More of my incredible Dream Year participants...
1. Chris McAlister - Pataskala, OH
Chris is long-time pastor with a strong pedigree in counseling. He's leading a church, getting his doctorate and writing a book at the same time. His dream is to lead transformative events for church leaders that will extend the life of their ministries and help them avoid burn-out. His first retreat happens in April and will serve as a beta-model for a national organization.
2. Amaris Kress - Spartanburg, SC
Amaris has compassion that is rare for her generation. One of her favorite passages of Scripture is when a friend of Job simply sits with him during his dark time. She's launching an organization called To Be Near, which will bring the compassionate love of Jesus to people in tragic circumstances. Her first trip will be to Haiti in May. Amaris has the perfect gift mix to bring people hope during crisis. The "history of her dream," as we call it, is very strong.
3. Brian Becker - Portland, OR
Brian has been working at a church in Portland for years. So when he and his wife explored planting a church, they thought they needed to move elsewhere. They toured several cities throughout Oregon and Washington, but nothing clicked. Building up his courage, he approached his pastor to get his blessing to plant in Portland... and got so much more. He not only told Brian he thought he was called to Portland, but he agreed to put the full weight and influence of the church behind him. Brian's planting in Woodstock, OR near Reed College.
You take good care of Amaris, Arment, or I will hunt you down. I adore that girl!
Posted by: Anne Jackson | March 15, 2010 at 05:44 PM
Anne, we'll be knocking on your door later... =) Amaris needs an advocate like you.
Posted by: Ben Arment | March 15, 2010 at 09:28 PM
Brian's my Pastor! I love that when I first read this all I could think was "That's my Pastor!" So excited for this year!
Posted by: Samantha | March 19, 2010 at 03:06 AM