Words can only express so much, then there is digital.

A photographer came through Paradigm Shift a few months back and took some fantastic photos and put them on a webpage for all to see. (There is music that accompanies the slideshow- so if you are at work, turn the speakers down!)

This is Paradigm Shift in action: entrepreneurs coming into contact with a church that delivers a message of hope for the here and now along with eternity.

“It is a privilege for me to serve on the board of Paradigm Shift.  I have been impressed wtih the professional way in which the program has been designed and implemented.  I have been intimately involved in South Africa for a number of years and this program is filling a need that is not being addressed by others.  The combination of a professional business training model with discipleship is tailor made for churches and Christian schools and provides a bridge for service to the disadvantaged community.

Dr. Phil Renicks, Board Member

Eric Fenton, the Discipleship Coordinator and Assistant Director of Microcredit talks about his experience thus far:

“Part of my role as discipleship coordinator is to find, interview, and eventually train an individual or group of individuals to facilitate the Biblical discipleship curriculum with the entrepreneurs over each 6-month loan repayment cycle.

As a part of that, I have had the privilege of connecting with three motivated, passionate, and talented individuals in the church who are now serving as the ‘resident pastors’ for our first group of entrepreneurs who have started up with Paradigm Shift over the last several weeks.

One has been living for the last 6-7 years in the poor neighborhood where many of our first entrepreneurs reside, which connects him to the community and culture in this neighborhood providing him with great insight into people’s needs and experiences.

Another is a delightful young woman with a warmth that truly draws people to her, an intellect that contributes a great deal to team discussions, and a sense of humor that emerges just at the right moments.

The third has a great deal of enthusiasm and a true gift for teaching: a young man who hopefully will be involved with the program for years to come.

It is truly a joy to see members of the local community up in front of the entrepreneurs releasing their gifts in a powerful way to make Christ more fully known!

Eric Fenton – Paradigm Shift Staff Member

Patti Townley-Covert has been a part of Paradigm Shift from the very beginning and has been an incredible supporter when it was just a dream and a few suitcases. Patti had these words to say about her involvement:

“What a surprise to hear about Paradigm Shift right when I was praying for a way to really help the poor. None of the organizations I knew about offer the kind of aid that leads to permanent solutions to the devastating poverty I’ve seen firsthand in places like Haiti and Egypt. In so many countries, such as South Africa, people struggle to eke out a living to provide for their families.

Finally, now, through Paradigm Shift–as a single mom with only a small amount to give—I can contribute to life-changing solutions, in the name of Jesus. The monthly support I send is enough to impact lives for eternity. One of the things I’m happiest about is the entrepreneurial training offered through Paradigm Shift. Individuals are mentored in such a way that they learn real business skills and in the process, they see the love of Jesus at work. Knowing each individual is being empowered to become the person our Creator designed him or her to be gives my heart great joy and satisfaction. And, to realize that local people are being trained to carry on the work means that over time Paradigm Shift can spread to many countries around the world. How delighted I am to know that my giving to Paradigm Shift makes a difference.”

Patti Townley-Covert
Ontario, California

Darryl is a Paradigm Shift Life Coach- which means every Tuesday night for 26 weeks, he joins together for the entrepreneur weekly meeting and communicates spiritual truth in a way that is culturally relevant and meaningful. He had the following to say regarding his experience thus far:

“As a starry-eyed twenty something hungry to serve and grow God’s kingdom here on earth, but with limited years of maturity and experience, I have had the privilege of being a part of Paradigm Shift.  It has been an excellent opportunity for me to help figure out and channel my God-given potential in the framework of something purposefully planned and excellently executed.

In a place and a time when it’s far too easy to become missionally numbed by complacency, contradiction and general despondency, it is encouraging and essential that initiatives such as Paradigm-Shift should point the way to a path of true reconciliation and redemption.

The staff are devoted to what they do, and sincere in their concern for us volunteers as well as the entrepreneurs, taking a keen interest not only in our areas of involvement, but in our personal lives as well: this has truly been a blessing. I’m encouraged also by their willingness to work with and for our local church, and to structure their program in a way that should be sustainable long after their time here is served; this means most of their effort is served away from the spotlight.

My experience so far shows that Paradigm-Shift exists to serve, not in the form of band-aid handouts, but rather by a process of holistic discipleship rooted in the Great Commission. This is the key to it’s kingdom success: fruit that lasts.

Paradigm Shift is in touch with it’s message and it’s context, and not too preoccupied with it’s own comfort and success. I have been ‘thrown in the deep end’ but equipped, and I have been loved and discipled, and encouraged to do the same, and for this I am truly grateful.”

Darryl Harbour- Life coach