Building a Legacy: Stewardship and Service
Each year, like many families, we take an annual vacation. Last year, we traveled to the Cyclades, the enchanting islands of Greece. What struck me most wasn’t just the beauty of the landscape, but the stone statues and monuments honoring ancient leaders, the champions and icons of their era.
Standing among these echoes of history, I found myself reflecting on the lives, challenges, and leadership approaches of those immortalized in stone. What truly defined their legacy? What obstacles did they face, and how did they inspire others to follow? Their stories became a powerful invitation to reflect on our own leadership journeys.
I believe one of the highest callings of leadership is to prepare others to lead. True leadership isn’t measured by the number of followers gathered, but by the leaders empowered who, in turn, will inspire more leaders. That’s the heart of stewardship as we strengthen our ministry. Throughout my career, I’ve sought to build organizations that thrive long after I’m gone. This is the Kingdom vision at Hands & Feet Project.
The truth is, our names will someday come off the doors. New leaders will rise. Fresh ideas will shape the future. The stories, routines, and leadership styles that once felt so important will eventually fade. That’s exactly as it should be. What endures is our stewardship, how well we prepare and empower leaders within our ministry. Hands & Feet Project’s greatest legacy is enabling leaders in Haiti to shape their own future and become agents of lasting change.
I was truly moved by the caring and loving team we have. As Charm spoke, I listened intently and knew they went beyond many boundaries to reach and support the families we serve, and that inspires me deeply.
I had the privilege of witnessing leadership growth in Charm, our first Preserving Families social worker in Grand Goâve. When you speak with him, his passion for his work shines through in his insightful and heartfelt communication. His innate character as a team player is evident in the way he provides exceptional care for families and guides our newer social workers. Over time, it became clear that Charm was ready for a leadership role. Now, as the Lead Social Worker for Preserving Families in Grand Goâve, he not only advocates for vulnerable families but also leads and shapes the team that serves them.
In the end, what truly remains of our lives is not a title, office, recognition, or even accomplishments. It’s the way people felt when they worked beside us. Were children safer because you showed up? Did families find hope when they needed it most? Did your team feel supported, challenged, valued, loved, and inspired to become more than they ever believed possible? If there is any lasting evidence of our leadership, it will not be found in annual reports, strategic plans, buildings, or organizational charts.
It will live on in the people we serve. How we steward leaders matters most. This is the transformative work of Hands & Feet Project as we continue to fortify our ministry.
We don’t want to be immortalized in stone, but in the children and families we support.