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New Director Set to Take Position As U.S. Office Makes Transition
28 October 2009
The remaining months of 2009 will be a busy time in the SIM USA director’s office. There will be two chairs at the desk, so to speak, as current U.S. Director Dr. Steve Strauss and incoming director Mr. Bruce Johnson work side-by-side during this important leadership transition. "In every detail, the Lord has worked His marvelous timing to give Bruce and me several months to work together to ensure a smooth transition before I officially end my tenure as U.S. director October 1," Steve says. The SIM family is delighted to welcome Bruce Johnson and his wife, Mary. Bruce is a proven ministry leader with more than 30 years’ experience. He comes to us from Asian Access, a mission in which he served as vice president of leadership development. Bruce’s primary focus there was to establish training for emerging leading pastors of Asia. No strangers to the SIM family, Bruce and Mary have lived in Charlotte for 21 years and have many SIM friends. Also, Mary’s parents served with SIM in the ’70s in Ethiopia. Prayerful DecisionAnnouncing his departure from SIM USA leadership, Steve Strauss said that his decision had come after months of seeking the Lord’s guidance. “In late 2007 I began to wonder whether the things that God had brought me to SIM to do had been accomplished and if someone with a different set of skills and gifts was needed. "In early 2008 I began to feel the Lord was leading me to step aside at SIM. Bruce's gifts, experience, and skills are precisely what I believe SIM USA needs at this time—he is exactly the kind of person I envisioned!" January 1, 2010, Dr. Strauss will begin his new ministry as professor of world missions and intercultural studies at his alma mater, Dallas Theological Seminary. He will remain an associate of SIM, particularly as a speaker and mission advisor. God's Amazing LeadingThe story of how God led Bruce Johnson to his new ministry with SIM is an amazing account of the way God prepares people for His calling. “In some ways, my story is similar to Steve's. We both desire to say, ‘Lord, how can I be maximized for Your Kingdom work?' “This has been quite the spiritual, emotional, and mental journey as God surprised Mary and me with this new Kingdom deployment to SIM. I am humbled and delighted by his leading; it is a story of God moving in such a way that only he would receive the glory and praise. “Mary and I and I sense that this is a kairos moment (an appointed time in the purposes of God) for us and SIM USA, and it is with great eagerness that I look forward to serving our Lord and the SIM community in the days ahead." Leadership ConfirmationSIM USA Deputy Director, Fred Ely, says, “I deeply respect Bruce and value what he will bring to the U.S. director position. My wife and I have known Bruce and Mary for many years, and Bruce and I served together on the Board of Missionary Athletes International. I am honored to work with him.” Steve Harling, former SIM USA board chairman, adds, “At this point in the life of SIM USA, I believe we need a visionary leader who not only understands and appreciates the SIM ethos, but who also possesses strong strategic and relational skills. Bruce excels in all these areas. But more important, he’s a man after God’s heart—and it shows!” The Days AheadSteve Strauss is eager for the SIM supporting family to get to know Bruce better as he begins to communicate his heart and vision for SIM. “Please pray for Bruce as he settles into his calling,” Steve says. “Pray that God will give him grace and wisdom as he leads SIM USA in continuing its strategic contribution to God’s Kingdom in this new era of mission.” *Note:This article was originally published in Serving In Mission Together, issue 125. 
 
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