Mission Houston Newsletter

A satisfied customer

From Our Chairman of the Board, Jim Herrington

Aug, 2008

It's been said that a satisfied customer is the best advertisement. We asked Andy Ramos to share his experience of Faithwalking, the leadership development arm of Mission Houston, with our readers. Andy recently retired from a successful business career and has founded a ministry in Fort Bend County called The Gathering of Men in Fort Bend County. The purpose of this ministry is to disciple men to a mature relationship with Jesus Christ.

Andy completed the Faithwalking experience in the Spring of '08 and has been utilizing the tools he got there in his family and work life. He describes himself as a follower of Christ who sincerely desires to honor Christ in all of life. In many areas Andy says that he had experience lots of success, but there were some areas of his life where victory had eluded him. "I had simply grown resigned and cynical to these areas ever changing. I had significant breakthroughs following my Faithwalking experience."

Here's a portion of the interview with Andy.

Faithwalking: What benefits came to you as a result of participating in Faithwalking?

Andy: The Faithwalking retreat was a deep breath of fresh air for me. It renewed my hope that there is a defined pathway that leads to transformation. Faithwalking touched the deep desire I have had for some time but could not find how to satisfy that yearning. In my marriage and my work, I have begun to see changes that I thought would never happen. The resignation and cynicism that some areas of my life would never change has begun to subside. I see similar results in my friends who have also attended.

Faithwalking: Both in the local congregation and in the larger city, there are many opportunities for men and women in the business sector to be "discipled." How did you experience Faithwalking to be distinct from other discipleship offerings you've participated in?

Andy: A common response to the problems that believers face is to give more information. Attend a conference, get a notebook, fill it with information and then go back to your regular life. Though there is some information given in the Faithwalking retreat, the information is about how to get into action.

Faithwalking: What kind of action are you talking about?

Andy: You guys at Faithwalking believe that it is the compartmentalization of faith and work that really stops the Kingdom from making significant advance in the city. I agree and, I believe that it is common for people in the private sector to want to let their faith impact their work, but they don't know how. Start a bible study . . . organize a prayer group . . . but then what. Even when we start these groups, the focus is on getting people to come to church. In Faithwalking the focus is on helping believers learn how to impact their workplace so that it functions more in the way that God intends. So, at Faithwalking we focused on the "how to" build and mobilize the body of Christ around us.

Faithwalking: What would you say to someone who is considering participating in Faithwalking?

Andy: It is the most invigorating and powerful process I have ever encountered. If you want to start tasting or get a renewed taste the words of Jesus in John 10:10 that say "I came that they may have life, and might have it abundantly", then I would say, "Come and experience the Faithwalking retreat and the support you get after the retreat. It will open a whole new avenue of the abundant life for you."

Faithwalking is the leadership development arm of Mission Houston. Introductory retreats are offered four times each year and each retreat is followed by a 12 week seminar series. The cost of the retreat is $650 (and limited scholarships are available). The next 2 retreats are set for September 12-14, and October 10-12 2008. Both will be held at the Northwest Forest Retreat Center. On our website you will also find the proposed 2009 Faithwalking retreat dates. To register, complete the Faithwalking online registration form.

Jim Herrington
Chairman of the Board