TESTIMONIALS FROM PAST CONSULTANTS

When we started the program we had no idea that the consultants we trained in the US would remain involved at some level in rēp. We continue to be amazed at the things God has done in their lives. When we asked consultants to share a few thoughts on how rēp has impacted them personally, this is what they shared:

I’ve not had anyone instill dreams in me before, or even model who I wanted to become, until Brett and Lyn Johnson came along with their big vision and big hearts. rēp is a life-giving and life-sharing ministry that transforms how believers see themselves and the purpose of what they do, whether it is being a housewife, teaching, or negotiating high-stakes deals. Through the two trips I participated in, my perspective on leadership, generosity, and family were transformed. I am in Beijing, China right now because I have been so compelled by the rēp experience that God did not design us to always live comfortably, but for His glory, out in the hills and valleys where only His provision will sustain us.
Nancy Lai, Beijing China

Having spent many years in industry, “fulltime service”, back in industry and back in “fulltime service” a few times, I was frustrated because I could not get a clear message from God as to which was to be my vocation.

And then came rēp. Brett’s message at our church sometime in 2003 was like a light going on in my soul. Here was someone who was speaking the language that I understood. In fact, here was a connection with the inner yearnings of my own heart that had persisted for many years.

I have now been to almost every training session (for 4 ventures) since then and consulted at every one of the 4 ventures. My own consulting business is geared to sponsor the administration of rēp SA, do the administration and I have been the program manager for rēp SA since 2004 for every venture.

I have grown so much during this time, been blessed by my involvement with both clients and consultants at each venture and in between and have been able to relate to a broader circle of businessmen and women, that has lifted me to a totally different level of commitment to Jesus and the mission field that has been so neglected for so long.
Errol Smith, South Africa

rēp has been life-changing for me. Through the rēp training and trip, I realized that my priorities were out of whack and I needed to make some changes in the way I prioritize the use of my time and energy. I also realized that my view of work and business needed to be refreshed. Now that I understand better that business and companies/organizations are platforms for ministry, I view my work and career as a platform for ministering to those physically around me and a platform for ministering to the community at large. The rēp community of former consultants is also an amazing community to be a part of, and I’m glad to be able to continue to contribute to and be a part of rēp in various ways.
Corey Cleek, USA

I am focused on being in “full-time ministry & mission” out in the secular world, as my job allows me to interact with various people at various levels in business for periods long enough to develop relationships, and hence evangelize in both word & action. rēp was an opportunity both to be exposed to like-minded people (who view the kingdom of God as something that extends over all aspects of life, and especially the working environment where most of people’s time is spent); and to develop skills & use their tools (such as The 10-P Model, which is as good as any secular business tool) to impact clients lives, which then has a multiplication effect.
Mike Blignaut, South Africa

I first heard of rēp a few years ago when I was taking time off to tour South America and do some volunteer Christian work. I had left a good job as a management consultant for an international consulting firm and was spending time seeking the Lord about my future. I have a passion for people, a deep love for my Lord and a strong affinity to business. This apparent gifting in the area of business always seemed to be at odds with my faith. How could I integrate these different aspects of my life to completely serve my Lord? rēp has helped me incredibly in working through the answer to this question.

On my return to South Africa, I immediately signed up as a consultant for one of the Cape Town ventures. In working through the material and spending time with clients and other rēp consultants, I have been able to better understand the concept of convergence in my life. Since my involvement in rēp , the Lord has enabled me to start three businesses and help spearhead an apostolic work in rural Africa. I pray that through the work of rēp Christian businessmen throughout the world will rise up as mighty warriors to declare God’s reign over the marketplace.
Steve Burnstone, BBusSc PGDip(ActSc) FIA, South Africa

My life has been richly blessed by being part of rēp , South Africa. I had the profound privilege of being a part of the most dynamic, hard working, passionate and professional team of individuals. The influence that rēp has had on my local community as well as South Africa as a whole has been enormous. I have had first hand experience in watching how rēp has contributed as well as transformed many lives and communities. I am so excited to hear of how rēp is getting involved in other countries such as Indonesia. rēp has recognized the need for God in business and communities and has made it her prime objective of living out this vision with passion, love and humility. People’s lives have been changed as a result of such a committed team.
Daren Denholm, Cape Town , South Africa

My prayer going down with rēp to South Africa was to see God move out of the box within which I have confined him as far as how he works and what he is capable of doing. Little did I know the degree to which God would answer that prayer! Through the experience in South Africa, it was as though God held up a mirror that made me gravely aware of my inadequacies in accomplishing his work in my own strength. When I came to the complete end of myself, with all illusions of self-sufficiency gone, and I cried out to the Lord for help, he proceeded to work through me to accomplish some radical breakthroughs in the lives of both my client and my South African consultant partner. That memorable life lesson of how much God can do through me when I am humble and prayerfully invite him into my ‘business world’ is one I hope will increasingly shape my life in the marketplace. The rēp experience provided just the context for such a lesson that I can’t imagine having learned (at least not to the same degree) otherwise.
Melissa Utter, USA

I first heard of rēp in 2003. I witnessed a friend in commercial real estate transform in Christ spiritually and professionally as a result of becoming an rēp consultant. Not thinking I needed to (the Lord knew differently), in September 2004 I became an rēp consultant. The reason I didn’t think I “needed to” is that a) I am a lawyer not a business person and b) at that time I was relocating from the West Coast to the East Coast to work in “full time” ministry. Now 2 years later, I realize rēp was a critical piece of my preparation for and introduction into ministry.

The Lord needed to prepare/teach me for ministry and serving Him and He did that through rēp. In the training and on the trip amazing miracles happened, but what was even more amazing is nearly 2 years later I can see the profound impact rēp ministries has had on the two organizations I work for: — Project Light (a non-profit ministry), my law practice (which is also now my ministry), and on my spiritual growth. When I think of rēp, the Lord reminds me of the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you… This scripture sums up the rēp ministry. It equips believers (who often times are sitting on the sidelines so to speak in business wanting to serve the Lord) to transform societies via the gifts God gave them and then as a result those believers are transformed.

Their household is a “sanctuary” and “home” to a large and growing body of believers. It is a place where I know I can experience God’s love and where the Holy Spirit resides, a place where I can worship and feel at home. A place where I can be mentored, fellowship and grow in Christ. It is a lot like church, just less “formal”. I can say in many ways I have become more “connected” to a community of believers through rēp than I have since the twenty plus years I have been attending church. Lyn has also been a wonderful example to me of how as a woman to walk in Christ. I am a single Christian woman. Lyn has given me wonderful advice, along with many other single professionals on the call to Kingdom marriages. She and Brett have spotted a need in the Bay Area to address the issue of singleness. Beyond rēp and the ministry of hospitality, the Lord has also called Brett and Lyn into ministering to singles.

This letter does not really do justice to the many ways the rēp ministries (and the Johnsons) have blessed my life and the lives of so many others. In some ways it is almost too grand and intricate to articulate (because that’s how the Lord is), but as I sit 3,000 miles away in Norfolk, VA and write this testimony, the thought comes to mind when I return to the Bay Area on my next trip, where do I want to go visit? — rēp and the Johnson home. Why? Because I know I will experience the blessings of God when I arrive — love and fellowship. It is my prayer that the resources are provided for a place where the Johnsons can continue their tremendous ministry.
Sherri L. Crawford, USA

To me, rēp is a well-organized, marketplace-focused ministry that provides indispensable tools that integrate Kingdom principles to empower executives to excel in their businesses, while giving back to the communities to transform societies. The impact is significant not only to the companies but also to the lives of people involved. I witnessed the marketplace miracles in South Africa and more importantly the spiritual growth of the executives, consultants, and employees as a result of God’s blessings. The progress is seen in companies that now manifest the fruit of the Spirit. That is, with God, anything is possible!

Personally, I am blessed by rēp . Besides growing spiritually, I appreciate the multi-generational, mission-focused families that dedicate their lives to the Lord through this marketplace ministry. rēp helped me to realize what God was molding me to be, and showed me the essence of convergence to maximize the glory for the Lord. It gave me a relevant focus when I attended business school and affirmed my sense of purpose to study nonprofit management, social entrepreneurship, and corporate responsibilities.

I am excited to be part of rēp family and look forward to being on the journey with rēp to partner with many more countries!
David Kwok, Haas Business School, USA

Needless to say that God has a sense of humour so he brought me to rēp! Never in my wildest dreams did I envision God answering my prayers so quickly with such accuracy. I had very specifically asked the Lord to lead me to the best Corporate KINGDOM Training Material that has been developed so that I could partner with them in Business and, “Voila”, rēp was introduced to me in December 2004.

At first I thought this is really quality material that I could use to train others but upon doing the consultant training, it impacted me beyond measure. This global mandate is far more than what the eye can see and far more than what I expected. So far it has impacted me to think bigger and wider with my business vision. It has endless benefits that I am still applying as I move forward in my business for God’s glory! Thank you USA rēp team for coming to Africa –Cape Town, you have sown precious seed!
C. Olivier, Profit Plus, South Africa

Having worked in organizational change/development, leadership & transformation fields for 2 decades I believe that quite honestly the rēp process is most probably the best in the world both in secular terms & from a Kingdom mindset. The methodology, approach, content are absolutely sound & I believe world class. In addition it seems to be cross-culturally relevant – this is largely because the Truth is the basis. For the individual business owner I believe it is a superb ‘mini MBA’ also.

I have known Brett & Lyn now for about 3 years & grow more & more in my respect for them, but more importantly, in their obedience to follow God’s leading in all they do. In other words, given the above paragraph, what sets them apart even further is their servanthood, their understanding of how God has called them to advance His Kingdom & the character He has shaped in them both. The power in the unity of their approach, who they are to people, their integrity & their love to serve only One Master not only changes businesses but transforms lives, partnerships &/or marriages & communities. I have no doubt that they are being prepared as instruments to additionally transform societies & nation.

The most revealing thing as I have got to know them is they do none of this for their own gain, serve with very little resources, yet, have an incredible abundant mentality with a cheerful heart & with no expectation of receiving in return. They have been a blessing to me in a profound way & in the mutual country of our birth & beyond.
Brenda de Charmoy, Johannesburg , South Africa

Why would anyone leave a massive corporate salary, an awesome team, and a fantastic job at what most would consider the height of a career to become a business missionary dependent upon God to provide in all ways? Because of the work we are doing through rēp in transforming lives and businesses. This was the choice I made more than two years ago.

After working for Fortune 100 and 500 companies for twenty years and graduating from Fuller Seminary, I felt the Lord tugging at me to take God in the front door of businesses. Three years ago when trying to discern my next steps, I considered offers from four business ministries (two national organizations) to lead their business ministry efforts. Because of the international work we had begun with Brett and Lyn Johnson in re-purposing businesses for the kingdom of God, and because of the Lord’s leading, I made a decision to pursue him by working as a business missionary in the Bay Area through rēp . At rēp, people get real Biblical substance, real business and spiritual tools, and real care and concern about the whole of their lives. People are encouraged to step into God’s calling for their lives, to use gifts that have been latent or hidden, and to step into fullness with the Lord.

rēp is about more than tweaking a few businesses. It is about transforming the lives of the people we touch. And transforming society through all spheres, as God leads us. rēp is about strengthening the heart with Christ, providing real tools and methods that work, and then about sending people on to lead their own transformational efforts for the kingdom. This is a powerful formula, one we learn from Scripture. I encourage people to call or spend time with anyone who has been through an rēp training and venture. You will be blessed as you hear more about God’s work through this powerful ministry.
Kim Daus-Edwards, Kim@daus.com , USA

An automatic-pilot view of faith is not possible after rēp touches your life. rēp compels me to rethink what I’ve always thought my role was as a believer. rēp infuses Christ-followers with a renewed and revitalized view of God’s plan and our roles in that plan.

Serving in South Africa with rēp has changed my life. After witnessing miracle after miracle within a two-week time, my faith is renewed, my belief in the Holy Spirit is amplified, and my goal to seek Him and know Him is stronger than ever. I was like a child again. Do you remember what it’s like to be a child of God? Do you still believe in miracles? I surely do.

I can honestly say that I had never before seen the Holy Spirit move. The Spirit moved through both the consultants and clients in a way that I could only say, “It had to the Holy Spirit; there’s no other way.” God works powerfully through the rēp leaders, and these people lead by example. I see the Word lived out by these good and faithful servants and this spurs me to do the same. These servant leaders immensely bless and enrich our lives and to serve alongside them is an honor.

My life is forever changed because of rēp . I am definitely in a growth season. What a spurt! I converged my faith, job, and skills by starting my own company and am boldly using this business as God’s vehicle to reach people. Before rēp , I would never have thought to use my skills and my day job to serve. Now, I say, “Use me, 100% of me and my business.”
Amy S. Cheng, San Francisco

My participation with rēp and friendship with the Johnsons over the last three years has had a major impact on my development as a Christian lay minister in the business world. Back in 2003, I was just finishing two intense years for the consulting company McKinsey & Co, and was personally struggling with how my spiritual values and purpose had any impact on my working life. I then spent a fair amount of time rigorously studying the Bible on the topic of “work,” but I still had little sense of how to practically integrate my faith and my work, where I spend half of my waking hours. At this time I heard of a short-term missions trip to South Africa where business people go and encourage other business leaders to wrestle with how their “for-profit” businesses could be re-purposed for ministry. I was very excited about this opportunity, soon signed up for this trip, and began a three year relationship with this amazing and unique organization (and family!).

I would describe the impact that this relationship has had on me in the following ways:

• Witnessing the power and practicality of business as a means of ministry: Beginning with the South Africa trip, I’ve had the opportunity to experience the power and results when leaders seek to find God’s purposes in their businesses. I became fully convinced that business as ministry has the potential to minister and disciple believers in deep ways that are different from (and complementary to) the traditional local church
• Encouragement to apply kingdom principles to my work life: Belonging in the rēp community of lay ministers has encouraged and taught me how to apply these principles in my work life here in the states. One example is how at my workplace in a Fortune 500 financial services firm in San Francisco, we have started a fellowship group that has met for over a year to study the Bible, share, and pray.
• Wisdom and guidance in my person walk: Believing that ministry is largely about caring for others and personal relationships, the Johnsons and the rēp community have taken a personal interest in me as a person to challenge me and fine tune my sense of purpose here. This has encouraged me greatly and has been a model example of living a life as full time ministers.

John Yang, eBusiness Marketing, Charles Schwab

 rēp has been an answer to prayer for Joyce and I. God has had us on a 10 year journey of convergence and a worldview minus the religious baggage that has beset the church in many ways. We have prayed for a context to be able to serve the church and business community in setting them free to live Kingdomized lives with purpose and impact. This has been a calling of ours for quite awhile and the tools that rēp has given us, opens up hearts and minds to a work only the Holy Spirit can accomplish through revelation.

We are blessed to be part of a growing team that is participating in this transformational work. We have seen incredible miracles already and expect to see much more that eventually will culminate in nations being transformed for the Kingdom of our Lord. While much of the church is still hanging on to be raptured, the Lord wants us to go out in the marketplace for hearts to be captured. There is much work to be done and we look forward to working with the ever growing “rēp ” family and other ministries that believe we can make a difference. The Kingdom of God is here and now and desires to penetrate every area of society, and with Him we can accomplish much as we go forward in Jesus name.

Robert & Joyce Ricciardelli