“Our legacy isn’t created after we die; it is created while we are living.” –Chris Swanson
There is a song by Mandisa called, Born For This, and in her lyrics she says, “There’s a time to hold your tongue, a time to keep your head down, there’s a time but it’s not now!” …The chorus continues, “Sometimes you gotta GO, uninvited; sometimes you gotta SPEAK when you don’t have the floor; sometimes you gotta MOVE, when everybody else says you should stay; NO WAY, NO, NOT TODAY!”
Chris Swanson, author of the book, Tinman to Ironman, was recently asked by the Directors of All Grace Outreach, including President Orrin Woodward, to step in as the official spokesperson for AGO–a 501(c)3 charitable organization. Throughout the time that the founders of Life Leadership have known Chris, they’ve discovered that he models exactly what it means to “GO, SPEAK and MOVE” with the purpose of spreading the gospel message of Jesus Christ all throughout the world. Chris has an undeniable passion for missions and service. He believes that “everyone should serve on a mission field, because we are called to it”; and his goal is to put All Grace Outreach at the forefront of organizing these efforts, in order to lead millions of people to the Truth.
Having served with several Christian charities, including but not limited to, Feeding the 5,000 and Construction World Evangelism (CWE); Chris understands first-hand what it takes to build a “missions” culture! In order to make a difference in people’s lives, it is imperative that we become the hands and feet of Jesus. We do this by loving and serving others. Swanson believes that All Grace Outreach is the vehicle that gives people a chance to model the 22nd chapter of Matthew in the Bible, where an interpreter of the law asks Jesus this question: “Master, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” And “Jesus replied, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'” (V.37) …“And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'” (V.39). Swanson remarks:
“This is going to be a global outreach, and we are going to reach all four corners of the world…Your testimony is shown through your actions so we are going to GO into all the nations, just like the great commission says. That’s what the ‘LIFE on Life’ Initiative is all about: serving in children’s centers by teaching kids to read, sending groups of people with the heart to mentor the unloved, abused and abandoned to impoverished areas, etc. We are going to infiltrate those areas, because that’s the power we have with the Life community.”
The aspect that’s so unique and special about All Grace Outreach is that everyone can play a part. In fact, it has never been more important for people to play their part. Chris explains three different ways that you can help make an impact:
- TALK: – “If Jesus Christ changed your life, tell the world! It says in Proverbs 28:1, ‘The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as lions.’ We need to be as bold as lions about what Christ did for us. I love being a cop and an ironman, but I became a man when I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior.”
- GIVE: – “Financial support is critical. There are over 3,500 verses in the Bible about possessions and only 500 on prayer. The Lord knew that we would struggle with hoarding and greed with our possessions. But, when you look at anyone who has a heart for giving, they would tell you that their greatest blessings came when they became a sacrificial giver. If you would like to financially support All Grace Outreach, you can do so by going to www.allgraceoutreach.com and give back to the kingdom of God.”
- PARTICIPATE – “Communicate with the person who led you to Life Leadership and ask how you can get involved with All Grace Outreach. They will keep you informed on future events and opportunities to serve.”
Chris’s intense desire to make a difference and leave a legacy is clear, but his true purpose is rooted in his relationship with Christ and serving other people. He says:
“I work in a very high-crime environment, and I have been exposed to so much that I realize that life is here today and gone tomorrow. I am not afraid of dying on the street or getting assaulted; I am not afraid of anything except for regret. I don’t want to lie on my death bed and think to myself, I wish I would have served, or given, more. I want to be surrounded by the people whom I have invested in and poured my life into, and I pray that my actions inspire them to want to multiply their influence into other people’s lives, as well. It is shameful and regretful if all we do is go through life and be served–and want to take and consume–instead of produce and harvest. We’ve only got one shot, and my mission as spokesperson for AGO is to remove all obstacles in order for people to serve and give back to God.”
Orrin Woodward and Life Leadership are blessed to have Chris Swanson representing All Grace Outreach.
We know that with his influence and hunger for the Lord, AGO will be able to broaden its reach into even more charities that support abused, abandoned and distressed children and widows around the world for the cause of Christ.
Glen Ewald says
Great having you on board Chris, looking forward to see where the AGO will go from here and being part of that.
John Mossner says
This is great news!
Chelsea Perry says
Amazing news! Life Leadership is going even more main stream while serving God all the more. What a perfect combination of leadership and hunger to take us globally. So glad to have you Chris as you represent Life, AGO and what it means to truly and humbly serve the Lord!
Elaine Lacey says
Thanks Chris, you are such an inspiration !
Dan Donohue says
Chris Swanson + AGO = Awesome! God Bless!
Judy Rohde says
Chris, I am proud to have you as the official spokesperson for All Grace Outreach. You’ll do a fine job!
Alex Stiehl says
Awesome to have you, Chris, on board and leading the charge with All Grace Outreach! I love how LIFE Leadership is having an impact in not just peoples lives, but also their eternity!
Steve Leuquin says
Chris, we look forward to seeing what you will do with AGO! What a great partnership.
Cynthia Hickerson says
Very exciting!! Looking forward to seeing God move.
Steve Sager says
I personally met Chris this past February. This man has the heart of a champion for serving people. He’s proven it in his profession as a Leader in law enforcement, as well as speaking on stage at various community events. Absolutely a solid man of integrity and character for AGO!! Congrats Chris!
Chris Brady says
We are so delighted to have Chris aboard! His experience and passion are truly off the charts, and he will be instrumental in helping us maximize the impact AGO can make in the world!
To God be the praise!
CB
Ryan Blakely says
Welcome Chris!! It’s great to see people with character and integrity to take charge with hunger to get this amazing charity out there and help people across the world. Thank you Chris
Timothy Marks says
Welcome Chris!! So excited to see AGO go to the next level
Tim
Chris Swanson says
AGO is going to impact! Thank you to the Policy Council and the LIFE community for trusting me. Look out world, AGO is fired up!
Daryl Workman says
The power of this man as he stands for others is amazing. His faith and his desire burn with passion for doing the right thing no matter the cost. I am glad to have him on board with AGO.
Holger says
We’re glad, Chris is on board. He is a great guy with lots of charisma who connects well with anybody. Also, we really appreciate Chris doing this for free!!
Holger
Dean says
I love the passion and conviction that Chris portrays as he speaks and lives his life. What a great match he is for AGO.
Mark Dunn says
Chris Swanson’s enthusiasm for people and making a positive change in the world is so evident and contagious. This is such a win! Congratulations Chris and thanks for all that you do and will do!