Update: Lessons from Travelling Four Continents in Eight Weeks
Nov 13, 2024
In the last eight weeks, we've experienced the incredible privilege of witnessing the powerful intersection of faith and business across four continents. From Alaska (North America) to Africa, South America, and Europe, this journey has been a whirlwind of workshops, strategic connections, and life-changing stories that demonstrate the impact of bringing God into our workspaces. Here’s an inside look at what we’ve seen, learned, and sensed along the way.
Listen to the podcast here: Heaveninbusiness.com/podcasts/authentic-conversations-with-andy-janine-mason/episodes/2148900264
A Global Kingdom Impact
Over these past few weeks, we’ve covered more than 28,000 miles to engage business leaders and entrepreneurs hungry to partner with God in their work. Each place we visited—Alaska, Zimbabwe, Brazil, Germany, and Switzerland—offered a unique glimpse into the challenges and breakthroughs that are possible when we intentionally bring the kingdom of God into our daily work.
In Alaska, we were honored to lead workshops and leadership training sessions, especially in drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers, seeing firsthand the role of faith in healing and restoration.
In Zimbabwe, we experienced an unforgettable executive retreat beside the Zambezi River, where wild lions’ footprints were found around our tents one morning! There, we prophesied, prayed, and strategized with business leaders on ways to advance the kingdom through their businesses. We later joined local leaders in Harare, praying and speaking words of wisdom over their businesses, from gas stations to franchises, encountering situations where God's insight unraveled the toughest issues.
From Zimbabwe, we moved to Brazil, where workshops in Curitiba and Joinville brought together local business leaders, Kingdom-minded entrepreneurs, and leaders from global communities. Working with teams from Gateway Church and Global Awakening, we witnessed God-inspired shifts in business as we dove into deep discussions on faith at work.
Our final stop in Europe took us to Germany and Switzerland, where we partnered with Hope Business Club and Creative Kingdom Solutions. Here, we conducted workshops and interviews, experiencing the power of community-driven change in European business circles.
Key Takeaways: Three Simple Truths
From these travels, we identified three recurring themes that apply to every one of us as we bring our faith into the marketplace:
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The Power of Story: Everywhere we went, sharing testimonies was central to building faith and encouraging others. Each story carries scriptural truths and applications that serve as beacons for others. If you’re looking for an impactful way to share your faith at work, start with your story. What has God done for you? Share the biblical foundations behind it, and give others actionable steps to apply that wisdom in their own lives.
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The Strength of Community: A core strategy at Heaven in Business is to do this work together. We partner with friends, mentor up-and-coming leaders, and work alongside others in the trenches. This creates a foundation of trust and accountability while allowing us to multiply skills and experiences. Whether we’re sharing a meal or traveling across countries, doing this work with friends amplifies its impact.
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Avoid Comparison: After each trip, we often come back feeling both grateful and challenged. However, I realized recently that frustration tends to arise when we fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others. Instead of measuring our journey against others, we need to focus on where God has us. Each of us has a unique calling and timeline. When we stay centered on what God is doing in our own story, we experience greater peace and joy.
A Word for This Season: Hurry Up, Listen Up, and Tighten Up
Amid the global challenges, we feel an urgency in our mission to equip leaders in their work. Three phrases have resonated with us: Hurry Up, Listen Up, and Tighten Up.
- Hurry Up: Act quickly on what God is calling you to. Procrastination has no place in this season of acceleration.
- Listen Up: Make time to hear God’s voice daily. This practice is foundational to walking in alignment with His will.
- Tighten Up: With uncertainty in the economy and changing global dynamics, there’s a need to streamline. Strengthen systems, cut unnecessary expenses, and prepare yourself to pivot as needed.
As we continue this journey, it’s clear that God is preparing His people to be impactful forces for His kingdom through business. There is a sense of urgency, and the call to partner with Him in our work has never been stronger. So, take these lessons to heart, join us in this mission, and let’s move forward together in faith, purpose, and excellence.
Next steps:
1. Join 150-200 global business leaders at the annual Heaven in Business conference in Atlanta, February 2025. Details here: Heaveninbusiness.com/conference
2. Grow in your clarity and confidence hearing the voice of God through Andy and Janine's new book: Listen Up: Hearing God at Work. Available on Amazon or signed copy (USA only) here -Heaveninbusiness.com/offers/YTyFSJmF/checkout
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