What is your purpose in life. Is it to help others, to raise strong and kind children, to establish a successful business? That is the question that a group of friends have been asking themselves and why they decided to find a way to help others who are struggling with the same dilemma.
What started out as just an idea was brought to life by the group re:purpose last night at Calvery Church in front of close to 100 people. After hearing Chris Stokes, the Jamaican bobsleigh champ and the author of the book Cool Runnings and Beyond – The Story of the Jamaica Bobsleigh Team speak in California earlier this year, Brandi Anstine knew right there and then that he was who her team needed for the initial launch of their project.
“What is your purpose in life, your passion?” asked Stokes to the crowd. “Whatever your passion is, go for it and build your mission. Wake up each day, work hard, have faith, and stay strong.” Stokes explained that it is perfectly fine to not have a passion yet, to not know what you are supposed to be doing. That many successful individuals don’t find their passion until late in life, so don’t get discouraged.
He went on to explain, “But live intentionally, find what is important to you and have confidence in your choice.”
Stokes is not only a four time Olympian as part of the famous Jamaican Bobsleigh team and part owner and secretary of the Jamaica Bobsleigh Federation since 1995, but he is also a successful business owner of NCS Enterprises, a group of companies focusing on money services, Diaspora driven micro-investing, Caribbean online education, and sports administration.
He established Caribbeanischool, the leading online learning platform in Jamaica, and he started the Caribbean’s first crowdfunding site, CariCoCo.com in 2013. But what he finds the most rewarding as he discussed last night, is inspiring others. That is his true passion.
The evenings event was part of what the re:purpose group hopes to be a series of many more inspirational nights. Anstine, who began this project with friends of hers from a variety of congregations in our area, hopes to see this travel from church to church as young adults connect and build relationships to further themselves in life as well as to bring the community together.
To find out more about re:purpose and for information on future events go to: https://www.facebook.com/repurposegathering
For more information on Chris Stokes go to: https://nchristianstokes.com/
Event sponsored by: HealthLinc
Food & Beverage Sponsored by: MacLennan & Bain Insurance