When you have kids in college, as I do, the end of the summer is bittersweet. The “bitter” part comes not only with seeing them off—it’s also watching your bank balance plummet as the bills come in. Higher education isn’t cheap in America, but it’s a good investment.

A microfinance client in Cambodia shows off the results of a fishing-net purchase. (Jon Warren/WV)

There’s a big difference between a gift and an investment. It’s best described by the adage you’ve probably heard a million times: “Give a man a fish, and he’ll eat today; teach a man to fish, and he’ll eat for a lifetime.” When people have nothing, that fish is a godsend—it keeps them alive another day. But when people’s basic needs are met and they’re ready for the chance to thrive, a well-placed loan provides the “fishing line.”

Microfinance—providing small loans and support to the working poor to start and grow their own businesses—is a powerful investment. For World Vision, it’s the finishing touch on poverty-fighting programs such as providing food, water, education, and agricultural help. Microfinance creates an economic engine that sustains the good work we’ve achieved with communities.

World Vision recently started Micro to connect U.S. donors with developing-world entrepreneurs. You can choose someone whose name, circumstances, and business you can get to know and help fund small loans for them, tracking their progress over time.

It helps to put a face on poverty, doesn’t it? Well, here’s another one: mine. I was a microfinance client in my early years. I came from a poor family, and my parents couldn’t afford to send me to college. But I was able to get a loan to go to Cornell. I would not be here today without that opportunity—it transformed my life.

Check out Micro. For a relatively small price, you can invest in building a brighter future for someone—somene like me.

Yesterday I connected with a long-time friend who had just been told that his job was being cut. It was clearly a financial decision by his employer—but that doesn’t make the reality of losing one’s job any easier. He is a man of integrity and a hard worker. Aren’t those qualities that God recognizes and rewards with blessings? Yes, but not always in the way we expect.

(Jon Warren/World Vision)

I reminded my friend that twice in my career I was let go from jobs. Both times were difficult, but also seasons of spiritual growth and anticipation around what God had in store for me next. In those dark moments, I could not have know that God would lead me to the place I find myself today—serving in a position that fits my gifts and passions. Those tough times were truly blessings that I never could have imagined.

I’m praying for my friend, that God will direct him to a new place of service and joy.

What about you? How have you seen God turn your dark moments into something glorious and unexpected?

Two events this week underscore the fact that the world is a dangerous place for Christians. Ten people working for the International Assistance Mission were shot dead in Afghanistan, allegedly killed because of their faith. Then a militant group in Somalia—where World Vision has worked for 18 years—ordered us and two other Christian organizations to close down operations, claiming the groups are proselytizing. (World Vision provides aid to people regardless of their religion.)

Such news hits us hard, and yet it never weakens our resolve to work in the cruel corners of the world. Throughout World Vision’s 60-year history, God has called our ministry to serve where Jesus is—wherever that is.

Perhaps God hasn’t called you to a war-torn country. But is He calling you to something risky in a different way—because it’s out of your comfort zone? For me, the call to join World Vision in 1998 was just that. I didn’t want to give up my comfortable, predictable life. I resisted, wanting to stay where I felt safe.

Jonah in the Bible also resisted God’s call to go to Nineveh and preach to pagans. And you know what happened to him—he landed in the belly of the whale. That’s a harsh example, but still a valid one; when I was tempted to turn down the World Vision job, my wife, Reneé, said, “If we turn our backs on God’s will for our lives, what makes us think we’ll be better off? Maybe God is saving us from something we can’t know—one of our kids getting into trouble, losing your job, a terrible accident, or worse.” And in her wisdom, Reneé reminded me that living in God’s will is the only safe place to be.

This is our assurance: God has a plan for our lives. Wherever that takes us or how much it stretches us, we don’t need to fear the consequences.

Where has God called you? In what unexpected places or situations have you found peace by following His will?

My executive career has spanned industries as diverse as shaving cream, video games, fine china, and now, humanitarian aid. I’ve learned a lot of leadership lessons along the way.

But the teacher who has inspired me most is Jesus. He had a tough job. Imagine if this were your assignment: “Select a group of people who are going to bring the good news to the ends of the earth.” No pressure! Jesus selected 12 people, several of whom were unlikely candidates—He saw past the résumé and into their hearts. Jesus spent three years investing in them, teaching them, and casting a vision.

Then He basically said, “I’m leaving now, and you need to do it.” Of course, He sent the Holy Spirit to inform and inspire them. But He didn’t come back every six months for performance reviews. He said, “Go into all the earth and make disciples of all nations, teaching them everything I’ve taught you.” That foundational leadership worked out rather well: He started with 12, and 2,000 years later, there are 2 billion Christians in the world.

Today’s leaders must shepherd this massive flock while continuing to make new disciples and staying true to Christ’s teachings. This week, thousands of them are finding inspiration at the Willow Creek Global Leadership Summit, an annual event hosted in South Barrington, Ill., and sent via satellite to 200 locations.

Many World Vision staff are there as well, supporting the summit’s goal of equipping Christian leaders. In his opening message, Willow Creek Senior Pastor Bill Hybels mentioned our founder, Bob Pierce, highlighting his passion and focus. Since so many pastors have asked me about how their churches might take action to serve the world’s poor, we are offering free Gospel Quest kits to all 40,000 attendees. My prayer is that churches will embark on the six-week quest (based on The Hole in Our Gospel) as a way to expand their commitment to loving their neighbors. 

Please pray for everyone involved in the summit, that the lessons they learn there will energize and equip them to do the world’s toughest job—for the world’s greatest boss.