Join as Jedd interviews Wess Stafford, former President of Compassion International, drawing on wisdom earned over a lifetime as a champion for vulnerable children all over the world.
In this episode, we'll explore:
- Three stages that ultimately lead to giving up and going home
- Why a sense of calling is key to perseverance
- Small choices essential to avoiding burnout and to serving with joy
- Why leadership begins with listening
Key Quotes
“If you’re going to avoid burnout, the first thing you need to do is avoid exhaustion.”
“You’ve got to learn how to say “no” to things that stir your heart but are outside of your expertise…Don’t say yes to anything until you say no to something you are currently doing.”
“If you’re looking for joy, then look to the very people you’re trying to serve.”
“The reason for burnout oftentimes is the same reason there is for poverty. The worst thing about poverty is not the lack of water or sanitation or even food or money. The worst thing about poverty is the overwhelming message that gets into the heart of even a little child that says, ‘Give up. Nobody cares. Nothing is going to change…'”
“Look for the little victories within the context of what you do. It’s going to be a little child. It’s going to be a grandma with gratitude and wisdom.”
Resources and Guests
Wess’ life experiences have uniquely prepared him for this role. With earned undergraduate degrees from Moody Bible Institute, Biola University and a master’s degree from Wheaton College, as well as a Ph.D. from Michigan State University, Wess often says, “Everything I really need to know to lead a multinational organization I learned from the poor, growing up in an African village.”
As the son of missionaries to the Ivory Coast, Wess grew up as one of the village children cared for by a wise and loving African “extended family.” But his young heart was often broken as he watched his African friends die from the cruel ravages of poverty. Wess felt privileged to continue his parents’ commitment to the poor through the ministry of Compassion International.
Wess joined the staff of Compassion International in 1977 and worked with the ministry, both overseas and at headquarters. He served as President for 20 years.
Wess is a veteran, having served four years in the U.S. Army as a linguist in military intelligence.
He is also an avid outdoorsman and committed family man, living on a small ranch near Colorado Springs, Colorado, with his wife Donna who was a Compassion sponsor even before she met Wess. They have two daughters, Jenny and Katie — the two children in the world for whom Wess is the greatest advocate of all.
Jedd has seen (and experienced!) that lives are turned upside-down when Christians begin to reflect God’s heart through adoption, foster care and service to orphans worldwide. This kind of love transforms not only vulnerable children, but also those who open hearts and homes to them. Churches begin to look different, too, as the entire community pulls together for children who’ve known great hurt. Finally, the change touches even onlookers, who encounter the Gospel not only in words, but made visible before their eyes.
Desiring to spur this kind of transformation through the Church, Jedd serves as President of the Christian Alliance for Orphans.
Through CAFO, more than 225 respected organizations unite in shared initiatives, along with a wide network of churches. CAFO’s membership works in tandem to inspire and equip families, churches and organizations for effective service to vulnerable children and families — from adoption and US foster care, to aid and empowerment programs worldwide.
Prior to his this role, Jedd served in the White House as a Special Assistant to President George W. Bush, leading the Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. In this post, he oversaw reform efforts across the government to make community- and faith-based groups central partners in all Federal efforts to aid the needy, from prisoner reentry to global AIDS. As described by the Harvard Political Review, these reforms “fundamentally changed the government’s strategy for improving the lives of the downtrodden…”
Previously, Jedd held a range of posts in the California State Legislature. He also helped establish the California Community Renewal Project, which strengthens nonprofits in some of the state’s most challenged communities. He has worked, studied and served in more than thirty countries, with organizations ranging from Price-Waterhouse in Moscow to Christian Life Bangladesh.
Books written by Jedd include Upended and Four Souls. He also writes articles and op-eds for publications ranging from the Wall Street Journal and Washington Post to Comment Magazine, and engages radio interviews with both faith-based and mainstream outlets, from NPR and Al Jazeera to Moody Radio. Jedd’s most recent book, Becoming Home, offers a brief-yet-rich exploration of how families and communities can embrace vulnerable children with wisdom and love through adoption, foster care, mentoring and more.
