Greetings, Paraclete Family!
As a former associate, let me begin by saying how grateful I am for the strong leadership and direction Paraclete has enjoyed under Glen Volkhardt these past 17 years. His guidance has made Paraclete a safe and stable platform for ministry worldwide—a blessing my own family experienced during the past five years as we served those around us in Mexico.
Today, November 1st, I am excited to begin this new stage of Paraclete leadership with you as your CEO. My commitment is to continue providing a place where missionaries can minister as God has called them. The administrative team and I are here to make sure you have the backing you need to work well; and though my office is virtual, it is always open to you.
Given the importance of our work together for God’s kingdom, I would ask you three things:
Be one in Christ. The name Paraclete in Greek means “one who consoles or comforts” or “advocate”—from this we also get “to come alongside and render aid.” In scripture it is used of both Jesus and the Holy Spirit. With this in mind, remember that Jesus prayed to His Father for us as His disciples to be one, just as He and the Father are one (Jn. 17:21). This unity gives weight to our Gospel message. Additionally, we are all baptized into one Spirit (1 Cor. 12:13) and are members of one body. There is much that could divide us, but we must set those things aside for the greater cause of proclaiming Christ to all men.
Work diligently, as the Apostle Paul wrote: “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me” (Phil. 3:12). We have been called to ministry by our great God—so serve Him well and serve Him faithfully!
Please pray—pray for strength for all Paraclete workers, knowing that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood” (Eph. 6:12). Pray for perseverance for our administrative team as they diligently serve you with consistency; and pray for me, as your CEO, that God would grant grace and wisdom to lead well.
As we mark this day of leadership change, it is also a day of continuation. Glen has handed off a purpose and mission that is larger than either of us. I ask that you continue that mission with me so that together we can make Paraclete a great instrument in our Redeemer’s hands—and, more importantly, bring glory to God by being obedient to His command to make disciples of all nations.
“He has told you, O man, what is good;
and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?”
Micah 6:8
For His Glory,
Tim Bedford, CEO