The Bigger Question of Business & Purpose

As I wrestled with those questions about calling, another set of questions began to surface: What is business really for?
Is it just about profit, expansion, and success—or could it be something more sacred?

That’s when a CEO I once spoke with said something that cut straight to the heart:

“I see companies as mission fields.”

That line shifted everything.
He explained how, in today’s world, many companies struggle with corruption, injustice, and a lack of transparency—where people are too often overlooked.
But what if business could be different?
What if it could be a way to spread the gospel?

My Dad’s Vision

That thought reminded me of my dad’s words.
He reminded me often of our company vision: ‘Grow together to serve.’

For years, I rolled my eyes. What did that even mean?
But now, I hear it differently.

He explained:
“To make a change, we first have to be the change—and invite others to grow with us. God calls us to serve, to live according to His Word, and to be salt and light.”

He told me it’s our responsibility to provide people with dignified work, where they can also learn about the gospel.
To care for their families. To serve the country—not just through jobs, but through projects that support and uplift communities, especially in education and schools where children can grow in faith and knowledge.

He sees the company not as his achievement, but as something God entrusted to him.
Not to keep.
To serve.

And somewhere along the way, I began to see it too—but in my own way.

Different Callings, One Purpose

That’s when I realized something freeing:
I don’t have to be like my dad.
I don’t have to pick between business and heart—I just needed the right intersection.

Coming back from my travels, something clicked.
I realized I loved strategy—and serving through social projects—almost as much as business itself.
Whether in business, farm, or in social initiatives, it all leads back to the same purpose: serving.

My brother has the calling for the commercial side —and honestly, that brought a sense of relief.
I’ve always been more drawn to social projects and community work.

Different callings. Same purpose.

God didn’t make us carbon copies.
He made us unique.
And together, those differences serve a bigger mission.

Even my relationship with my dad softened.
We stopped trying to “fix” each other and started figuring out how to work with each other.
Different styles.
Different strengths.
But now—a much stronger team.

That’s the miracle of working with family:
If you let Him, God uses the friction to refine you, not break you.

Not as Simple as It Sounds

Now: are our family meetings conflict-free, calm, and overflowing with hugs and homemade cookies?
Absolutely not.

Two strong-willed men and one strong-willed woman in a room?
What you get is mild family drama with a side of Excel.

But we do have a secret weapon: Mom.
Behind my dad’s intense business face is my mom—strategist, therapist, human compass.
If she backs your idea, chances are Dad will suddenly think it’s brilliant.

We call her our internal GPS.
And you know what? She’s usually right.

Is she the boss?
Let’s just say… the debate is ongoing.
But we’ve all learned it’s quicker to just do what she says.

It saves time and energy.
She’s the calm in our storm.
The hug in our hustle.
The steady in our striving.

The Bigger Lens

Looking back, I see my detour differently now.
The sleepless nights in Africa.
The panic attacks that forced me to slow down.
The prayers whispered in exhaustion.

It wasn’t wasted—God was reshaping my lens.

So I could return and see that our companies were never just businesses.
They were platforms.
Entrusted to us by God, to serve Him and His people.

The Heart of Our Calling

I don’t want to sound like I’ve figured it all out—far from it.
But I do know this:

Working with family?
It will stretch you.
Sometimes sideways.
Sometimes upside-down.

But it will also humble you.
Surprise you.
Bless you.

Because God had a good idea when He created families.
He gave us different minds, strengths, even temperaments—not to clash, but to complement.

And when Jesus is at the center—not ego, not pride, not “who’s right this time”—even the messiest moments can bear fruit:
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8)

He never asked for perfection.
Just humility.
Obedience.
Unity.

So, to anyone navigating a family business, a faith journey, or your own purpose in the middle of expectations—here’s what I’ve learned:
You’re not failing because it’s hard.
You’re growing because it is.

God isn’t distant.
He’s with us—in the challenges, the decisions, the waiting.
His Word speaks into our work, our families, and our callings.
It steadies us when things get loud, and reminds us who we serve.

He’s in the conversations that hurt and heal.
In the courage it takes to be true to His purpose.
In the businesses that become ministries—not just money-makers.

Because at the end of the day, the calling isn’t just about success.
It’s about service.
And when two generations carry that same calling—God’s story keeps going.