Lecture/Presentation on Family, Finances, and Faith

Introduction to Power NPO

• Power: Nonprofit organization (NPO) operating overseas.
• Takes around 20 years of building relationships in communities.
• Champions or heroes in communities are already doing things that can be empowered.
• Concept of Empower: applying something like Extreme Home Makeover to South Africa.

Guest Introduction: David

• Married to Brooke Octavia for over 7 years, with two kids: Judah James (5) and Riley Madison (3).
• Born and grew up in Johannesburg, moved to Durbanville with parents.
• Studied theology and psychology at Cornerstone Christian College, affiliated with Stellenbosch.

Career Journey

Early Career and Studies

• Studied theology and psychology, formative time understanding the Word of God and people.
• Worked for Glass Coat for eight years in sales (epoxy and polyurethane resin flooring and paint).
• Developed people skills through dealing with clients and learning about the industry.
• Realization of lack of eternal value in the work led to a shift in career focus.

Transition to Urban Edge Church

• 2013: Watched Elevation DVD by Steven Furtick, felt a shift to church work.
• Invited by Sean, senior pastor at Urban Edge, to work at the church.
• Worked for four years with young adults, pastoral work, heading up volunteers.
• Met Brooke at a small group in Stellenbosch; started dating in 2016, married in 2017.
• Considered mission work in Lesotho but moved to George for an opportunity with a nonprofit.

Starting Empower NPO

• 2018: Moved to George, worked for another nonprofit.
• Empower NPO officially launched in April 2022.
• Co-founded with Justin, an entrepreneur from the USA.
• Aim: To empower champions and entrepreneurs both locally and overseas.

Lessons on Changing Career Paths

• Multiple Seasons and Different Challenges: Corporate to church work, to starting a nonprofit.
• Frustrations and Purpose: Feeling financial but lacking eternal purpose in corporate work.
• God’s Timing: Recognizing shifts and waiting for the right opportunity.
• Trapeze Analogy: Timing to let go and grab the next opportunity.
• Peace and Trust: Deciding to launch Empower amidst financial uncertainties.

Personal Finances and Family

Financial Management

• Importance of budgeting and tracking expenses.
• Identified small, frequent expenses as budget-breakers.
• Use of apps and tools to manage and track finances better.
• Ensuring to be good stewards of what God has provided.

Family and Relationships

• Regular communication and responsibility in marriage.
• Finding balance between purpose, finance, and responsibility as a father.
• Concept of peace and trust in managing family and career.

Choosing a Partner

• Knowing Yourself: Understanding one's purpose and calling in Christ.
• Running Towards Purpose: Finding someone running in the same direction as you.
• Continuous Effort in Marriage: Working on marriage, finding date nights, and not becoming complacent.
• Communication: Importance of discussing issues and not allowing small problems to become big ones.

Conclusion

• Importance of understanding oneself, trusting God, and continuously working on both career and family life.
• Keeping sight of purpose, managing finances wisely, and nurturing relationships are key to a balanced and fulfilling life.