A Champion of Economic Empowerment
I am sad and grateful, at the same time, as I write to tell you about the death of our friend, Dr. John Beyer, who died Thursday, January 16th . As a long-time (5+ years) board member of Five Talents, John’s inspiring leadership helped equip thousands of families with skills to start their own small businesses. (Make a gift in honor of John).
With a huge mischievous smile, John’s compassion and generosity were hallmarks of his character and faith. His wise and disciplined leadership shaped his work to support the world’s poorest communities.
Through a generous challenge pledge, John inspired others to give and help launch programs that support community savings, small business development, and trauma healing. Because of John, some of the poorest people in the world started new businesses, provided more than one meal a day for their children, and paid school fees so the next generation will escape poverty. John’s latest initiative is launching this month in Terekeka, South Sudan. As one of the local leaders there shared “I believe this program is from God.”
Dr. John C. Beyer (center) pictured next to Harriet Baka, the leader of Mothers’ Union South Sudan with other Five Talents USA Board Members
Strong and Inspiring Leadership
One of Five Talents’ board members wrote, “With Churchillian qualities, he bolstered our courage when we were faltering and unsure that we had the money or could pull in the money to do something. John would say, ‘Spend it and more will come in. Make the distributions to our partners. Why? Because it is the right thing to do. Don’t hold back. Worry less. Trust more.’ I can hear him even now, encouraging us to fulfill our mission. He will be greatly missed.”