EXCHANGED LIFE GLOBAL INITIATIVE Dr. Stephen R. Phinney www.IOMAmerica.org
THE INITIATIVE: The International Fellowship of Exchanged Life is dedicated to helping members of the body of Christ to experience, mature in, and communicate effectively the message of identification with Christ in His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension in their various spheres of influence. IFEL has adopted the proposal of the Exchanged Life Global Initiative, founded by IOM America (Institute Of Ministry), which has provided the ministry with a proactive pro-vision, in order to revitalize the worldview of uniting Exchanged Life workers throughout the entire world. IOM has a direct management partnership with many Exchanged Life ministries. In addition to our existing strong partnerships, we welcome the partnerships of other ministries that focus on the message of the Exchanged Life to join our efforts! Our primary objective is to equip individuals for the purpose of building up the Body of Christ and assist in empowering men, women, children, and families to have a greater impact on the communities they serve by making use of the experiential knowledge of each individual’s identity in Christ Jesus. We press forward to show individuals worldwide their freedom from enslaving mental, emotional and spiritual conflicts by placing a special emphasis on IDENTITY MATTERS. This is accomplished by unifying pastors, teachers, counselors and workers worldwide who practically minister the truths of the Exchanged Life – “Not I, but Christ.” This unifying process is to provide an e-community that will provide Exchanged Life workers throughout the world with a single online community that will provide: promotions of member web sites, social networks throughout, a separate members’ Exchanged Life bookstore, chat room for members, class registration from member to member and much more. We hope to accomplish that with our web-community. INITIATIVE OBJECTIVES: The ministry of IFEL has adopted the proposal of the Exchanged Life Global Initiative, which has provided the ministry with a proactive pro-vision, in order to revitalize the worldview of uniting Exchanged Life workers throughout the entire world. In addition to our existing strong partnerships – we welcome the partnerships other ministries that focus on the message of the Exchanged Life to join our efforts! Join Now: Click Here Our efforts strongly hinge on the International Fellowship of Exchanged Life: an e-community that will provide Exchanged Life workers throughout the world with a single online community that will provide:
promotions of member web sites, social networks throughout, a separate members’ Exchanged Life bookstore, chat room for members, class registration from member to member and much more. IOM America is in the process of outsourcing plans to design, develop, and host IOM America’s two websites (IOM’s general site & International Fellowship of Exchanged Life - IFEL. As of June of 2014, 80% of these sites have been built. In fact, “story board” meetings continue being conducted in several states with Exchanged Life ministries that are backing the vision. This will be a concept to completion production. The existing IFEL web site was originally designed and produced with the basic model and classic web site look but until our project is complete; our website will function as a classic single ministry website. We have been told that we are pushing the edges of Wix Website Builders and this site is not structurally sound enough to bear the weight of our Global Initiative but they assure me that they can grow with our need. So – we have a foundation in place. Here is a few details to our vision: Purpose of New Websites IFEL & IOM currently has a web presence that spans over 80 countries, translated in 50 languages and our e-service has close to 39,000 readers on a weekly basis – this does not count the 2,000+ views from our other social network partnerships. With this level of exposure, the IFEL site welcomes a new appearance, structure, and content presentation. An opportunity exists to redesign the site, to better reflect the updated and revised mission of IFEL, and incorporate the latest web technology. Upon completion of the site’s development, IFEL will assume full responsibility for web site content, maintenance, and administration – unless the contract states otherwise. All content, coding, and graphics will become the sole property of IOM America, which is the “mother” company of IFEL. Description Our team will create two flexible, informative web sites that are easy to maintain. We must develop two distinctive friendly sites that can deliver large amounts of constantly changing information to our targeted and key audiences. In addition to designing user-friendly sites with an intuitive interface, we must also develop a web-based, database-driven administration tool that allows key management personnel to easily update content, without directly accessing source code. IFEL will maintain ultimate editorial control of content, without burdening the hosting or maintenance company with such details or significantly delaying the publishing of new information on the sites. It is our objective to train our volunteers and staff with the basic administration to the sites. The design and hosting company will efficiently manage web publishing processes, preferably by using a system with a browser-based user interface – if possible. Administration of web content will be based on the roles to control access and work flow (e.g. author, reviewer/editor, and publisher). Click here if you can help us accomplish this. To be effective, our web sites must be: 1. Easy and intuitive
2. 3. 4. 5.
Visually pleasing Informative Safe and secure Quick to load and operate
Objective Our primary internet objective is to continue to build brand identity, SEO tagging (search engine optimization), awareness, and interest in the organization and the services it provides, while remaining on the cutting edge of web site technology. For example: when we started “tagging” the term “Exchanged Life” in 2000, there were under 500 search results. As a result of our SEO efforts, as well as others, there are over 39,500,000. We are now “tagging” the term “Indwelt Believer,” (to combat Christian vs. Indwelt Believer), which started out with 833 search results – now five years later we sit at 313,000. This proves that SEO technology is one of the key sources for advancing our efforts. These two web sites are to provide a schematic overview of a possible systematic process that will assist in advancing the vision and mission of IFEL, particularly that of the Exchanged Life Global Initiative. Pragmatic Objective for Web Sites 1. Reaching the Church (The Body/Bride of Christ) with a vision for co-crucifixion and the power of the cross, followed by the available materials and methods of implementations. 2. Broad outreach by making use of up-to-date technology and marketing venues. 3. Mapping out national and international strategies by regions, countries, and sites/zones or states. 4. As system of structure needs to be implemented that will unite Exchanged Life workers from all over the world – giving them an e-community flexible enough to work and partner with other workers of the cross. 5. Developing an operational model to simplify the complexity of materials in a progressive fashion. Our Suggested Solutions ·
To assist the local church in equipping their people in Exchanged Life Discipleship.
·
Link/network pastors, counselors, and ministry leaders who practice the Exchanged Life.
Our Online Vision · · · · ·
Maximize web-based technologies (social media, bookstores, etc.) Build member loyalty and enhance customer relationships Improve program delivery and service Outsource & partnership with an Exchanged Life online school Revise existing general ministry website
· · ·
Provide focused web-based solutions Leverage internet traffic for potential donor base Increase and broaden X-Changed Life market share
Specific Strategies 1. Increase awareness of IFEL mission and promote involvement through online programs, which will enhance activity in individual field productivity 2. Retain current members and program participants and gain new ones 3. Strengthen relationships with the Church at large, community partners, donors, members, program participants, staff, and volunteers 4. Attract qualified and diverse volunteers and potential staff members 5. Improve nonprofit business efficiencies Web Development – Summary Initiatives
Present comprehensive information and resources in an easy-to-use format Increase site promotion activities Integrate brand messaging – provided by IFEL Corporate Deliver a consistent image and branding throughout Deliver a scalable, maintainable foundation
In short, we must tell our story through the use of compelling visuals, intuitive navigation, and concise messaging. Global Initiative Made Easy Design both web sites to deliver intuitive navigation, an improved graphic user interface, and easy-tofind content organization. Make It Compelling Develop tools to deliver timely, relevant answers to the breadth and depth of the International Fellowship of Exchanged Life (IFEL) member questions and requests, as well as those who are reaching out for training or help. Made to Promote Decisions Reinforce IFEL’s brand and market leadership, as well as giving the IFEL member and onlooker incentive to take action. International Fellowship of Exchanged Life (IFEL) Website Separate website
Social networks throughout
A separate members’ Exchanged Life bookstore Chat room for members Class registration from member to member Membership ad section Multimedia library (selective GodTube, YouTube, Sermon.net, etc.) Member Directory Home page “Featured Article” section Favorite links section (IFEL sponsored) Ability for IFEL visitors to give to membership Volunteer recruitment center/form Writers’ Forum Center (page dedicated to Exchanged Life writers) Sign up for Exchanged Life E-service (IFEL’s Constant Contact) Blog listings of all members Website listings of all members Names, addresses (without street and zip codes) for all members E-mail contact for all members Phone contact for all members Company name for all contacts Registration for all members’ newsletters Registration for IFEL monthly newsletter
IFEL Regional Features
Branch locator feature (by zip code and country search) Gather e-mail, areas of interest, and demographic information from visitors in a format that permits IFEL to maintain a single database of users. E-mail each visitor according to his/her area of interest and profile. Provide training and all necessary support to permit easy use by a selected IFEL staff person or volunteer. Connection to international membership registration program
Regional Project Management – An assigned project manager will be made available to present information and coordinate with IFEL staff, including a reasonable number of meetings to present design and development solutions.
Task/Project Management online capacity Online Scheduling capacity – national and international blocks Once the web site has been completed and accepted by IFEL, the web site design and all of its contents, software, and architecture become property of IOM America.
Additional Ports
Ports on every page to the International Fellowship of Exchanged Life Ports on every page to IFEL Online School Reservations for courts and appointments Ability to pay for programs and memberships online Registration for IFEL and IFEL’s (“Exchanged”) newsletters Registration for Counseling/Discipleship Volunteer opportunities and applications Ability to interact with IFEL personnel Employment opportunities Maps and directions History of each department at IFEL
Partnerships IFEL Partnerships are not an extension of the IFEL Membership team; it is a separate group of ministries that are a part of the strategic planning and development of the Exchanged Life Global Initiative. This specialized group of Exchanged Life workers is given to us from many parts of the world. We will be continue to publish this list of ministries – continue to check the website for updates.
IFEL Team Volunteer Exchanged Life Workers Our structure depends few paid workers but mostly on the Lord Jesus Christ through our volunteers and donors. We endeavor to keep our staff needs low in order to properly steward the resources given to us by God. Even though our ministries remain conservative in the number of paid employees, our outreach tends the needs of thousands of people throughout the entire world through e-mails, webinars, blogs, on-line counseling, pod-casts, on-line commentating, public speaking, and our Exchanging Life Magazine. We thank you for considering being one of our helpers: donor, writer, technician, or whatever capacity you are led to help. Thank you for assisting us in uniting Exchanged Life workers throughout the world. Our lists of workers presently are: IFEL Team: Phinney, Stephen Dr. (IFEL Adviser & Executive Officer), Bartlett, Shannon (IFEL Adviser, Executive Officer), Bennett, Larry (Staff writer), Bootsma, James (IFEL Adviser), Brugman, Jeff (IFEL Adviser), Bukowski, JJ (IFEL Adviser), Camp, Dan (Staff writer), Carter, Bruce “DOS” (IFEL Digital Communications), Charles, Mariam (Contributing Writer), Childers, Debbie (IFEL Staff Writer), Cornelius, Rob (IFEL Adviser), Davis, Scott (Contributing Writer), Gough, Tammy (Contributing Writer), Hill, Kathy (IFEL Managing Editor), Holloway, Keith (IFEL Adviser, Executive Officer), Jacobs, Jose (Contributing Writer), Jones, Elizabeth (IFEL Associate Editor), Jones, Galen (Contributing Staff), Kratz, Rick, CPA (IFEL Adviser/CPA), Lynch, John (IFEL Adviser), Markell, Paul (Contributing Expository Writer), McCarthy, David (Contributing Writer), Mitchell, Ronnie (Contributing Writer), Ndagijimana, Jean Paul (Narrative and Expository Writer), Parker, Sky (IFEL Adviser), Phinney, Jane (Associate Editor, Contributing Writer),
Phinney, Jessi (Executive Assistant, Contributing Writer), Price, Tom (Contributing Writer), Sealy, Jean (Contributing Writer), Smock, Wendell (IFEL Adviser),
Ministry Financial Statement 1. IFEL belongs to the Kingdom of Heaven. We understand that our ministry is just a small portion of the Father’s Vineyard, but we believe we hold a significant mission. We commit to our donors to use all funding to promote the work of the Lord Jesus. 2. IFEL commits to avoiding a buildup of a “nest egg” of material possessions and/or finances. We endeavor to keep our ministry efficient and functional. Our staff and volunteers are consistently reminded of this principle in their ministry and personal lives. 3. It is our goal to provide our materials at affordable prices – if not free. 2. We have no counseling/discipleship fees established for individual, family, or group counseling that take place at IFEL. If the counselee is unable to contribute a pre-established “suggested donation,” our clients can apply for assistance from a designated donor. We commit to never turning anyone away for financial reasons. Our speakers do not charge for consultation or public speaking. We will accept honoraria only when offered.
3. Any, and all, contributions given to special projects (with the exception of staff salaries) will be used exclusively for its designated purpose, unless the Board of Directors decides otherwise.
4. It is of highest priority that IFEL’s service providers receive their payments promptly. Therefore, it is our belief that all operational costs are to be paid before executive and staff salaries. 5. IFEL commits not to “go into debt” for any reason, except for corporate real estate property. All purchases are made by existing funds. Credit cards will only be used when payment in full is made on a monthly basis. No loans will be secured for ministry needs. 6. IFEL commits not to participate in any type of multilevel marketing plan. We understand that many individuals, families and churches/ministries use such programs to supplement their income. We believe these programs tend to take advantage of relationships and focus on wealth. 7. We are committed to making use of funds in the most conservative way. All purchase requests will be evaluated based on needs and cost effectiveness, without jeopardizing quality. 8. IFEL will not use desperate pleas and fancy deceptive fundraising techniques to raise money. We believe God is the provider of our every need. We also understand that asking with the right motive is critical in receiving blessings from God. Therefore, IFEL will inform interested individuals/groups of the present and future opportunities available within the ministry. We will make use of "Donation" opportunities on our websites, printed materials, and any other resources available. 9. We pledge to pray through all major purchases before moving ahead. IFEL’s founder and Ministry Host are committed to regular prayer over the ministry, its finances, supporters, staff, clients, and volunteers.
10. It is important to keep IFEL connected to its humble beginnings. We make use of community resources to accomplish our mission. This is primarily done through our volunteers. Daily, we are thankful for our small group leaders, lay counselors, church representatives, internet technicians, editors, and our Board of Directors. 11. We issue tax-deductible receipts for all funds and materials donated through the “mother company” – IOM America. 12. IFEL will not sell, rent, or give our mailing list to anyone. 13. We believe that those interested in donating to our ministry should give to their local church first, before considering giving to IFEL. This is a guideline our staff, volunteers, and Board Members are strongly encouraged to maintain. We ask that our supporters do the same. Giving to IFEL should not be in place of, but in addition to, substantial giving to one's local church. Most of our support comes from individual donors. Because IFEL is actively involved in serving churches, we welcome being included in church mission budgets. 14. IFEL realizes their donors give out of sacrifice and a sincere desire to invest in God's work. We consider each and every gift to be a special contribution from God. Therefore, we manage all gifts prayerfully and with a heart of integrity. 15. IFEL’s finances are carefully monitored by a CPA on a regular basis. Our CPA will readily provide a financial overview of our expenditures, including staff salaries and benefits, and other distributions of funds to anyone upon request. Outside of the personal financial records of staff--which are confidential--all of the ministry’s finances are an open book. 16. IFEL endeavors to follow the financial principles and priorities stated in the Word of God. In fact, our founder (Dr. Stephen Phinney) has written a book detailing these principles.
PROJECT FINANCIAL NEED: Promotional Budget Our research reveals that in our first three years, we will need (above regular ministry budget costs) $112,400. This need includes: 180,000 Monthly E-blasts ($550 per month x 3 yr) = $19,800 Website Development ($6,000 per site x 3) = $18,000 Website Maintenance ($200 per mo. 3 sites x 3 yr) = $ 7,200 Monthly E-Mail Service ($150 per mo. x 3 yr) = $ 5,400 E-Ads ($200 per mo. x 3 yr) = $ 7,200 Snail Mail Promotions (Quarterly News/Catalog) = $24,000 Face-to-face Presentations (travel & lodging) = $15,000 Hard Copy Brochures & Literature = $ 3,000 Volunteer Reimbursements = $ 3,800
Resourcing Organizations = $ 9,000
Global Initiative Operational Budget We estimate that our three year projected plan will cost the ministry $1,077.556. This need includes: Salaries (5 employees x 3 yrs.) = $650,456 Payroll Taxes (five employees x 3 yrs.) = $ 57,500 Employee Benefits ($28,000 x 3 yrs.) = $101,400 Volunteer Reimbursements ($10,000 x 3 yrs.) = $ 30,000 Office Expenses ($8,400 x 3 yrs.) = $ 25,200 Online subscriptions and fees ($1,800 x 3 yrs.) = $ 5,400 Ongoing Promotional Budget ($2,400 x 3 yrs.) = $ 7,200 Materials Handling ($6,000 x 3 yrs.) = $ 20,000 IFEL (International Fellowship Exchanged Life) = $ 60,000 National and International Training Events/Travels = $ 30,600 Miscellaneous Expansionary Fund = $ 90,000 Total Projected Budget Need for 3 Years $1,189.956 Ministry’s Flow of Authority Listed in order of authoritive structure: Board Executive Officers (IOM Board of Directors) Advisory Board (12 Members) President/Founder (Ministry Host) Department Leaders Regional Directors Site Directors General Staff Volunteers
INVEST IN THE EXCHANGED LIFE Today more than ever, Indwelt Christians need to be extra careful as to where they invest their resources. Givers are searching for reliable and accountable venues for their donor dollars. If you want to advance the Exchanged Life world over, giving to the International Fellowship of Exchanged Life might be for you. Consider talking with our Financial Adviser: Rick Kratz, CPA RKratz@pittmanandmurdough.com
(602) 265-6590
Dr. Stephen Phinney 602-292-2982 drphinney@iomamerica.org 602-292-2982 Send gifts to: P.O. Box 71 Sterling, KS 67579 | www.X-ChangedLife.org | www.IOMAmerica.org
Life Mission: Dr. Phinney is the Founder and Ministry Host of the Institute Of Ministry (IOM America), founder of the Exchanged Life Global Initiative, as well as the International Fellowship of Exchanged Life (IFEL). Stephen is also the co-founder of the Men Mapping™ Outreach Ministries, a ministry dedicated to equipping men to be protectors of women, children, community, and nation. Stephen and Jane have been married for over 35 years and have three grown children: Abigail (husband, Quintin Eason), Elizabeth (husband, Nathan Ford) and Jessica. Jane and Steve have also been blessed with multiple grandchildren. They are dedicated to the institution of marriage, multigenerational family development, and local multigenerational family church development. Steve is a conference speaker on topics relating to core marriage, multigenerational family, leadership values, and the Exchanged Life (Not I, but Christ). Stephen has authored multiple books/teaching series on spiritual growth and has published over 300 online articles/booklets assisting others in obtaining a Transformational Biblical Worldview. Even though he does NOT put much stock in these degrees, he has earned: Bachelor of Psychology, Master of Counseling Psychology, and a Doctorate of Ministry. He also holds the status of Doctor of Philosophy Candidate at Oxford Graduate School.
Mission Truth is under attack in our culture. “Christians” believe ideas, concepts, values, and/or supposed facts that are true only because their ideologies demand it – NOT because it is written in the Word of God. Our ministry often hears one of the most popular clichés in our culture today, “That may
be true for you, but it is not necessarily true for me.” Gone are the days when right and wrong were black and white. Today’s morality is painted in shades of gray to match the faces of morbid belief. Steve is focused on providing not just a biblical worldview, but a Transformational Biblical Worldview – one that emphasizes changing lives. Worldview Development It is his confession that worldview is birthed through personal identity! This is why it is critical for workers to first understand who they are in Christ before they can lead another in such a discovery. With this in mind, he aims to gently message the identification truths of co-death, burial, resurrection, and ascension into all aspects of ministry communication. It is his experience that if any ministry, or its workers, focus on worldview issues before experimentally understanding the power of the Cross, these workers could actually lead the Church away from the Truth that will set them free. His primary objective is to equip individuals for the purpose of building up the Body of Christ and to assist in empowering men, women, children, and families to have a greater impact on the communities they serve. This is accomplished by providing Christ-centered, Bible-based guidance and training that focuses on issues pertaining to the indwelt Christian’s identity in Christ. He presses forward to show individuals their freedom from enslaving mental, emotional, and spiritual conflicts by placing a special emphasis on IDENTITY MATTERS. The ministry style is direct, honest, and truly biblical. Exchanged Life Global Initiative Dr. Phinney has adopted the proposal of the Exchanged Life Global Initiative, which has provided his mission with a proactive pro-vision, in order to revitalize the worldview of uniting Exchanged Life workers throughout the entire world. In addition to our existing strong partnerships, we welcome partnerships with other ministries that focus on the message of the Exchanged Life to join our efforts!
Dr. Phinney’s Story: Thank you Dr. Charles R. Solomon! I cannot thank the Lord enough for my spiritual father: Dr. Charles Solomon. I can thank many who God used to guide and direct me through the years but none quite like my spiritual father - Chuck. It was through the Lord's influence in and through him that God provided a Biblical, Christ as Life, foundation of Truth for my life and ministry. I grew up in what the world classifies as a "dysfunctional home". My father was the son of a great man of God and preacher that was used to reform the church. Rumor has it that my father was named after my grandfather's role model, Charles Finney. Because of growing up in a spiritual environment that was ever so public, my father decided to go the opposite direction of his calling. Therefore, my father did
not allow Christianity to be talked about in our home. His sins were extensive and his calling was replaced by becoming a career man for the United States government. Bitterness and fear ruled our household. Out of a family of six children, I was the one that God choose, for some reason, to start the process of restoring our lineage back to the pathway of the Cross. I accepted Christ as my Savior at age of 16. It was a "radical" conversion and transformation and, because of it, I was rejected severely by my father and siblings. I was labeled a "Jesus Freak" and considered to be on drugs. These rejections ultimately lead to my father committing to "never" acknowledging my conversion or service unto the Lord until shortly before his death. As a result of my conversion, God began to use my "zealous" heart to minister to each family member. Salvation followed for my mother, supposedly, 4 of my siblings and yes, ultimately, my father several years before his death. Keith Fredrickson, my GFI (Grace Fellowship Int.) Intern Supervisor, was used by God to resolve my bitterness and hatred toward my father. One significant intern assignment was given - pack my bags, travel back to Northwest Iowa, sit down with my father and seek his forgiveness for the sins that I committed against him. This act of the Cross is what started the process of my own father being lead back to the Cross and life of Jesus Christ. I will be forever grateful for this assignment. I use this service act in my counseling to this very day. I have endless testimonies of the restoration of children and their fathers. In the mid 70's, while working for an organization that served the handicapped, I found myself in a state of unrest. I knew I was born-again and I served the Lord the best that I knew how, sharing the Word of God, and leading Bible-studies on what I heard preached. I was active in church outreach but deep down inside there remained a yearning, a spiritual thirst for a deeper walk with Christ. I desired a life of victory and triumph rather than one of fear and performance. I served God the "best" I knew how, knowing all the while it wasn't enough. I found the classic message of the Church to be dry as bones. Their push for repentance, rededication, recommitment and surrender became a message of hopelessness to me - it left me feeling defeated. There had to be a way of living that was different than the way I was living. At this point in my walk, God introduced me to Dr. Charles Solomon, who was soon to become my spiritual father and mentor. In the late 70"s, a friend & coworker placed a book on my desk that he obtained from his sister (a friend of Lee LeFebre) while visiting in Denver - The Handbook to Happiness. Just seeing the graphics on the cover created a "wanting" to read it but I had a problem - I was functionally illiterate. Here I was, 21 years of age and keeping this secret and faking my way through life. After confessing my problem to my soon-to-be wife, Jane, she began to teach me how to read by using the Word of God. Knowing that this "exchanged life" book contained my answer as the liberating key that would unlock my secret struggle, I pressed on to find a way to read the book. This was the first book I had ever completed, start to finish! Little did I realize how Chuck's book would be used by Christ to change my life and the course my entire career would take! Needless to say I entered into the
Exchanged Life and once reading the book, I packed up my family in 1981, moved to Denver (from Iowa), went through the GFI Intern training program, and came on staff. After consulting with Chuck Solomon, he encouraged me to start our own non-profit in Colorado Springs that focused on the message of the Exchanged-Life. In 1986 we started Release Ministries (now IOM America) - named by my wife Jane. We developed and established a training and counseling center that serviced the community with a special emphasis on ministering to the staff of the Navigators and Compassion International. It is during this time that I met my second mentor, Lorne Sanny - former President of Navigators, now with the Lord. After providing some personal counsel for him & leading him to the message of the Cross, he opened the door to many opportunities of counsel and training for their team. Needless to say, the Exchanged Life swept through the Navigators and Compassion International. During the late 90’s, after moving our ministry to Arizona, I served as an advisor to several Senators, as well as serving as America’s first state Faith-Based Representative, as well as served on the Arizona Domestics Relations Committee - a three time Governor appointed position. During my advisory position with the state, I was given a plan, I believe from God, to establish a new branch of government called The Faith-Based Initiative. This plan was the basis for my doctorate dissertation at Phoenix University of Theology. To my surprise, this plan was embraced by leaders throughout the United States, modestly in Uganda and, ultimately, lead to a 5 year collaborative relationship with the White House. Even though warned and prepared, the dysfunction of American politics was used by God to call me back to my roots. I resigned my position at AACFA once our objective was accomplished in establishing the plan that is now in over 22 states. Once returning to my life calling – uniting Exchanged Life workers, IOM America then became dedicated to Christ-centered counseling, conferences & center consulting. We continue in helping members of the body of Christ to experience, mature in, and communicate effectively the message of identification with Christ in His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension in their various spheres of influence. Our ministry comes by way of a 3-Fold Vision: Biblical Worldview, Discipleship & Training and the Exchanged Life Global Initiative. All three fold into the International Fellowship of Exchanged Life E-Community (IFEL). Learn More After years of ministering the Exchanged Life, God opened the door to kindle afresh my relationship with Dr. Solomon. God puts Dr. Solomon and me together to discuss the idea of "coming back to my GFI roots." That being an obvious decision, our ministries immediately began to explore the idea of a "merge." During my correspondence with Dr. Solomon, he shared with me that he believed God put it upon his heart that the two of us were to integrate our life services. We met and both of us began to pray. One year later, I was struck down with a virus that went to my heart, throwing me into heart failure. Two years later, the cardiologist gave me such a positive report that it appeared I would be "bouncing back." This opened negotiations between Dr. Solomon and me once again. I was commissioned by the IOM &
GFI boards to write a strategic ministry plan to unite Exchanged Life workers throughout the entire world. The plan came like a river of life and to my joy, the leadership of IOM & GFI embraced it resulting in me accepting the challenge of working out the details of such an initiative. It was during this time, God reminded me that the plan He had given me during my previous stint in politics was actually for His Church. Since June of 2011, I have actively been working on the Exchanged Life Global Initiative in order to unfold this strategic plan. I thank you for taking the time to read this "extended version" of my personal and professional timeline. I understand that it was a bit laborious, but - I prefer to error on the side of too much detail than not enough. I believe it is important, if not critical, to know the pathway of the Cross for leaders you choose to serve and assist you. Bless you. Other People of Personal Influence: Jane M. Phinney, Carl John VerSteeg, Keith Fredrickson, Peter Lord, Lorne Sanny, Jerry White, Nicki Cruse, Randy Alcorn, Dan Camp, Ken Weas, Andrew Murray, John Lynch, Major W. Ian Thomas, David Needham, Lee LeFebre, Jack Taylor, John Woodward, Watchman Nee, Bill Gillham, Hannah Whitall Smith, John Lind, Beth Moore, Charles Trumbull, Miles Stanford, Mark Bubeck, Joel Rosenberg, John MacArthur, Senator David Peterson, President George W. Bush, Nancy Leigh DeMoss, A.W. Tozer, C.T. Studd, Norman Grubb, J. Mark Fox, Gordon Donaldson, Representative Mark Anderson and a host of others.