By Joseph W. Handley
CEO, A3
“There’s no limit to what you can do for the glory of God when you don’t care who gets the credit.”
—Doug Birdsall, quoting Ken Wendling
It’s not every day that you get to witness the kind of moment that reminds you why you do what you do. But a few weeks ago, that’s exactly what happened on a simple Zoom call.
What began as a request from my dear friend Nana Yaw Offei Awuku, Global Director for Generations with the Lausanne Movement, to meet Ken Wendling, turned into a sacred time of story, gratitude, and shared calling. The call became a holy celebration of a life that continues to multiply impact across generations.
A Connection Years in the Making
Earlier this year in Panama, Nana told me how often Doug Birdsall—our mutual friend and mentor—spoke of Ken with deep affection and reverence. “Joe,” he said, “Doug mentions Ken in nearly every conversation. I’d love to meet him.”
That request led to a virtual gathering with the four of us: Nana in Ghana, Doug in Boston, Ken in Dhaka, and me in California. What unfolded in that call was a deeply relational exchange that reminded us why we lead, and how legacy lives on through friendship.
Four Friends, One Heartbeat
The tone was like a living room conversation. We laughed, we remembered, and we marveled at how God had woven our lives together across continents and decades.
Nana came eager to learn. Doug, as always, was quick to honor others. And Ken radiated joy and humility, speaking with the kind of wisdom that only comes from years of faithful, sometimes hidden, obedience.
I simply sat back, grateful—and thought to myself: This is the heartbeat of A3.
A Legacy Worth Honoring
Doug shared how Ken helped redirect the course of his life and ministry. Years ago, it was Ken who encouraged Doug and his wife Jeannie to move from pastoral ministry into cross-cultural work in Asia. That one act reshaped not only their future but impacted countless others who followed in their steps.
Doug then shared ten simple but profound life lessons—truths that continue to shape him:
- Do not rob God of His glory.
- Prioritize: God → Family → Work.
- Plan carefully.
- Keep short accounts.
- Call home daily while traveling. (“It’s more expensive if you don’t,” he smiled.)
- Acknowledge work well done—privately and publicly.
- Maintain a Kingdom mentality.
- Know your time.
- Failure is a prelude to success.
- With God, the impossible becomes possible.
These weren’t just points on a list—they were lessons lived, often in the quiet corners of mission.
Vision Stirring: From Dhaka to Accra
Ken, true to form, didn’t dwell on his legacy. He instead shared his excitement about moving into a rural village near Dhaka—an unreached community of 400 Muslim families—where he hopes to live, learn, and love like Jesus.
And Nana, filled with vision, began imagining what it would look like to see A3’s leadership development work expand into West Africa. Could this model, born in Asia and shaped by lives like Ken’s and Doug’s, now take root in Ghana and beyond?
Ken warmly affirmed the possibility, later writing:
“I encourage you and other leaders to explore an A3 collaborative relationship as part of His blessing to the brothers and sisters faithfully serving our Lord in Ghana and West Africa… I trust our paths will cross again—hopefully in person.”
A Circle of Honor
Our call was a circle of honor—a shared moment around a mentor and friend whose life has quietly and powerfully shaped so many. As Nana shared afterward:
“Thanks, dear Ken, with deep gratitude for your love, life, and leadership that continue to inspire generations!”
We closed our time in prayer, led by Doug. Nana summed it up best:
“Amen! Amen! Ameeeeennnnn to the inspiring prayer Doug said to close our time, to the beautiful sharing of hearts, and the gift of this lovely friendship conversation!”
Yes, Nana. Amen indeed.
What’s Next?
Out of this call, a few next steps emerged:
- A3 in West Africa? Nana and I are exploring how to build bridges for future collaboration.
- Ken’s new mission: He’s preparing to embed deeply in a rural Bangladeshi village, and we’re praying for him.
- Doug’s reflections: His 10 leadership lessons will be shared with our broader A3 network.
As Doug reminded us that day:
“God begins. God completes.”
And to that, I simply say:
Thanks be to God.
Rev. Joseph W. Handley, Jr., Ph.D.
President
@jwhandley
@jwhandley
@JosephWHandleyJr
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More Information
- Nana Yaw Offei Awuku is a member of A3's council of reference.
- See what Nana says about A3 here...
