The Finish Line Podcast

Kurt Avery, founder of Sawyer Products, began his business career as a top MBA graduate and found himself working for two Fortune 500 companies. With a vision to reach success by making things that people need and solving world problems, Kurt branched out and founded Sawyer Products which manufactures outdoor products for enthusiasts and military applications.    In particular, Sawyer is the maker of the world’s most advanced personal water filter which is now providing clean water access to some of the hardest to reach parts of the world. Sawyer produces and gives millions of filters annually around the world through partnerships with over 140 nonprofits, many of whom are equipped to share the gospel. Sawyer was also a forerunner in the research that led to the development of insect repellent mosquito nets which have saved thousands of people from malaria around the world.   Major Topics Include: Kurt’s faith and professional journey The story of how Sawyer came to be Lessons from the first difficult decades of the company How Kurt got involved in repellants, mosquito nets, and sunscreen Four lesser-known ways to give from your business What makes Sawyer water filters unique The impact of pairing clean water access with the gospel A framework for aligning a for-profit company with life-changing impact QUOTES TO REMEMBER “With tithing, 10% isn’t the limit, it’s the starting point.” “God helped you build that business, now what are you gonna do with it?” “If you have a big God, you can do big things.” “Know your skill sets. If you’re going to do something big, it’s within your skill sets.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW Sawyer The Bucket Ministry (see our interview with founder Christopher Beth) Mission Drift (see our interview with author Peter Greer) Filter Best Practices The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebookand LinkedIn.

Davis Powell, CEO of Seed Company, shares his inspiring journey from aspiring medical missionary to leader in Bible translation. He delves into the transformative impact of AI on scripture translation and how collaboration with indigenous communities accelerates this vital work. Powell discusses innovative methods to engage hard-to-reach language groups, emphasizing local empowerment. He also shares vibrant stories of non-believing translators discovering faith, highlighting the profound changes as technology reshapes the landscape of Bible access.

Russ Crosson is the former president and CEO, and current chief mission officer of the financial advising firm Blue Trust. For over 40 years, Russ has helped individuals and families to grow in generosity and wisely steward what God has entrusted to them. Ken Boa is a well-known author and theologian, and founder of Reflections Ministries. Ken has an inspiring personal testimony and powerful biblical insights on the generous life.  Together, they are coauthors of the book Leverage which is packed with practical wisdom and frameworks for understanding our calling and invitation into the generous life. In the book, Ken lays out many spiritual and foundational principles to help people think more deeply and biblically about generosity. Along with each concept, Russ outlines practical ways to put principles into practice. You don’t want to miss out on all the wisdom they had to share.   Major Topics Include: The story of the book’s inception How generosity breaks the power of money Six reasons for giving How to shift into a generosity mindset The concept of reverse compounding  Deciding where and how much to give Practical ways to give anonymously Giving from assets  Thinking through wealth transfer to the next generation QUOTES TO REMEMBER Russ: “Stewardship is the use of God-given resources to accomplish God-given goals.” Ken: “You can always be more generous than you think.” Ken: “[In the parables,] the ones who were condemned were the ones who failed to take a risk because obedience requires risk-taking.” Russ: “Do you want to hear ‘well done’ or just ‘you may come in’?” Ken: “God never tells us to give up something without giving us something better.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW Leverage: Using Temporal Wealth for Eternal Gain by Kenneth Boa and Russ Crosson Ronald Blue and Co., CPA (see our interview with founder, Ron Blue) Blue Trust (see our interview with founder, Ron Blue) National Christian Foundation (see our interview with President Emeritus, David Wills) Kingdom Advisors (see our interview with founder, Ron Blue) The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW Luke 16:1-13 | The Parable of the Unrighteous Steward   1 Timothy 6:17-19 | Be Rich in Good Works   As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.   Ephesians 2:8-9 | The Gift of God For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebookand LinkedIn.

Rachel McDonough, an experienced financial advisor, was raised in a missionary family in Kenya. At a young age, Rachel had a deeply impactful encounter with poverty in Africa which led her into an unexpected calling as a financial advisor. Today, Rachel has a particular interest in impact investing and strives to help others align their hearts and finances in taking risks for Kingdom impact. Wes Lyons, General Partner at Eagle Venture Fund, was also raised in a missionary home and felt called into financial advising. While leading a military deployment, Wes saw firsthand the evils of human trafficking and the horrific treatment of children. He now leads the Eagle Freedom Fund, a venture capital fund dedicated to investing in companies that combat human trafficking and slavery through scalable business models. This groundbreaking model is shaking up the human trafficking global network by exposing the trafficking supply chain and placing heavy market pressure on the trafficking ecosystem.   Major Topics Include: Connecting financial planning with the work of the Kingdom The purpose of stewardship Blurring the lines between giving and investing with a head-and-heart approach Break the engines of the human trafficking machine through economic pressure Having both great impact and a great financial return An achievable goal to end human trafficking Viewing risk and return as a faithful steward QUOTES TO REMEMBER Rachel: “I started to realize that worship and investing could go hand-in-hand.” Wes: “I think sometimes when we’re living in the American Church, the evil and the darkness can feel very far away, and I just got smacked in the face with it. So that started informing how we do our impact investing.” Rachel: “I did nothing to deserve the position I was born into.” Rachel: “There is both an opportunity and a responsibility to be a Christ follower who is stewarding resources that we know rightfully belong to the King, and to do it in a way that aligns with His values, and His heart is for the poor.” Rachel: “Human trafficking is too big of a problem to solve without business. Business needs to be part of the solution for it.” Rachel: “God created us as holistic beings with a head and a heart. We get better outcomes in our giving and our investing when we take a head-and-heart approach to both.” Wes: “Our dream is that within 10 years we would have our first day in anybody’s lifetime when we didn’t lose the fight. And that would be the day when human trafficking started to go down.” Rachel: “I’m going to choose to willingly embrace risk for the sake of love and for the sake of sons, daughters, and image bearers set free.” Wes: “Christians should be the ones who are ready to take risks on behalf of the vulnerable.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW Eagle Venture Fund Money, Possessions, and Eternity (see our interview with author Randy Alcorn) International Justice Mission (IJM) Brightlight Inspire Insight Talanton Sound of Freedom Movie (Angel Studios) Wealth Squared Donor Advised Fund: The Freedom & Justice Impact Fund The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW Joel 3:10 | I Am A Warrior   Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruning hooks into spears; let the weak say, “I am a warrior.”   Galatians 6:9 | Don’t Give Up   And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebookand LinkedIn.

David Hazell was raised in a religious home, but his relationship with Jesus truly began in the Jesus Revolution in the 1970s. With a mindset of radical obedience, David felt called into an adventure with God and moved his family to Siberia to help with Bible translation. During his time on the mission field, he was awakened to the power of business to fuel the work being done.   Since then, David has launched many successful businesses, generating millions to fuel gospel work around the world, all while continuing to live in a modest mobile home with his wife. David has much to share on obeying the voice of the Spirit, wisdom in stewarding God’s money, and the importance of walking out your unique calling.   Major Topics Include: David’s story of redemption and calling How he went from Bible translation into the business world A mindset of whole-life stewardship Practice obeying the Spirit’s voice by responding to little nudges Spirit-led investing with God’s money Stories from the mission field of using businesses to reach people with the gospel QUOTES TO REMEMBER “When we start to see God’s mercy and His love, we want to be with Him every day.” “We set our lives up to give more than 50% away, even before we knew we could.” “When you give your life to Christ, you’re giving Him all aspects of your life, and you become a steward of everything you have.” “Nothing we own, nothing we have, nothing that belongs to us doesn’t belong to God.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW Wild at Heart by John Eldridge Wycliffe Bible Translators (see our interview with CEO John Chesnut) My Father’s World The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW Ephesians 2:10 | His Workmanship   For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebookand LinkedIn.

Ed Michaelson, founder of The 500k, was raised in the UK by parents who regaled him with adventurous tales of missionaries for his bedtime stories. As he grew in his relationship with Jesus, he became inspired to become a physician to serve on the mission field. But after a trip to India, Ed realized that his greatest capacity to move the gospel was to empower native missionaries who were already reaching the unreached in that region.   Ed founded the 500k as a pipeline to connect givers in the West with rapidly expanding indigenous church planting movements in India seeking to reach the remaining 500,000 villages that have never heard the name of Jesus. Now with thirteen Bible training centers, over 1,000 missionaries, evangelism training for new Believers, and collaboration with other ministries, this goal is closer than ever to becoming a reality.   Major Topic Include: Story of how 500K was born The necessity and effectiveness of indigenous missionaries The balance between earning to live and earning to give Stories from the mission field Training new Believers to share the gospel Collaborating with other ministries to further the gospel in India  Keys to effective giving in the mission space An exciting look at what can be achieved in fulfilling the Great Commission in the next few years The adventure of giving to the point of total dependence on God QUOTES TO REMEMBER “The thought that people aren’t being sent to unreached villages because of a lack of money is crazy to me because that’s a resource that we do have. And it’s really encouraging because that’s a problem I can easily help with.” “Forty percent of all the world’s unreached people are in India.” “There is no treasure that compares to knowing Jesus Christ as Lord” “If you don’t want Jesus, that’s your choice, but everyone should have that choice.” “It puts the things that we call sacrifices into perspective when we see people putting their health, their lives, on the line to share the gospel.” “Everyday can be like Christmas when we’re depending on the Lord.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW 500k Joshua Project (see our interview with Director, Dan Scribner) Mission India The Finishing Fund (see our interview with founder Doug Cobb) The Timothy Initiative (see our interview with CEO, Jared Nelms) The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW Psalm 34:8 | Taste and See    Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!   1 Peter 1:18-19 | Redeemed by the Blood   Knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.   Matthew 18:6 | Guarding God’s Little Ones   But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.   Luke 12:33 | Eternal Treasure   Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebookand LinkedIn.

Cherise Vermeulen, Executive Director of Generous Generations, had several childhood experiences that radically impacted her faith and her understanding of generosity. At the age of six, she woke from a coma following a severe car accident, where she felt the healing touch of prayer. This life-altering event left her with visible scars, but it also prompted her to explore her identity in Christ and discover her intrinsic value. Later, as the recipient of an incredibly generous gift, Cherise came to recognize the immense impact of generosity in changing the course of someone’s life.   Through these experiences and Cherise’s background in children’s educational television, God laid the foundations for Generous Generations, which now provides generosity programming, videos, and content for children and youth across 26 different countries. By collaborating with localized ministries and training local leaders, Generous Generations has reached millions of children with the message of generosity in a culturally contextualized way.    Major Topics Include: The amazing story of how Generous Generations was born Different strategies for teaching children to young adults about generosity Collaboration as a central strategy for sharing the program How Generous Generations is affecting families and communities The challenge of contextualizing stories and examples to share generosity concepts with different cultures Tips for families to incorporate generosity into the daily lives of their children QUOTES TO REMEMBER “Even in times of need, it’s not about what you can get, it’s about what you can give.” “I used to think you had to have a lot in order to give.” “Let’s decide how much we want to give and let God work out the details.” “Generosity is transformational. Why do we wait until we’re grownups before we learn about these beautiful values?” “Children learn quickly because they’re not afraid to fail.” “Teenagers need to feel like they have a voice and a role to play in deciding how to give.” “We want children under the age of twelve to begin to understand that generosity is an adventure.” “With the great wealth transfer being underway, we have the opportunity to speak to children and youth now to instill these biblical values of generosity and stewardship into their lives so that by the time they reach adulthood, they will be able to make huge decisions about how money is spent.” “When a child discovers the joy of giving, it’s not a duty to them or something that they have to do, it’s something they get to do. And the joy is contagious!” “Generosity is a new way to spread the gospel because it’s a universal language. It’s a concept that’s understood across cultures.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW Generous Generations Journey to Generosity (JoG) with Generous Giving (see our interviews with cofounder, Todd Harper and CEO, April Chapman) Scripture Union Global Children’s Forum The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW Philippians 4:8 | Think on These Things   Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebookand LinkedIn.

Scott Cheatham, CEO of e3 Partners and I Am Second, was raised in a Christian, entrepreneurial family in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Scott started off in the business world as a successful entrepreneur living the American dream. But God got his attention in a powerful way, and led him to sell it all without knowing where God was taking him next. Through baby steps of radical obedience, God led his family to the nations to plant churches in one of the darkest places in the world.   Today, Scott’s business expertise and church planting experience have come together as he leads e3’s church planting network across over 100 countries. Scott is also closely involved with the Coalition of the Willing, a massive coordination effort among church planting organizations to see the gospel reach every person and village.    Major topics include: Scott’s inspiring story of radical obedience to God Maturing a church plant into a healthy church Building accountability structures in church plants Tips for telling your story and sharing the gospel Collaboration between church planting organizations to advance the gospel QUOTES TO REMEMBER “The more obedient we were to Jesus, the more we were prompted to want to do more.” “We have a mission statement for our family and it’s simply this: Lord, help us to leverage every give, talent, and resource You have given us for the full extent of Your glory.” “Our life with Jesus is just baby steps of incremental obedience.” “We should be asking, ‘Lord, open our minds and our hearts to the opportunities that we have in front of us to have spiritual conversations.’” “There’s not power in your words. There’s power in Jesus’ words.” “God’s the one who does the work.” “When we speak the truth in love, God does the work.” “All God is asking for us is the simplicity of obedience.” “God is setting the world’s stage for hope in Jesus.” “Ask yourself, ‘Where am I investing in lostness?’” LINKS FROM THE SHOW E3 Partners I Am Second Coalition of the Willing The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW Acts 2:43-47 | The New Testament Church And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebookand LinkedIn.

Leigh Ann Horton grew up in a Christian home where open conversations about money and stewardship shaped her perspective on finances and faith. Her natural talent for numbers guided her career as a CPA and entrepreneur, while also influencing her early approach to generosity. Initially meticulous in tracking her giving, Leigh Ann’s journey has since evolved into one of holding resources with open hands and following the Spirit’s leading in both her businesses and giving. A turning point came when Leigh Ann and her husband connected with a community of like-minded givers, leading to a transformative shift toward heartfelt, Spirit-led generosity. Today, Leigh Ann is passionate about empowering women to engage in meaningful conversations about money and giving. Her inspiring stories radiate the joy and fulfillment that come from embracing a generous life. Major Topics Include: From “tickled-tithing” to joyful generosity The transformative power of community in generosity Finding freedom from comparison and cultivating joy Growing as a couple in Spirit-led giving Equipping and inspiring women in financial conversations Understanding and measuring impact investing Quotes to Remember “When I realized that I was being legalistic in my giving, I quit trying to measure everything and tried to become more freehanded in it.” “It doesn’t matter what I have because it’s not mine; I’m just a steward.” “As you know what your purpose is, then you can figure out where your passions align.” “Start where you are, even if you’ve only given a tiny bit before. You can start anytime to be generous with your time, your treasure, or your talent. It all matters.” “If you want to start being more generous, you have to start with acts of generosity.” Links from the Show J4 Leaders Julie Wilson, President of Women Doing Well (see our past interview here) Talanton  Faith Driven Investor Solving the World’s Greatest Problems Journey to Generosity (JoG) with Generous Giving (see our interviews with cofounder, Todd Harper and CEO, April Chapman) National Christian Foundation (see our interview with President Emeritus, David Wills) The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group Bible References from the Show Malachi 3:10 | “Test Me in This…” Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. We Want to Hear from You! If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Barry and Linda Rowan, a corporate executive and a CPA, were both raised in environments that emphasized faith, family, and the pursuit of financial success. By their late 20s, they had each established successful careers; however, they found themselves in a crisis as they sought meaning in their work. In their quest for purpose, they were brought to a position of total spiritual surrender. Through a series of paradigm shifts, they learned from God how to integrate their faith, generosity, and professions, ultimately creating a harmonious blend of work and spirituality.   Barry has served as CEO and CFO of eight major companies over his career and sees business as an expression of faith when walking in step with God. Together Barry and Linda set a finish line early in their marriage which has guided their generosity since, and they are passionate about raising up the next generation of givers and Christ-following leaders to view all that they are, all that they do, and all they have to give as belonging fully to God.   Major topics include: Discovering what purpose and calling looked like in their faith journeys Developing a biblical view of money and stewardship in their early 20s Viewing money as a gift to be shared, not a goal to be achieved Amazing stories about seeing God triumph greatly through failure Investing in spiritual disciplines Powerful insights on prayer What businesses and ministries can learn from each other How to pass leadership and generosity on to the next generation QUOTES TO REMEMBER “I was trying to derive meaning from the work instead of bringing meaning to the work. It’s really God’s perspective of the work that infuses our work with meaning.” – Barry “If we haven’t figured out how much is enough, we are by default lovers of money.” – Barry  “We stay in prayer until God unites our hearts in decisions.” – Linda “We’ve never made a major financial decision or contribution without coming to a consensus. And the process of talking through it is often as valuable as the end decision.” – Barry “Prayer is an anchor.” – Linda “If we give God the time to speak to us, then He will meet us right where we are. God is the Great I Am, and I must meet Him just as I am.” – Barry “We are made for the benefit of others.” – Barry “Nothing is wasted in God’s hands when we offer it with open palms.” – Linda “God is inviting us to live an integrated life under Him, and as we do, our work is not something that stands in the way of faith, but rather an expression of faith.” – Barry “It starts with surrender.” – Barry “At this stage in our lives, we have nothing to prove, we have nothing to fear, and we view our lives as an act of total generosity.” – Barry LINKS FROM THE SHOW God and Money (see our interviews with coauthors Greg Baumer and John Cortines) The Spiritual Art of Business by Barry Rowan World Vision The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW Colossians 1:27 | The Hope of Glory   To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.   Ecclesiastes 5:10 | The Love of Money   He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity.   Ecclesiastes 5:19 | The Gift of Enjoying Wealth   Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God.   Luke 12:48b | An Expected Return   Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.   Luke 14:33 | Full Surrender   So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.   Jeremiah 29:11 | Plans for Your Good   For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.   Mark 10:18 | Only the Father Is Good   And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.   Galatians 2:10 | Remember the Poor   Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.   Acts 28:31 | Teaching with Boldness   [Paul lived] proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebookand LinkedIn.