ONE WORKDAY AFTER OUR DEAR RECEPTIONIST, ELLEN HALE, RETIRED AFTER 41 YEARS WITH A3, WE HAVE MORE STAFF NEWS TO SHARE...
Sharing our gratitude for Noel Becchetti
In 2012, my friend and colleague, Noel Becchetti approached me saying he was in transition and looking at options.
In my inquiry of what might fit him, I mused out loud, "Hmmm, maybe we’d be a good fit for you, Noel."
Noel and I have been friends since the late 1980s working for a week here and there together on various mission endeavors.
I knew Noel fairly well. But as we explored a new role, I asked, "What are your strengths and challenges?" He quickly listed both, but the key statement that grabbed my attention was:
“Joe, you know me. I get things done!”
Why did this stick with me? Noel's comment came on the tails of a consultant working with our teams, who suggested that it was amazing that A3 was still around. He assessed that we are a community of pastors, thinkers, and dreamers but very few doers. NOEL IS A DOER—exactly what we needed, and he has greatly blessed our community.
At that time, we were operating in about 12 countries with several new initiatives that weren’t gaining traction. Wow! Today, we touch nearly 25 countries and most of those initiatives are either complete or spawning new ventures taking A3 to entirely higher levels.
To add to all that he has blessed us with, Noel has taken us into a completely new region in the years since the pandemic. By the end of next year, at least 6 new countries will have been started mostly developed with Noel's fingerprints.
You can see why I praise God for Noel.
At the same time, life has its cycles. A few years ago, Noel mentioned that he was heading toward retirement. Sadly, for me, that time has come. Next February Noel will shift into his retirement season. And praise God he wants to volunteer for another year beyond to help sustain momentum in the countries he’s launching this past year.
We are glad to learn that his wife Kyle who is also a high-capacity leader will be staying on with A3 for another year. We got a double blessing when Noel and Kyle joined the A3 family over a decade ago, that’s for sure!
What A3 colleagues are saying about Noel...
Here are some thoughts from a few A3 leaders who have worked closely with Noel.
Rev. Yoshiya Hari, Japan
"Noel came to Japan to interview me for the publication of Eastern Voices, which he then turned into an easy-to-read text. We couldn't have done it without him."
Rev. Meng Aun Hour, Cambodia
"Noel is one who is very committed to the task and faithful with his responsibilities. He works really hard to made things happen and has started many task forces to encourage others to get involved in our A3 movement. Noel is a man with integrity of heart and skillful hands."
National Leader, High-Security Country
"If I put in my words about Noel, he is man of after God's heart, a man of true friendship, understanding, kindhearted, a good communicator, and work-oriented man of God. I really appreciate him and have enjoyed working with him."
Mr. Takeshi Takazawa, Japan
"Noel is solidly rooted in mission and wholeheartedly committed to what he is called to do. He does not mind hard work no matter what. He and Kyle are very generous to share what they were blessed by our Lord with people who God places in their lives."
Pastor Juserdi Purba, Indonesia
"Pak Noel (Noel Becchetti, “Pak” means "Sir" in Indonesian) is a person who easily adapts to new environments, a hard worker but still looks relaxed, a figure who always ensures that the program objectives will be achieved but still opens up space for dialogue and discussion, someone who has many friends. Just imagine, maybe he has only come to our church 3-4 times, but almost all of the congregation have become his friends on Facebook. Our family immediately felt close to him. We are also always amazed by his ability and endurance in covering long and tiring journeys. I often smile when I see him suddenly fall asleep next to me while I'm driving, even though we were just talking and telling stories to each other."
Rev. David Dayalan, India
"Noel is a man on a mission no nonsense guy. It’s been a joy working with him and getting to know him. Not sure how many of you know that Noel is a great musician and he loves to jam with his old buddies every year. It was fun working together in various teams with Noel. He is humble and always ready to serve. We will miss Noel around. Praying for his new season and his passion for working with refugees."
Mr. Elliott Snuggs, USA
"Noel has a tremendous gift of 'getting things done.' As an operations and logistical person myself, having someone else on the team who is good at details and executing on a vision and plan has been so helpful. Thanks Noel for leading our ministry team and helping us expand into new places that God has called us."
Ms. Mary Jo Wilson, USA
"For a very tall man with a strong voice, you’ve been an amazing example in coming alongside our leaders and supporting the A3 movement with finesse and a playful smile. Thanks for taking me under your wing when I was expanding to an international role, equipping, guiding, and always available. So grateful for you!"
National Leader, High-Security Country
"Noel acts justly and loves mercy and walks humbly (Micah 6:8). He is 'Brother Noel' to us."
When I think of Noel, this passage comes to mind:
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
— Galatians 6:9
This describes Noel Becchetti, my friend and colleague. The Lord blessed him with enormous energy to keep things moving, and I’m going to miss working with him. What a blessing he has been to me and to everyone in A3!
And, starting in October, we’ll have someone to shadow him in the ministry… More on that later so stay tuned!
Pray for Noel as he seeks to finish well as we teach so often at A3. Soon, he’ll have a mentee to journey with and learn the ropes. They both could use your prayers!
Joseph W. Handley, Jr., Ph.D.
@jwhandley
@jwhandley
@JosephWHandleyJr
@jwhandley
More Information
- Noel & Kyle Becchetti - staff profile
- Eastern Voices: https://easternvoices.org
