5 Ways to Influence Your Community (driven by faith).

When we think of influencing our community, we think of neighbors. We have neighbors who live right next to us, on our street, and across town—they're all fellow human beings who have the capacity to show unconditional love. They are the fabric of our communities. In today's societal climate, we believe more than ever, that these relationships are really important. What are some small ways you can serve your neighbors today?

Here are some ideas to get your started:

Invite them for breakfast or dinner. Fellowship around the table is foundational to faith. Think of Jesus feeding the 5,000, the last supper, and the many other references in the Bible where food connected people. It doesn't have to be fancy, just a welcoming place.
Encourage some strangers. Take sidewalk chalk, and your family, and write some encouraging messages on the sidewalks. When people go about their day, think about how that artwork could brighten their day. Sometimes, it really is the little things.
Notice when they need help. Is their flag out front looking tattered, are the weeds coming up, or do you know about a project they need help with? Hop in, whether big or small, and let them know that you care about them.
Hold the door for them and smile. All over your town or city, this is a simple and considerate gesture you can make at the post office, a restaurant, the mall, or anywhere you go throughout the day. Why can this small gesture be so impactful? People feel seen when someone takes the time to notice them coming, open the door, and look them in the eyes and smile. Small gestures like these can help you, too! How? A simple smile can trigger the release of neuropeptides that improve your neural communication, as well as neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which can boost your mood. Think of smiling like a natural antidepressant. - The Very Well Mind

5. Walk your neighborhood. This may seem small, but the impact can be great. If you're present and available for your neighbors, you have the opportunity to develop relationships with them. You can also use the time to pray as you walk. Pray for the neighbors you know and the neighbors you don't know! This can be a great opportunity to involve your children, as well.

Here's what we love about these five things—they're simple and they can happen anywhere, anytime. They are activities that can involve just you, or your whole family, shifting our focus from our daily life stresses to being available for true connection. Those connections are meaningful, and will serve others and refill us. When we think about the main purpose for our lives, it comes back to loving others as we love ourselves. Mark 12:31 The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

All over the globe, we have the opportunity to love others, right where we are. Let's go do it.

At Branches Worldwide, we exist to connect and empower a global network of high-impact entrepreneurs who use their businesses as a means to transform their communities. We believe every visionary leader should have the resources and relationships to help them impact their community. Contact us to learn more about becoming a Leader, Mentor, or donor.

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Faith-Driven Entrepreneurs as Agents of Change

By Elizabeth Rivas • March 14, 2023

Faith-driven entrepreneurs, like our Branches Worldwide Leaders, can play a significant role in positively impacting their communities through their businesses. These individuals have a strong sense of purpose and a desire to make a difference in the world, which can drive them to create innovative solutions to community problems and to lead with integrity and compassion. One way faith-driven entrepreneurs can change their communities is by creating jobs and economic opportunities (like AJ in South Africa ). By starting and growing successful businesses, they can provide employment for local residents and stimulate economic growth. This can help to reduce poverty and improve the overall well-being of the community. Additionally, faith-driven entrepreneurs may choose to pay fair wages and provide good working conditions, which can help to improve the lives of their employees and their families. Another way faith-driven entrepreneurs can change their communities is by addressing social issues through their businesses. For example, they may choose to start a non-profit organization that provides services to those in need, as Alice has done for girls and women in Kenya. Such entrepreneurs may also choose to incorporate social and environmental responsibility into their for-profit business models. This can include implementing sustainable practices, fair trade policies and supporting local charities, which can help to improve the lives of people in their communities. Faith-driven entrepreneurs can also serve as role models for others in their communities, particularly for young people. By demonstrating the importance of hard work, perseverance, and integrity, they can inspire others to pursue their own business dreams and to strive for success in their own lives. Furthermore, their demonstration of faith in action through their businesses can serve as a powerful example of how one can live out one's values and beliefs in the world. Faith-driven entrepreneurs can also serve as leaders in their communities. They use their influence and resources to bring about positive change through various initiatives, such as supporting local schools, promoting environmental conservation, and working to improve the overall quality of life for their community members. Our Leader, David , is doing exactly this in his international school in India. Our Branches Worldwide Leaders are proving the multitude of positive effects that faith-driven entrepreneurs can have in their communities. From providing direct assistance through jobs or providing services to those in need to being a source of inspiration for others, these entrepreneurs are creating change that will reverberate across geography and generations. At Branches Worldwide , we exist to connect and empower a global network of high-impact entrepreneurs who use their businesses as a means of transforming their communities. We believe every visionary leader should have the resources and relationships to help them impact their community. Contact us to learn more about becoming a Leader , Mentor , or Donor .

Merging Business Mentorship and Christian Mentorship

By Elizabeth Rivas • January 30, 2023

Business mentorship can be a valuable resource for entrepreneurs and professionals looking to grow and succeed in their careers. A business mentor is an experienced individual who can provide guidance, support, and advice to help you navigate the often complex and unpredictable world of business. Meanwhile, Christian mentorship is a type of mentorship that involves a Christian mentor providing guidance, support, and advice to a mentee, with a focus on spiritual and moral development. Branches Worldwide Mentors serve as both business and Christian Mentors. We believe that faith and business can not only coexist, but that they can mutually strengthen each other. Our Mentors not only guide our Leaders in pragmatic elements of business, but also in their spiritual journeys. One of the key benefits of business mentorship is the opportunity to learn from someone who has first-hand knowledge of the field. Our Mentors share their own experiences, insights, and lessons learned, helping our Leaders avoid common pitfalls and to make better decisions. This can be especially useful for those who are just starting out in their career, as they may not have the same level of experience or knowledge as more seasoned professionals. Our Mentors also serve as role models, offering guidance and support as the Leader navigates their own faith journey. They may provide biblical teaching and encouragement, as well as offer practical advice and application of the scriptures. Another benefit of merging Christian and business mentorship is the opportunity to network and build professional relationships with other entrepreneurs of faith. Mentors can introduce Leaders to other like-minded industry professionals, giving Leaders the chance to expand their network and strengthen their spiritual development. Overall, mentorship is an invaluable resource for Christians looking to grow in their faith and navigate the challenges of life and business. We at Branches Worldwide are honored to work with a number of such individuals. At Branches Worldwide , we exist to connect and empower a global network of high-impact entrepreneurs who use their businesses as a means of transforming their communities. We believe every visionary leader should have the resources and relationships to help them impact their community. Contact us to learn more about becoming a Leader , Mentor , or Donor .