When we speak of transition, it’s usually in reference to our global mission workers. We have training that is done prior to a worker’s first deployment, when they return to the States, and in between fields. Currently, it is the U.S. Mobilization Center (US-MC) that is going through transition with six teams experiencing personnel changes.

April – Shift in Executive Leadership Team and Finance

In April we saw a hand-off of the responsibilities of Vice President of Global Ministries from Dick G to David B. Dick served for five years as VP-GM. In this role, he served on the Executive Leadership Team, the Area Director Team, the Global Ministries Team, and he wholeheartedly assisted teams and individuals across One Challenge US.

Dick says of David, “David is bringing a lifetime of wisdom and experience to this role. He has a proven ability to walk alongside non-western leaders and facilitate their success as a ‘western Barnabas’ to ‘local Pauls’. This is the heart of what we do well as an organization.”

The Finance team welcomed Tayler Nash to their team on April 15. Tayler was hired to a new position, Accounts Payable Specialist, to include the role of Accounts Payable Assistant held by Susan Fansler. Susan retired in May after faithfully working at OC since 2003.

Tayler says, “As an OC mission kid, one of the many joys of my new position is being able to serve an organization that has always been a part of my life. I get to serve many of the OC mission workers who have been there alongside my family for many years. Also, as my position is a new one for the ministry, I have the ability to streamline some of the processes within the Finance department and create new efficiencies for OC. I have the great opportunity to learn more about finance as it relates to ministry, and I have seen how those who serve in the administration side of the ministry serve a crucial and integral role in the expansion of God’s kingdom. I’m grateful and excited that I get to play a part in all of this.”

May – Shift in the Personnel Department

Last month the Personnel department made three shifts. Etta Bauck transitioned in as the new Director of Pre-field Training, replacing Dennis Martin. Dennis is moving from the pre-field position to head up OC’s Sexual Wholeness Initiative Team. Etta comes with 22 years of experience on One Challenge’s Philippine team.

Etta says, “I had a blast teaching juniors and seniors Bible at Faith Academy in the Philippines the last 18 years. I enjoyed being pushed to stay fresh in the content I taught, but I especially loved coming alongside students to help them take steps, from wherever they were. In my new role as Director of Pre-field, I find that I am still coming alongside people, helping them take steps. This is a joy to me—a new role but using gifts and experiences from my past journey to keep doing the things God has put in front of me.  It’s always fun to know that he doesn’t waste a thing.”

On the Mobilization Team – newly dubbed Prepare for Impact – Lydia Keller joins them as Administrative Assistant.

Lydia says, “I am so excited to be in a job that connects me to the whole Body of Christ through the whole world. I’ve felt so welcomed onto the team and I feel like I am able to really take ownership of what I do. There is a freedom to work hard at what I’m passionate about and grace for the mistakes I make along the way.”

June – Additions to the IT and Comm Departments

This month the Information Technology Department welcomes Shane Calhoun – doubling its size. IT director, Paul Morrell says, “Shane is a real answer to prayer and will be a great addition to OC.” For the last several months, Shane has had the opportunity to meet and help many US-MC folks.

Shane says, “I have a passion for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, as well as for technology. When technology is used effectively, it is a great tool that can help us spread God’s word and serve others throughout all nations. I am so excited to have the opportunity to serve the OC family, so we can all serve God and others more efficiently.”

Also this month the Communications Team is celebrating the increased contributions of Sophia Mokhriby and the return of Kelli Boesel. Sophia, our monthly newsletter editor, just graduated from University of Colorado at Colorado Springs with her bachelor’s degree in English. She will be increasing her hours and adding some new responsibilities to her newsletter editor position to include social media.

Sophia says, “My expanded position with the Communications team will allow me to spend more time at the office, and I’m very excited to have more face-to-face interaction with everyone at the US-MC. I’m overjoyed to have a more hands-on role in facilitating communication between our workers and their supporters.”

Kelli, who left last August to fill a teaching need at Faith Academy (Philippines), will be returning to her photo journalist position. The Comm Team is thrilled to have her back.

Opportunity for Creative Change

Transition can bring a certain amount of unsettledness to the office as new people are being trained and learning to navigate new procedures. At the same time, it brings in fresh thinking, which is always an opportunity for finding innovative, new ways of doing things. We celebrate these changes, grateful that each one represents an example of healthy, God-honoring leadership/work succession in One Challenge. May the Lord bless each one of these mission workers toward effective service for the growth of the kingdom.