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How Faith Influences the Co-Founder of Bellhops

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Cameron Doody, Co-Founder of Bellhops

 

Starting a business is a risky endeavor. At the age of 25 the Lord was calling Cameron Doody to do just that. In 2011 Cameron and a friend launched what is known today as Bellhops, a modern moving company that combines technology and a talented workforce to provide a fun, friendly, and professional moving experience. It is in over 15 cities and was named Best Company Culture of 2015 by Entrepreneur Magazine. As a man of faith, Cameron quickly learned that starting a company and seeking the Lord in the midst of it all was easier said than done. I had the chance to meet with Cameron Doody and talk to him about his experience in building a company as a Christ-follower.

Tell me a little about your vocational journey.

The early twenties is a scary time. I had no idea what God wanted me to do. I was experiencing a lot of anxiety and lack of fulfillment in my current job, which ultimately led me to starting this company. I quickly learned that starting a company is all consuming. It was not your typical 9-5 job, and I found it difficult to invest time in my spiritual life. I unintentionally lost closeness to Christ in the first two years purely because of time. It seemed like everything other than this company and my wife was taking a back seat. God never left my mind, but there were times where my natural tendency was to clam up and try to do everything myself.
Ultimately, trying to build a company and not having Christ as my immediate thought caused me to have anxiety attacks. I physically needed God. Experiencing anxiety attacks was a huge wake-up call for me, and I knew that I couldn’t do this alone. Since then I have strived to seek Christ before all things, but it hasn’t been easy. The demands of building a business are real and tough.

How have your Christian values manifested themselves in your business specifically?

The culture here at Bellhops is very positive and family oriented. Bellhops is built on a foundation of truth, honesty, and integrity. Christianity shines through in unstated ways: how you react to things, how you prioritize things and how you treat other people. If you are truly living your life for Christ, that should be clear and as a believer, it is our responsibility to act in a certain way.

Is there a book and or mentor that has helped you in your faith and business journey?

A huge mentor for me throughout the years has been Krue Brock. That man is good at understanding when something isn’t being said. He reaches out to me when I’m not doing well. He encourages and lifts me up. I have seen the power of prayer through Krue in how God puts it on his heart to pray for me and reach out to me when he does. It is so important to have somebody like that in your life when starting a company.

What does being a Christian business leader mean to you?

When you are put on a pedestal and put in the lime light where you are leading and providing for a lot of people and families, you have a responsibility to act in a certain way, and clinging to Christ is of the utmost importance for me. If you are truly living your life for Christ, it should be clear in the ways you care for your employees.

What are some verses you rely on in your job, or that help you form your bases of Christian values for your company?
But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15
I think this is such a perfect verse to consider at work. Work is a place that can consume a lot of your thoughts, and certainly a lot of your time. Are you serving yourself, or your company? Or are you here on earth to serve the Lord? This is a great reminder of what is really important.

Do you have any specific advice to future Christian business leaders?

From the start, think about whether you are going to build a Christian organization and one that welcomes anyone. It is an important question to ask. As Christians, we are called to bring non-Christians to Christ. How best can we do that? You can’t do that when you are in an echo chamber (only surrounding yourself with other Christians). As a Christian you have an obligation to build an organization based on Christian values, whether employees are believers or not. To bring in employees that do not consider themselves Christians is a God-given opportunity that as a leader I believe we shouldn’t let slip away.

If you could say one thing to other Christian business leaders or to business leaders as a whole, what would it be?
Don’t be afraid to voice your faith. Bringing faith into any conversation is not an automatic pass. It’s hard to justify a faith based decision unless your company is openly rooted on Christian values, it’s almost impossible to make decisions otherwise. If you want to be making faith based decisions at work, build a company openly based on Christian values.

Cameron didn’t do everything perfectly; he even admits today that it is still a struggle integrating his faith alongside his work. Yet Cameron is continually striving to understand what it means to live faithfully in the world of business. Praise God that there is grace for all, and praise God that there are men and women out there like Cameron seeking to unify corporate America with Christian values.

How Faith Influences the Owner of A National Furniture Company

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We continue our new series on how faith influences business with William White and his story.  Our goal is to find out how their faith influences their business, the role of Scripture, their role in the Church, and more.

He believes that God was leading him “always and in all ways.”

“William, are you going to do something special? When are you going to find your career?” William White’s grandmother was always after him to make his life count for something special. Many years later, he is President of Gabriella White, a holding company named in her honor, overseeing 350 employees at furniture companies Summer Classics and Gabby.

His career path took many twists and turns, but he believes that God was leading him “always and in all ways.” Growing up, he spent summers working in the warehouse of his father’s fledgling business, Summer Classics, an outdoor furniture company. Loading and unloading trucks in a hot warehouse, he remembers as “rough work in a rough environment.” And it left him with a bad taste in his mouth. He did not want to work for or with his dad at Summer Classics.

But after a stint in banking, and a promising sales job at a chemical manufacturer, White began to reconsider his options. He could stay with the chemical company, which would involve a move, or his father held out a tantalizing prospect: start an indoor furniture company under the Summer Classics label, helping the company avoid the seasonal downturn endemic to the outdoor furniture business.

He took the bait, and launched “Gabby” in January, 2010 – the midst of the recession – with a 1,500 square foot showroom in Atlanta. Today the Gabby line is found in showrooms all over the US, and it has been profitable every year. Gabby and Summer Classics now operate out of a 500,000 square foot warehouse/showroom where 220 employees are housed, with 13 additional retail stores across the USA.

Working with his father as he launched Gabby had challenges, but White believes that “faith is an integral part of how we maintain our close relationship and run the business.” The father and son work successfully together because of their strong faith, and they consider themselves best friends. “The culture at Summer Classics has become better because of the two of us working together – two heads are better than one,” he jokes.

The company’s statement of Core Values is ingrained in everything they do. The statement was derived from a study of scripture, which White relies on for daily guidance leading the business. Every employee is held accountable to those values in their regular performance reviews.

Last year he invited his weekly Bible study leader to come into the office every Friday, to be available as a Chaplain for employees to talk to.

White nurtures his employee relationships and tries to be positive every day, remembering that “if the boss ain’t happy, nobody’s happy.” Relationships are the area where he strives most to model his faith. Last year he invited his weekly Bible study leader to come into the office every Friday, to be available as a Chaplain for employees to talk to. This gives employees a venue other than the Human Resources office where they can share personal issues, problems at home, or other relationship issues. The Chaplain listens, counsels and disciples those who come to him. White says, “I think it’s working well – but it’s really not any of my business. I pray that employees are taking advantage of this opportunity to receive counseling – but it’s all very private.”

White wants the workplace to be “kind of like a club. We work hard to find the right people for every job – those who fit the requirements, want the job, and have the capacity to get the job done. And once you’re in the club, you want to stay there because of the people around you.” When mistakes are made, “we try to model compassion and forgiveness in the workplace,” White says. The company has a “3-strike rule”, giving employees who make mistakes an opportunity at a second, and even third chance.

The companies in the Gabriella White family strive to give back to the communities they serve, helping previously homeless families get into furnished housing, donating to cancer research in honor of a 17-year employee who lost her battle with the disease, and offering physical and logistical support for emergency response when disasters strike.

“Scripture is the most important thing – living in the Word.”

When asked if there were specific books which guide him in his business faith practices, White said, “Scripture is the most important thing – living in the Word.” He has many verses that he goes to as he lives out his faith at work and at home.

From Titus 2:7, “in everything set them an example by doing what is good.” In Proverbs, he cites 3:1-3, “My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity. Let love and faithfulness never leave you.” And from Philippians 2:1-2, “Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.”

He is also led by the verses in Proverbs that speak to letting God direct your paths and seeking wise counsel. His favorite parable is The Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30. He prays that as he honors God in the workplace, God will honor him by saying, “well done, good and faithful servant.”

“well done, good and faithful servant.”

 

The Conquering Christ in Pakistan

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The Conquering Christ in Pakistan

There was once a young lawyer who dreamed of living in a country free from its imperial conquerors. Free from religious persecution.

There was once a young boy who dreamed of serving God; who lived to bring His word to the people of his nation.

There was once a young girl who wanted nothing more than to be a light for God in the world. To lead her fellow sisters, mothers, and daughters in Christ closer to Him.

The lawyer, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, led the fight against British India and its Hindu majority, carving out the nation of Pakistan with blood and ardor.

Jinnah had a vision for the fledgling Pakistani nation-state: a safe haven for all Muslims to worship freely and without fear. And so, in the name of justice and retribution, the formerly oppressed Muslims lashed out at their Hindu neighbors, sparking several years of bloodshed that would claim the lives of between 200,000-2,000,000 people, not including those who were kidnapped and held hostage. This became part of a history of violence and fear as both India and Pakistan brutalized their respective Muslim and Hindu minority populations.

Over the next several decades, as regime after regime fought for control over Pakistan, the Islamic state consolidated its power, basing its laws on a strict interpretation of the Quran. They enacted the Blasphemy Laws, making any word or action that could be construed as anti-Islamic punishable by a fine, jail time, or even death.

The young boy, Patras Nazir, and the young girl, Sumble Patras, fell in love and married. They began a ministry in Pakistan to serve and grow the Kingdom of God.

Patras and Sumble have watched their Christian neighbors and friends be falsely accused of blasphemy by those driven by jealousy and greed. Some were found innocent, but many paid dearly for their “crimes.”

They have seen whole Christian communities abandon their homes for fear of persecution.

They have seen the few Muslim judges that stood up for fairness and justice disappear in the middle of the night, leaving their families to poverty and starvation.

But still their ministry endures.

Patras and Sumble go throughout their community, unafraid to be known for who they are and the message they bring. Sumble leads weekly women’s classes, teaching what the Bible says about being a good wife, mother, and daughter. She creates a safe environment for honest discussion of spiritual and social issues.

Patras, now an ordained minister, travels on a small red scooter throughout the region, nurturing fledging Christian communities and training new pastors to lead them. He is currently working to translate pastoral books into the common language, Urdu, in order to make education easier. He brings the translated books by the dozens to these communities, stacking them precariously on the backseat of his tiny scooter, making himself an obvious and easy target under the Blasphemy Law.

But still their ministry endures.

Patras visits prisons, where he listens to inmates convicted of theft, murder, and blasphemy, and prays with them. He teaches them about Jesus, telling them that Jesus loves them, that He died for them, that He has already taken their sins to the cross. That if they repent, and accept His love, they will be washed clean. Over the course of several years, has received dozens of confessions, professions of repentance, and performed many baptisms. In fact, many of the inmates have since become a part of his ministry.

And in the decades since their marriage, their daughter, Shemaiah, has started a children’s ministry to bring the Word to the next generation.

Even though their lives are daily in danger—still their ministry endures. In fact, it is growing. When asked about his favorite part of being a pastor, Patras said, “I like to do everything in my ministry whole heartedly, and filled with love, because the Bible says whatever you do, do it whole heartedly, not for men but for God. Therefore everything related to ministry is my favorite. I do it with a passion and a burden.”

Their family has become the true face of Jesus, actively suffering and enduring the threat of persecution and death; bringing His joyful, compassionate presence to all those in need.

They have stood, unflinching, in the midst of other people’s pain and borne it with them. They have looked every person in the eye—regardless of their faith—and said, simply, “Jesus loves you.”

But they need our help. The Christian population in Pakistan needs our prayers for guidance and protection, and it needs educational materials to help new communities feed their theological needs.

As Patras has said, “The greatest rewards of my ministry are the salvation and winning of souls for Christ through our preaching and teaching. When people invite us to return to their churches again and again, it means that God’s Holy Spirit is touching and blessing them through us…Through our translation work, thousands of people come to know the methods and principles of teaching and preaching, and the profundity of the Biblical message. They have been equipped and trained and are working in different areas throughout Pakistan. We continue this work for the glory of the Lord as God makes it possible for us.”

Patras and Sumble pray every night for all of us—for peace and prosperity in our world. Now it is our turn to help them endure in theirs.

Thanking God for Faithful Ministry Partners

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“I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel.” Phil 1:4-5

The Grace Institute and WeDevote Chinese Bible App share LMW’s mission to equip leaders for gospel-centered ministry worldwide
Leaders from The Grace Institute and WeDevote will be sharing their vision next week at LMW’s 25th Anniversary celebration. We are grateful for their partnership in the gospel. The Grace Institute is working throughout Latin America training and equipping pastors to share God’s grace through Jesus Christ. They partnered with LMW to develop and implement Teleios, a Spanish language digital platform that delivers biblical education and training to pastors in under-resourced areas.
WeDevote is China’s most popular Bible app, offering God’s Word to Chinese people who are encountering Christ for the very first time. The free app offers Chinese language Bible translations, and includes the Chinese version of The Preacher’s Outline & Sermon Bible®.
The gospel of Jesus Christ has the dynamic power to change our hearts, our lives and the world around us. When the gospel message is shared, the Holy Spirit moves, hearts are transformed, new believers are baptized, churches are planted, and communities benefit through faith in Christ.
We have been blessed to see the gospel at work around the world as pastors are equipped to share God’s Word. All praise to God who encourages, empowers, and upholds us.

A Day in the Life of a Romanian Pastor

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This story is based on actual events and first-hand accounts of pastor’s lives in Romania; the characters, however, are fictional.

 

 

The sun won’t rise for another hour, but already Mihai, a Romanian Pastor, and his two sons, Ion and Vasile, have cleaned out the stables, milked the cow, and fed the chickens and ducks. His daughters, Mariana and Elena, have spent the morning cleaning and collecting fruits and vegetables from their garden to bring to those of their community in need. They will share whatever is left between them.

As they head back to their house, there is already a crowd of people waiting by the front door. Some request blessings for new family members or animals, others seek prayers for the sick. Most are just hoping for food.

The crowd is welcomed inside, and immediately conversations develop around the latest soccer news and the Romanians playing professionally throughout Europe. After blessing the food, Mihai distributes it among the needy. He prays with those who are sick or suffering. He makes appointments to bless newborn babies and animals. He gives the last of his gas money to an elderly woman who cares for her neighbor’s three children.

Once everyone has left, Mihai gathers his things, mentally preparing himself for the day ahead. As he grabs his hat, his eldest, Mariana, hugs him and whispers, “We’re out of flour, Papa.”
He nods and steps out into the blinding first rays of the sun, quiet tears racing him down the front steps.

As he climbs into their horse-drawn cart, he tries to hold back the well of emotions threatening to break free. He knows there is only one moldy onion left for the five of them to eat tonight. He knows he gave away more food this morning than they have eaten in a long while. But he also knows he has a job to do. And so he clutches his Preacher’s Outline and his grandmother’s Bible to his heart—gifts more dear to him than his home [1]—and sets out down the dusty road.

 

Mihai is the only Pastor for over 100 miles. He is responsible for three church communities, and does his best to split his time equally between them. Each day he rides to his neighboring farms and villages, bringing what foodstuffs he can, blessing any who ask, praying with those in need, and telling all who will listen, “Jesus loves you!”

Like more than 85% of evangelical pastors, Mihai has no formal education. Collectively, he and his family make $250-$350 a month, and with five mouths to feed, seminary classes are a luxury he cannot afford. His Preacher’s Outline & Sermon Bible® was given to him by an American ministry that translates and donates pastoral resources to church communities in developing nations. They are the only educational materials that Mihai has access to in order prepare his sermons, and answer faith-based questions from his community. His ministry is entirely dependent on his children’s income and other aid donations. His congregations do not have the funds to support him. Like today, Mihai often has to choose between feeding his family and ministering to his three churches[2].

If you were to ask him why he continues on in the face of hunger and strife and poverty, he would simply reply, “Someone has to remind people that God wants them. So until someone better comes, I guess it’ll be me.”

 

 

Later that night, as he lay in bed, road-weary and hungry, Mihai recites to himself his wife’s last words—the reason for his ministry—“Don’t forget God. Without looking up to something true, none of it holds together.[3]”

And he closes his eyes to prepare himself for tomorrow. And tomorrow’s tomorrow.

[1] From a report on Romanian pastors by Bob Patty

[2] Paragraph paraphrased from the same report by Bob Patty

[3] Paraphrased quote from Dr. Peter Augustine Lawler.

Like Father, Like Son

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Paulie Tebbano is a youth pastor at Harvest Church near Albany, NY. His father, Paul Tebbano, serves as Senior Pastor there. Paul, Sr., has used The Preacher’s Outline & Sermon Bible® for years, and started purchasing it for his son Paulie, volume by volume, when Paulie answered the call to ministry. Today, both men have a full 44-volume set, and Paulie says, “I have no other books on my bookshelf – because this is all I need!”

“I use The Preacher’s Outline & Sermon Bible® all the time. . . It’s a fantastic tool – I go to them frequently. . . They are very well-organized and structured, and easy to understand. Everything is backed by Scripture cross-references. I can definitely tell that it is written by the power of the Holy Spirit.”