THANK YOU JOHN!

Today we were lucky enough to have some lunch with the wonderful Co-founder of NeighborLink, John Barce.  He gave us some insight on his business expertise, and what it means to be a Christ follower in the business world. It was the perfect afternoon to learn from an influential man and enjoy a delicious meal. We all left with a little more knowledge than when we came. 

Here is what we had to say about today:

Something I pulled away from talking with John is the importance of God’s humble love.  John told multiple stories of business owners and how he saw them incorporating Christ into their organization.  While telling stories about other companies/organizations, it became clear to me that John had built relationships with these people and had touched each one of their lives.  He maybe did not even fully realize the impact he had on them.  Spreading the love of Christ doesn’t mean shouting it from the mountaintop so the whole world hears and knows about the good you’ve done.  Instead, people will see that good, because of your actions. 

Like St. Francis said “Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.”

//

I really enjoyed meeting with John today.  There were many questions concerning his job, being a lawyer and all that entails, in addition to how he enjoys his profession and most importantly, how he is able to walk out his faith and passions via his career.  He told story after story of business men and women he worked for as an attorney, who not only called themselves Christians but found ways to care well for their employees; so well in fact that employees will not leave for other opportunities of employment.  They are loyal to the people they work for because they are not seen as a simple tool to get a job accomplished, but instead are seen and regarded as humans with needs – something too often many businesses disregard.  Listening to these stories gave me hope.  There are humans out there caring for others well and not just out for the wealth of being a business owner.  That’s a rarity. 

I was also really impressed with his humility.  He is an accomplished man who has much reason to boast and yet is not pompous, rude, nor arrogant.  His heart is for people; to see them succeed, to see them make positive decisions leading to their well being, and to see individuals get the help they need.  This passion is enacted in both his professional environment as well as his heart for NeighborLink.  So often I have seen individuals rise on the corporate ladder only to lose the dream they once had to serve others in exchange for a more luxurious lifestyle.  It is very refreshing to witness an individual who, while he has done well in his profession, has made sure his heart is kept tender, his life in check, to continue to make room for God’s transforming love to move in him and through him as he journeys through this life.

//

One of the highlights of our lunch and learn with John was hearing about some family businesses he’s worked with that have done a great job of being a light for Christ. My family does not own a business, but the examples John talked about still offered great food for thought. He told us of multiple family businesses he’s worked with that have focused on community service, generosity, and imitating Christ in every facet of running their companies. He also told us about businesses that are making sure that the gospel is presented and easily available to all employees, but not forcing it on them. These examples were a great reminder to me that I should be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16) in every area of my life: at school, in my neighborhood, with friends and family, or in my future career. As Christians, Christ should be evident to every person we interact with, and I appreciate the example that John and the companies he told us about provide of that.

Thanks again John for a wonderful afternoon! We thorougly enjoyed ourselves,

Holly, Bethany, & Beth