By Barby Bowser
When I was first approached for the position of Executive Assistant and Communications at the World Methodist Council, I was a bit nervous about taking on such a huge role, especially since I would be “filling the shoes” of an amazingly efficient and knowledgeable person whom I truly admired. My predecessor, Roma Wyatt, once told me that working with the Council had opened her eyes to the world, and I can’t agree more. My time working for the Council has allowed me to learn both the history of Methodism and its spread around the world, but has also afforded me the chance to meet and interact with some incredible people and fulfill a dream to see new places and travel the globe.
It is then a bit bittersweet to say that after five years with the Council, I have decided to turn my focus to family, home, and the local church. In August, I will be returning to work with a Methodist/Wesleyan organization I have a 10 year history with – The Foundation for Evangelism – which seeks to empower and equip clergy and laity for Wesleyan evangelism and discipleship. Their offices are literally a 10 minute walk from the steps of the World Methodist Council headquarters at Lake Junaluska, North Carolina! I will not be moving far, but I will certainly miss working with the talented group of staff and diverse individuals whose paths I have been blessed to cross.
The famous American chef and travel author, Anthony Bourdain said “The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.” I know that this journey has changed me, and I know that I as I leave the World Methodist Council, I cannot forget how God has opened my eyes to the world, and the Methodist/Wesleyan people in it!
Blessings.