organization that will support that calling and we are glad we have been able to help GAiN do that.






QUICK VISITS

Luke was the last one to go out to meet Zeke, and before that we got him down to Orlando to visit over Easter Weekend.  











Macy and Catelin went to Virginia to visit Luke last weekend.  It is great to see everyone making connections and welcoming Zeke into the family.




With much love and thanks,