I have fond memories of summer vacation when I was young. Who doesn’t? The days were long and filled with bike rides, playing basketball in the driveway, and going on adventures with my friends in the neighborhood. I remember times when my father was using the hose to water the garden and he would let me take a drink right from the hose. The water always felt colder, tasted cleaner, and was more refreshing when it came from the hose. Those halcyon days and the fun I had are forever imprinted in my brain. As I got older, the days seemed shorter, the basketball games were fewer, and I didn’t take as many bike rides. What happened to that carefree youngster and the Xanadu that was summer vacation?

This summer has been a return to that youthful excitement and exuberance as I begin this new adventure with Church Extension Fund. I have heard many people say that their first few weeks at a new job are like “drinking from a firehose”. While there is much to learn, my transition to the role of Vice President- Marketing & Relations has not felt like drinking from a firehose, more like the flow of a garden hose, and the water at CEF is clean, cold, and very refreshing!

My last stop before coming to CEF was as Director of Donor Relations at Concordia University Ann Arbor. I interacted with donors and friends of the university to build relationships with those that wanted to see CUAA’s mission lived out through its students. In the almost two and a half years in that position, I was able to meet many great pastors and incredible lay people who love Jesus and want to see His kingdom grow and expand. While the words of Concordia’s mission statement differ from those of Church Extension Fund, the focus and goals of both organizations is the same; serving the Church and God’s people.

As my esteemed and well-loved colleague Paul Wills rides off into his “New Beginning”, I have seen first-hand his dedication to the mission of CEF and the people that it serves. Even in our short time together it is obvious why Paul has been such a blessing to CEF and the congregations and people of the Michigan District; because he keeps his focus on service to Christ. I realize I have large shoes to fill and am up to the task. I am excited to continue the mission of carrying forth the Great Commission through the great ministry of Church Extension Fund!