Courage That Counts
Jeff WalpoleFormer Board Member
Seven great years of service and oversight come to an end this March as a Board Member of Mid-Valley Fellowship. Seven is the number of completeness and perfection (both physical and spiritual). The only individual who can claim the success of this number upon this earth is King Jesus. It has always brought me great comfort to know my dependence upon Holy Spirit fosters the fortitude, commitment, and dedication needed to finish my journeys. I am reminded of a quote by Winston Churchill:
Success is not Final….Failure is not Fatal;
It is the Courage to Continue that Counts.
The very basis of this ministry is for participants to come to the understanding of who they are in Christ, the invitation to believe His Word concerning their perception of themselves, and the courage to embrace His healing. When I started as a board member, the ministry was focused on individuals struggling with unwanted homosexual desires (through counseling and Taking Back Ground), and we all needed courage as we began forging a new direction for the future.
Duan Walker and the Board of Directors invited a group of us to join MVF to see a sexual addiction ministry start here in the Willamette Valley. Thus cutting through much of the ‘red tape’ of startup. We gladly embraced MVF’s offer, and that is how I started my own journey for the last 7 years with some of the most amazing, dedicated, and compassionate individuals. I knew I wanted to impact the ministry on a level of decision making and overall vision. Being invited to the MVF Board was the very platform I was looking for.
The transition was rough at times as we began to develop relationships, vision, and direction. I knew in my heart I needed to remain committed so we could see the ministry grow. Several times I thought to myself, “Jeff this would be a good time for you to submit your formal resignation” only to realize I did not have peace in my heart concerning the decision. I am at that place now in my journey with this great ministry where I get to end my service. On a side note: It is also rather amusing that we as a board set up the by-laws to only allow a board member to serve for a total of seven years.
Looking back at the years of service, I am so amazed at the faithfulness of God. He is full of love and compassion and His character is only capable of bestowing good upon our lives. I observe this with all the individuals that are changed as they walk through MVF’s programs. Seeing growth with multiple ministries, internships, and greater community impact has been so rewarding.
Success is not Final….Failure is not Fatal;
It is the Courage to Continue that Counts.
The very basis of this ministry is for participants to come to the understanding of who they are in Christ, the invitation to believe His Word concerning their perception of themselves, and the courage to embrace His healing. When I started as a board member, the ministry was focused on individuals struggling with unwanted homosexual desires (through counseling and Taking Back Ground), and we all needed courage as we began forging a new direction for the future.
Duan Walker and the Board of Directors invited a group of us to join MVF to see a sexual addiction ministry start here in the Willamette Valley. Thus cutting through much of the ‘red tape’ of startup. We gladly embraced MVF’s offer, and that is how I started my own journey for the last 7 years with some of the most amazing, dedicated, and compassionate individuals. I knew I wanted to impact the ministry on a level of decision making and overall vision. Being invited to the MVF Board was the very platform I was looking for.
The transition was rough at times as we began to develop relationships, vision, and direction. I knew in my heart I needed to remain committed so we could see the ministry grow. Several times I thought to myself, “Jeff this would be a good time for you to submit your formal resignation” only to realize I did not have peace in my heart concerning the decision. I am at that place now in my journey with this great ministry where I get to end my service. On a side note: It is also rather amusing that we as a board set up the by-laws to only allow a board member to serve for a total of seven years.
Looking back at the years of service, I am so amazed at the faithfulness of God. He is full of love and compassion and His character is only capable of bestowing good upon our lives. I observe this with all the individuals that are changed as they walk through MVF’s programs. Seeing growth with multiple ministries, internships, and greater community impact has been so rewarding.
One of the keystones to my legacy as a board member was when I advocated for live testimonies at the annual banquet. I was observing the power of the testimony in the lives around me both personal and cooperate. I thought to myself, how potent it would be for some of those who have walked the journey of freedom at MVF to publically proclaim what Christ has done in their lives. At first we wrestled with making sure the participants were honored, respected, and not made to feel pressured. We prayed about it, sought some advice, and came to the agreement this public testimony was something that would glorify Jesus and inspire others to be courageous and possibly join our journey personally, prayerfully, and financially. At the epicenter of my conviction is seated in the belief, when someone else testifies of what Jesus has done in their lives, I can grab ahold of that very testimony for myself. Revelation 19:10b “I am a fellow servant of yours and your brethren who hold the testimony of Jesus; worship God. For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." We as a board observed the profound impact these testimonies continue to have upon our ministry and those who support us. I want to personally recognize all of those who have shared their stories in written form or publically proclaimed their testimony, exhibiting courage and faithfulness. Thanks so much!
I am excited for the future of the ministry. The vision to have a building that will not only accommodate various MVF ministries but also be a blessing to our community. I look forward to possibly being involved in the development of education and future ministry with the adolescent population and their parents. If we are able to intervene earlier, then we will have less need for our ministry for those who are older.
I am so beholden for the wonderful relationships I have built over the years with staff, participants, and volunteers. It has been a real joy getting to partner with the new board members and see a wonderful succession of capable individuals stepping up in a position of service.
Thanks so much, Mid-Valley Fellowship, for helping me grow and become a better representative of King Jesus and allowing me the opportunity to see so many lives transformed!
Jeffrey D Walpole
I am excited for the future of the ministry. The vision to have a building that will not only accommodate various MVF ministries but also be a blessing to our community. I look forward to possibly being involved in the development of education and future ministry with the adolescent population and their parents. If we are able to intervene earlier, then we will have less need for our ministry for those who are older.
I am so beholden for the wonderful relationships I have built over the years with staff, participants, and volunteers. It has been a real joy getting to partner with the new board members and see a wonderful succession of capable individuals stepping up in a position of service.
Thanks so much, Mid-Valley Fellowship, for helping me grow and become a better representative of King Jesus and allowing me the opportunity to see so many lives transformed!
Jeffrey D Walpole
February 2016