Ready … Fire … Reload … Repeat
It was 2008 and I was a headstrong young man who loved hunting down new adventures triggered by my hunger for success. I believed my faith driven endeavors would be blessed by God. I started my business and a new church, relying on my good health and limited counsel. I pointed my faith at each new target believing that hitting it would bring me one step closer to reaching my dream. I was confident in my abilities, my decisions and my determination to achieve my goals. Until, I wasn’t.
Badly Broken
Cleaning out the church building by myself after a handful of years exploded memories of broken relationships, driving the death of my dream like a stake through my heart. My actions resulted in severe business and personal financial failure. Having to declare bankruptcy, I lost my home, my car and suffered through the shame of all of that.
Sad Songs
With relationships severed, I sunk down into a deep depression …. brought low by sickness, I was homeless, and feeling alone. I remember singing in a church choir, hiding a heavy heart. One terrifying thought kept surfacing, “I have nowhere to sleep tonight … again.”
Band of Believers in Business
There was a band of believers in business that showed me mercy I didn’t deserve. One of them took me in. I lived with my friend Dick and his family. I watched their trustworthiness and the respect they had amongst friends and family. Their steadfastness helped me trust again and turn from my sin. Christ’s love moved through them. He and his wife displayed this love daily in word and deed. Away from their home, our band of believers was a committed community. I gleaned great wisdom as they challenged me to grow in Christ. Feeling comforted, I was being healed.
Under Construction
After many months, I remember Dick letting me know in his loving way that it was time for me to move on. I didn’t want to leave their home, but I thought God was moving me on too. He would go on to re-build my life slowly. I remember a generous man named Alex slap down a $100 bill after a Christian business gathering and say, “I want you to make some calls for me.” Little did he know that I only had about $20 to my name. One band of believers in business lead to another. God brought stability and blessing to me through these friends.
Friends I Trust Beginnings
I strive to connect people to the possibilities of God’s greater purpose for their lives in creative and encouraging ways. I do this through serving aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners pursuing growth together in a committed community called Friends I Trust.
His Body Builds Broken People
In hindsight, I know that God allowed everything to break me. Shattering my self righteous religious foundation was necessary. Looking back, I know Jesus Christ’s great love paid for my major life failures. His loving discipline was with me through everything. The body of Christ is powerful, building up the broken.
Wayne Schmidt
Friends I Trust
committed community is critical to our success
Friends I Trust Core Values
Our 3 core values are built upon Christ who keeps us together.
They start with being a trustworthy community member.
We desire to grow in our startups and our lives.
Trustworthiness
Trust depends on the credibility of the source. Although we are flawed, our source isn’t.
Community
Community is a long-term commitment. It requires consistent effort, time, and genuine engagement.
Growth
To be more like Christ is our ultimate goal. That means excellent conduct in a business context.
