For the last 20 years I have worked in the retail e-commerce field, managing fulfillment operations. While I have thoroughly enjoyed the fast pace and growth of e-commerce, I decided to create something of my own. I wanted to pour my heart and soul into something that would make a difference in my life and the lives of others. I began to think about what I liked best about working in this industry and I discovered that my greatest joy came from developing others. The days that I can remember most are the days when individuals and/or teams produced record results - while I watched. I learned that I could make a difference in the lives of others, simply by inspiring and supporting them. Most importantly, I wanted to encourage others to share the beliefs about Jesus Christ and give them the opportunity to witness their faith. That's when I decided to launch an online business selling dress shirts and tee shirts.
I spent my youth in the church but had abandoned the ministry since college. I didn't stop praying or believing, I just thought that I could better use my time instead of spending it in church. I couldn't even give God one hour of my week, not to mention any time learning and understanding His word. Jesus has always been in my heart and I really do believe in helping others achieve success in their lives. But at the end of the day, their success was about me and my ego. I wanted to prove to everyone that I could be successful at my company and as success continued, I started to believe that I was the reason why we were getting great results and not the efforts of others. That's when I knew I needed a change of heart. I wanted my actions to glorify God and not me.
One day I was reading the Bible and stumbled across Luke 5. In this chapter the Bible talks about how Jesus convinces Peter, James, and John to follow Him. After passing several of Jesus' tests, He rewards them with a large catch of fish. The disciples are ecstatic and then Jesus teaches them that while catching fish and selling them at the market is fun, capturing the hearts and souls of others for eternity is even more fun. Jesus uses the excitement of the moment to convince the disciples that their life purpose should be leading others to follow Christ. He never denigrated their jobs as fishermen, but he advised them that while they are doing their work, spend some time doing the Lord's work. They should share the Good News with others, such that they too can receive eternal life and live with Him forever.
Working at a challenge and being successful is fun. Designing products and selling them is fun. But is there any greater gift than sharing the Good News with others, not only changing their lives forever, but their destinies as well? Can you think of any accomplishment that can top that? I cannot.
How often do you share your faith with others? Do you seek others out in order to tell them about Jesus and His teachings? I certainly do not. But when those around me want to have a Christ based conversation, I'm certainly the first one to jump in. I know it's our mission to share the Good News with others but for some reason most of us only talk about Jesus when someone asks them first. Is there a simple way that we could increase those faith based conversations? I believe there is.
I wanted to find the right Christian symbol to use for our shirts. After numerous hours of researching, I learned that hundreds of years ago, when Christians would meet strangers, they would draw an arc in the sand. If the stranger was a Christian he/she would draw a second arc, forming a fish. This allowed Christians to share their faith without the fear of discrimination. Back in those days it wasn't okay to be a Christ follower. This would be the perfect symbol, but many others are using it. How can I make this different? Once again I prayed to God and asked for support.
One morning while I was working on designs and colors, Jesus spoke to me. He told me to write the letter J and then C without picking up my pen. I was amazed at the results. The symbol was a fish at a different angle. And the two letters of His name make up the drawing. Wow!
Jesus answered my prayers and I knew that I couldn't let Him down. But there were so many reasons why I could have. While my e-commerce background was solid, I knew nothing about website design, online marketing, and the fashion industry. This idea though was blessed by Jesus. He spoke to my heart. I must proceed with the idea.
In early July Fish Witness was born. After months of working on the website and apparel, we were ready to launch. The logo design is a simple fish, embroidered with two different colors. These colors are to differential the letters J and C. In addition we launched a blog to allow others to share their experiences while wearing the clothing. Our goal is to get non-Christians to ask Christians about the logo, which could lead to questions about their faith, and eventually a conversation about Jesus Christ. Our motto is 'Wear and Share.' We hope to inspire others to share the Good News.
When I was younger I wanted to be either a doctor or an EMT because I thought if I could save one life, then my life would count. I couldn't wait to feel the joy of saving another's life and was always on the ready to be a hero. Many years later I realized that life as defined in my example was an earthly life. The real life is eternal life. Jesus loved us so much that He died for us on the cross. He said that He'd rather live with us eternally than on this earth. He died to save us from our sins, and He has gone to Heaven to prepare a place for us. Amen!
Our business is finally up and running and my wife and I are wearing the new products. While our customer base is small, it is certainly growing daily. We've had some customers tell us they like the design but they feel they are not 'good enough' to wear the clothing. We have to remind them that Jesus died on the cross to save us from our sins. He was the only perfect person and while we must ask for forgiveness for our behaviors, He loves us more than we know. Wearing and witnessing is not about you. It is about sharing your beliefs with others such that they can find Christ in their lives.
We believe that your greatest accomplishments in life are helping others come to know and love Jesus Christ. We encourage you to wear our products and share your faith with others. Help lead someone else to Jesus Christ. Who knows? The life you save just may be your own.
I spent my youth in the church but had abandoned the ministry since college. I didn't stop praying or believing, I just thought that I could better use my time instead of spending it in church. I couldn't even give God one hour of my week, not to mention any time learning and understanding His word. Jesus has always been in my heart and I really do believe in helping others achieve success in their lives. But at the end of the day, their success was about me and my ego. I wanted to prove to everyone that I could be successful at my company and as success continued, I started to believe that I was the reason why we were getting great results and not the efforts of others. That's when I knew I needed a change of heart. I wanted my actions to glorify God and not me.
One day I was reading the Bible and stumbled across Luke 5. In this chapter the Bible talks about how Jesus convinces Peter, James, and John to follow Him. After passing several of Jesus' tests, He rewards them with a large catch of fish. The disciples are ecstatic and then Jesus teaches them that while catching fish and selling them at the market is fun, capturing the hearts and souls of others for eternity is even more fun. Jesus uses the excitement of the moment to convince the disciples that their life purpose should be leading others to follow Christ. He never denigrated their jobs as fishermen, but he advised them that while they are doing their work, spend some time doing the Lord's work. They should share the Good News with others, such that they too can receive eternal life and live with Him forever.
Working at a challenge and being successful is fun. Designing products and selling them is fun. But is there any greater gift than sharing the Good News with others, not only changing their lives forever, but their destinies as well? Can you think of any accomplishment that can top that? I cannot.
How often do you share your faith with others? Do you seek others out in order to tell them about Jesus and His teachings? I certainly do not. But when those around me want to have a Christ based conversation, I'm certainly the first one to jump in. I know it's our mission to share the Good News with others but for some reason most of us only talk about Jesus when someone asks them first. Is there a simple way that we could increase those faith based conversations? I believe there is.
I wanted to find the right Christian symbol to use for our shirts. After numerous hours of researching, I learned that hundreds of years ago, when Christians would meet strangers, they would draw an arc in the sand. If the stranger was a Christian he/she would draw a second arc, forming a fish. This allowed Christians to share their faith without the fear of discrimination. Back in those days it wasn't okay to be a Christ follower. This would be the perfect symbol, but many others are using it. How can I make this different? Once again I prayed to God and asked for support.
One morning while I was working on designs and colors, Jesus spoke to me. He told me to write the letter J and then C without picking up my pen. I was amazed at the results. The symbol was a fish at a different angle. And the two letters of His name make up the drawing. Wow!
Jesus answered my prayers and I knew that I couldn't let Him down. But there were so many reasons why I could have. While my e-commerce background was solid, I knew nothing about website design, online marketing, and the fashion industry. This idea though was blessed by Jesus. He spoke to my heart. I must proceed with the idea.
In early July Fish Witness was born. After months of working on the website and apparel, we were ready to launch. The logo design is a simple fish, embroidered with two different colors. These colors are to differential the letters J and C. In addition we launched a blog to allow others to share their experiences while wearing the clothing. Our goal is to get non-Christians to ask Christians about the logo, which could lead to questions about their faith, and eventually a conversation about Jesus Christ. Our motto is 'Wear and Share.' We hope to inspire others to share the Good News.
When I was younger I wanted to be either a doctor or an EMT because I thought if I could save one life, then my life would count. I couldn't wait to feel the joy of saving another's life and was always on the ready to be a hero. Many years later I realized that life as defined in my example was an earthly life. The real life is eternal life. Jesus loved us so much that He died for us on the cross. He said that He'd rather live with us eternally than on this earth. He died to save us from our sins, and He has gone to Heaven to prepare a place for us. Amen!
Our business is finally up and running and my wife and I are wearing the new products. While our customer base is small, it is certainly growing daily. We've had some customers tell us they like the design but they feel they are not 'good enough' to wear the clothing. We have to remind them that Jesus died on the cross to save us from our sins. He was the only perfect person and while we must ask for forgiveness for our behaviors, He loves us more than we know. Wearing and witnessing is not about you. It is about sharing your beliefs with others such that they can find Christ in their lives.
We believe that your greatest accomplishments in life are helping others come to know and love Jesus Christ. We encourage you to wear our products and share your faith with others. Help lead someone else to Jesus Christ. Who knows? The life you save just may be your own.
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