04/29/2021
Established in 2011, for nine years, Abante International has led over 60 colleagues throughout 30 countries as they served the Kingdom of God through assisting International church plants, pursuing humanitarian missions, evangelism, social and community projects, leadership training and spiritual formation. However, this post is not about Abante International. It is about a moment of time on March 21, 2011 at 8:01 PM.
Pictured here you see my late friend, Kevin Harris, leading an Elders’ meeting at Lawrenceville Church of God (the church he led at the time). This meeting in particular was a key pivotal moment for Abante International. You see, I was serving at the time as Lawrenceville Church of God’s Executive Pastor alongside Kevin as Lead Pastor and we (Beba and I) had felt for a while like it was the right time to launch Abante International.
Kevin for years had dreamed with me—even while he served as the church’s previous youth pastor—about what the future could hold! When it finally came time to initiate the dream, Kevin threw his entire support into launching the program. It wasn’t easy. The church was transitioning at the time and it was a bit risky for all involved to launch a radical new thing!
I have countless photos of our time at Lawrenceville Church of God and our adventures together. However, I chose to post this one. The quality is not the best. However, it was taken at the very moment that Kevin was introducing the radical idea of Abante International to the Elders’ Board. He took a risk on someone else’s dream. That risk paid off and during the active years of Abante International, countless International lives were touched!
As extraordinary as his friendship and advocacy was for me—honestly—it wasn’t all that extraordinary for Kevin. That was Kevin’s ordinary everyday way of interacting with those around him! He was a builder of dreams and not just his own! My experience with Kevin is not a unique one. Nonetheless, I add my voice to the chorus that echoes the same sentiment.
It was an honor to serve alongside Kevin as a fellow staff pastor and then under him as one of his staff members! I saw many sides of Kevin. It was a true honor.
On behalf of all the colleagues, churches, ministries, leaders and friends around the world who’ve benefited from Abante International, I want to say, “Thank you, Heavenly Father,” for using your servant to influence our lives. Additionally, as I field text messages and calls from former Abante Colleagues literally from all over the world, one thing they hope is that the entire family knows our prayers are with them!
The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.
