Come, Let's Journey Together

By John Chesnut, Wycliffe USA President/CEO

Post date: April 1, 2019

When you hear the phrase “let’s journey together,” what comes to mind?

I immediately think of taking trips with family or friends, working closely with colleagues over a season, or having deep friendships with a person or small group of people during a period of time. As I think about journeying, I’m reminded of the personal growth I’ve experienced as others have poured into me. I remember fun times and a lot of laughter. I also remember difficult times — stretching times I did not choose, but happened as a result on a journey with others.

Journeying together is a longer-term commitment to walking together.

In the Board presidential listening process that was conducted in the fall of 2017, participants were asked, “What leadership gifts and strengths will be most important in our next President/CEO?” The overwhelming response was spiritual leadership (demonstrating a mature faith through a godly life of the heart, soul, mind, body and relationships, and through encouraging others to practice spiritual disciplines and grow in their knowledge of God). I have taken this input from you to heart.

I’ve considered the question: “What would I like to be true of every Wycliffe USA staff person — member, paid and volunteer — regardless of what they do or where they live?” And my response has been: “That they would be known for loving God and loving people.”

With this in mind, I invite you to join me as we journey together and corporately focus on what it means to love God and love people. Twice a month, you’ll receive emails on this topic. I encourage you to find a colleague or a small group of people who will journey with you in exploring and discussing this. Our anchor verse will be Mark 12:30-31, “And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these” (NLT).

Today I begin a new journey serving in the role of president/CEO of Wycliffe USA. I’m both honored and humbled by this appointment. Kelly and I covet your prayers in the days ahead — that the leadership team and I would lead well with wisdom, courage, grace and listening ears.

We’re looking forward to this season! Thanks for journeying with us!