A Journey to Past, Present, & Future

One year ago, on Canada Day -- July 1, 2024 -- I embarked on a journey like no other that I have ever had. I stepped away from my family, friends, home, and work to do a month-long pilgrimage by myself.  This journey was a time of deep reflection, great adventure, and wonderful discoveries.  I took a trip to my past. I connected with my present. I got glimpses of my future. 

This journey was more than about travel, it was a time to unplug, recharge, and reset. There were no emails, texts, or social media, and only one brief phone call a day to my husband and kids. But there was much reading of Scripture and writing in my journal. And mostly, there was time for me to W.A.N.D.E.R. -- an acronym that I created to Walk with God, Appreciate, New Things, Dream, Explore, and Reflect.  

With the support of my family, this one month "sabbatical" was a pilgrimage through Canada. That was the country where my Dad moved our family from India in 1973.  We moved through many parts of Canada and were a part of many communities as my Dad began his corporate career and as we pursued our early life together as a family.  Although I was born in India, it is in Canada where I had my earliest memories of childhood, many of which formed me into the person I am today.

Before my journey started on a map, it started in my heart about a year before in May 2023 when I turned 54. That was the same age that my father passed away in February 1998. Even though he has been away from this world for so many years, my 54th birthday brought everything back to me -- the memory of him, his passing, and the future he and we did not have together. Though my 54th year was a very productive one, during that time I was grieving on the inside but didn't realize it at that time. 

When 2024 started, I was halfway through that 54th year. I then talked to Zack about a prompt that I was feeling -- a call from God to "walk with Him." There was nothing more or less than that, but I felt that prompt deeply.  Zack understood and agreed that I needed to pursue this call. And after several months of discussion and prayer, we planned on my sabbatical in July when he could be home from his work.

But I didn't know what I would do or where I would go until I got closer to my 55th birthday in May 2024. It started to become clear to me then that my "walk" would be a journey through Canada -- to the places and spaces of my childhood, the experiences that made me. I spent some time that spring "clearing" and "prioritizing" my activities and engagements, pruning away everything except that which was most important, so that I could focus on what was ahead.

After much travel coordination and much physical therapy to deal with a hip injury, I managed to leave Colorado and head north on July 1. It was challenging to leave and go toward the unknown, but I felt so sure that I had to go.

My first stop was in Vancouver where my Uncle Mathew Koshy and family live. He is the youngest brother of my father, and over the years has become the spiritual father of our overall family as the last remaining brother in their family of 7 siblings. We enjoyed a special time of connection and prayer with the family. And my Uncle and I connected in a special way about my Dad. We talked about the purpose of my pilgrimage. And we prayed for all that God was preparing for me and for our family.

Following Vancouver, I took a long flight to Ontario and landed late night in Toronto. It was an arduous arrival in the rain, in that big city, and in that big airport, with no phone connection and thus no map or contact for my AirBnB.  But somehow I used "the force" and found my way to this place that I did not know. I fell face down late that night on my bed, wet from the rain, tired from the travel, but I had arrived! 

I awoke the next day in Toronto with a day and a month ahead of me to venture out to my past, present, and future. I mapped out a series of visits to the communities where my family moved every few months in my early years. Etobicoke, Scarborough, Malton, London. I had no addresses -- I just had memories and followed them to the schools and homes where I lived. Some things were just as I remembered them, but many things had changed.  I walked roads that I recalled, and especially stood in places that I remembered to be formative of who I am and what I believe. I also experienced an international worship and so many other things that gave me a sense of the future as well. 

One of the most special parts of my wandering through Ontario was visiting Sunny & Shella Daniel and their daughters Susan Abraham and Suma Philip. We had known each other nearly 50 years earlier. And amazingly we reconnected through a phone number that I still remembered since I was a child. They were in some ways just like I remembered them, but my friends Susan and Suma, who were like sisters to me when I was young, were now grown women with their own families.  It was a remarkable visit to both the past and present.

Besides visiting all of these places of my childhood, I also had the opportunity to be a tourist. I visited the CN Tower in downtown Toronto. I remember visiting in 1976 when I was a child. At that time, it was the tallest building in the world. I visited Niagra Falls. I also visited there as a child and was no less in awe at seeing this amazing site and learning about its history with Nikolai Tesla. And a beautiful rainbow stayed over the falls the whole time I was there.  I also visited Casa Loma -- an incredible castle built by a remarkable couple who epitomized what it means to reach the highest heights and endure the lowest lows. And I especially enjoyed a beautiful symphony concert in the Casa Loma Garden.  Each of these sites were special to me in my childhood, but became more special with my experiences there now as an adult.

After my stay in Toronto, my travels took me on a 5+ hour car ride through the most torrential rain I have ever experienced. But somehow I managed to get through despite not being able to see most of the way and not having much GPS access. But when the rain ended,  I arrived in beautiful Ottawa, the capital of Canada. I had never been there and always wanted to visit.  It reminded me so much of Washington, DC.  I stayed across the river in Quebec, but did an easy car ride across the bridge the next day to see all the amazing capital sites -- including Parliament, the Supreme Court, and the Cathedral. There was much construction and renovation and some of Parliament was closed for another 10 years! But everything I saw and experienced over those days in Ottawa, made me realize that I could easily live in this wonderful city. 

After my stay in Ottawa, I continued through Quebec to Montreal.  This was another city I had never been to but always wanted to visit.  Sadly, I had always wanted to visit with Zack, but we promised that we would get that opportunity at a future time.  I stayed in an eclectic part of town close to the Botanical Gardens and Olympic Stadium but ventured to many other parts of the city.  It was a lovely city, with so many sites, including the great McGill University, cathedrals, museums, as well as all the wonderful shops and restaurants in Old Port.  That section of town was just magical when evening came.  It felt like Paris and was so romantic.  

I closed my time in Montreal and then did a trek back to Toronto to catch another flight to New Brunswick -- my final destination.  Although it wasn't the first place where I lived, it was the first place that I remembered -- and especially an address and a house in Campbellton that had some specific memories of my childhood.  Close to the airport in New Brunswick, I stayed in a town called Fredericton just to sleep before a long car ride to Campbellton. While I had no real plans to visit Fredericton, it became the unexpected jewel of my trip.  It was so beautiful, active, and with the friendliest, nicest people I think I have ever met. I stayed in a lovely, historic, B&B and wished that I could've had more time there, and the innkeeper told me I should just move to Fredericton (it was tempting!). 

But my quest to get to Campbellton was the priority.  I arrived the next day after a long drive through more rain, into a hard working maritime town.  I went to the address that I remembered and remarkably, the house I lived in was still there.  I stood in front of it in the rain and took out my cell phone and for the first time in a month, I sent a text to my Mom letting her know that my journey had come to a close and I had arrived at that house. It was an amazing moment for both of us.  I can't specifically tell you why, but somehow that house was the symbol of my whole pilgrimage.  And now with my pilgrimage complete, I made the long trek back to Fredericton that evening for a very early flight the next morning.  

It was a very foggy morning, when I went to the airport to begin my long journey back home.  I travelled back to Montreal and then after a long trek through the airport, made my way to New York La Guardia for another long airport trek before my flight to Denver.  The moment I stepped foot in La Guardia, it felt like America.  And when I stepped foot in Denver, it felt like home. My family was waiting for me at baggage claim and I was so glad to be back with them and so looking forward to sharing glimpses with them of the remarkable month I had. 

There is so much more that I can say about the many experiences and adventures of that one month in July 2024. During my travels, I didn't share my experiences in real time nor did I share the many stories and photos I took during my pilgrimage — as I was focused on the experience itself. And, from the moment I got back to Colorado, July 28, 2024, life took off in so many ways and with light speed. There just wasn't time to share those pilgrimage experiences with many.  

But now one year later on July 28 2025, I am looking back to that month a year ago and realizing all over again what an incredible opportunity that was for me.  But I am also looking back at the year that followed that experience. I am realizing that the month away was not just a sabbatical or pilgrimage, it was a preparing of my heart and soul and body for what was to come in the year that followed.  Since returning from that pilgrimage, I endured the passing of dear friends and loved ones.  I experienced significant professional and personal challenges and opportunities.  I faced and survived cancer!  I continued in my pursuit of justice through G.L.O.B.A.L.  I embraced my family and friends that much more.  

All of the experiences of July 2024 equipped me for the moments and the year that followed. That month and this past year also clarified many things for me -- especially my relationship with God and with others.  I realized more than before how much God loves me, and I also realized how much my family and my true friends also love me.  That one month, followed by this one year, have helped me complete a broader journey -- a pilgrimage to what matters most to me in the past, present, and future. 

Freedom to Choose Justice

On this 4th of July, 2025, I celebrate Independence Day and all its significance for America and the world. But our Independence did not happen in one day. The Declaration of Independence led to a long and hard fought war with many casualties, and continued for the years since, finally arriving at the freedoms we recognize today in our Constitution.

As our history has taught us, freedom is never quick, easy, or free. Freedom requires sacrifice, vigilance, & patience.

Freedom is also tethered to others. Freedom is not about doing or getting whatever we want whenever we want. Freedom is not about being separate from everything and everyone. One person's freedom is interconnected to another's freedom.

Freedom is ultimately about choices and the ability to freely make those choices. But freedom is in a context where others' choices are also freely made.

As such, freedom requires cooperation and accountability. Every right has a corresponding responsibility. And that is something some in our own country sometimes don't realize or exercise.

There are so many concerns in America and around the world, in so many places and on so many levels. Recently we have seen major military actions in Iran and Israel, violent attacks on civilians in Minnesota, Colorado, and Wyoming, unrest in many communities over refugees, immigrants, homeless, and others, and an increasingly authoritarian administration. We seem to have a range of conflicts and a lack of effective leadership to navigate these challenges.

But in the midst of challenges is when exercising our freedom, our rights and responsibilities, is particularly important. We need to make choices that place us and others in a better position.

Whether we agree or disagree with some one's views or choices, we can proactively make our choices. But our freedom does not mean we can force others to agree with us. Freedom does mean we can be informed, inform others, and influence others. We can take a stand for what is right even when others don't stand with us. And we can hope that others will stand with us, or perhaps consider standing with them.

But what is right is not generally based on a political position. It is made on a moral foundation that prioritizes the good of all.

Unfortunately, I have seen so frequently two sides of the political spectrum vehemently pressing their positions and trying to force everyone to their side. This "us against them" approach is based on the false premise that there are only two sides. But that approach inherently misses the idea of freedom. There are more sides or prespectives than just left and right. And even between left and right there are gradations.

There is good and bad in any side or perspective. Freedom allows us to analyze the pros and cons, the costs and benefits, to make thoughtful choices. Blindly following a candidate, a party, or an interest group can lead to a lack of freedom.

Thus, it is not in the best interest of freedom to be radicalized. The more we lean into our views without room for others, the less we recognize the freedoms of all. Most terrorists are people with views that become radicalized to the point of no longer considering the freedoms of others as long as it serves their own cause.

The lack of rational, cooperative, & collaborative representation in government and society should raise concerns for all. We have increasingly seen narcissistic tendencies in our culture and in our government. Despotism starts with anyone thinking their way is the only way, or else.

So what is best for all? Justice, fairness, and doing what is right. Learning and applying these concepts requires working with the collective. As soon as one person, party, or segment believes they are completely right in their position and demands everyone to follow, they are no longer supporting freedom nor seeking justice.

Consider the freedom sought by that the colonists sought through sacrifice and revolution. But consider also that the very same country that was their revolutionary enemy, later became America,'s greatest ally in world affairs.

Consider that. Our enemy became our friend. That is fundamentally where freedom can take us if we manage it properly individually and as a community.

In light of this Independence Day, I pray for America today and every day. I pray that we all can freely exercise our choices in ways that maintain the rights and responsibilities of everyone, and for the good of all.

G.L.O.B.A.L. Justice: TOP 10 GLOBAL NEWS of 2024

10.   Cyber attacks and hacking: As cyber technology expands, so   too have cyber attacks and hacking into major business and governmental systems.  Attacks on global banking have shown a notable surge in ransomware incidents and state-sponsored cyber espionage.  In addition, there has been an increase in major global tech hacks as well as an escalation in State-sponsored cyber espionage activities. Microsoft reported that Russia, China, and Iran increasingly utilized criminal networks for cyber espionage and hacks.

9.   Digital/technological privacy reforms: As the Digital Age continues to advance, so too have related regulations, restrictions, and reforms, particularly protecting privacy. Digital espionage became a global concern, with nation-states and cybercriminal organizations ramping up attacks on sensitive data and critical infrastructure worldwide. Countries like the United States, China, Russia, and Iran were implicated in cyber-espionage activities. Several countries also implemented measures to restrict the use of mobile phones during government meetings to enhance security and mitigate espionage risks. Some of the most notable countries implementing this are the Netherlands and France. Various countries also started enforcing age limits for the usage of phones and certain social media apps to protect the integrity and security of children.  And several countries and states in the US banned the use of phones in the classroom demanding them to be left in lockers or at home. In the US this restriction sparked controversies due to the need to stay in contact with families in cases of emergencies including school shootings. 

8.   Internet governance and access: Along with privacy concerns, governments have also instituted regulations on internet use and access. The United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF) actively participated in the Internet Governance Forum, highlighting the need to advance human rights and inclusion in the digital era. The forum underscored the importance of enhancing the digital contribution to peace, development, and sustainability, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals. 

7.   AI Innovations: Among the technological advances that are most notable is the advance of artificial intelligence (AI) that is used on a wide scale across sectors and regions.  But with AI’s rapid rise, there has been a rising need for related controls, laws, and regulations.  Different countries around the globe implemented legal measures to understand and control the use of artificial intelligence in the modern day, from EU’s transparency and accountability regulations to China’s information control management.  More broadly, AI has raised concerns for its impact on the workforce. While some jobs seem to be at risk there has also been an increase in developmental jobs.  In addition, AI has seen an increase of utility in fields such as healthcare, cars, education, finance, climate change, and creative services.  

6.   Freedom of the press/speech: Journalism around the world has been under constant attack.  This year the UNESCO reported 68 journalists losing their lives because to their work around the globe. These attacks demonstrate a common trend regarding censorship and repression of speech. There were several investigations regarding the transparency of governments with their people and the repression of their rights of freedom of speech on social media.  There were also a series of protests against governments fighting the censorship they face personally as people and journalists.  

5.   Global Climate Activism: A rise in climate protests included activists organizing strikes across over 50 countries, mobilizing millions to advocate for immediate and substantial climate policies.  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released its 2024-2027 Climate Adaptation Plan, outlining actions to build a more climate-resilient nation. 

4.   Regional War & Conflict:  Despite advances in other arenas, the Israel/Gaza conflicts have only escalated.  The responses from various nations have been divided and often controversial.  But one of the world’s major current conflicts resulting in the second largest refugee crisis in history, the Russia Ukraine conflict looks to be moving toward a cease fire.  Initial peace talks and negotiations may result in important changes for the new year.  

3.   Olympics: Paris hosted the XXIII Olympiad on an epic scale. The Olympics remains not only an international sports pinnacle but also retains social, political, and historical value. While Paris captured many of those values in the 2024 Olympics, it also raised several controversies throughout the events, on religious, social, and politic contexts. But the Olympics continued to show the dominance of the US and China, both in sport and in the global context 

2.   Elections:  Many elections were held around the world with global political leadership changes and controversies. The investigation of Venezuela’s election is an example.  President Maduro won once again the elections in Venezuela and countries demanded to see the voting record for transparency.  India’s leadership path and elections faced criticism from many because of hate speech allegations and fault in the voting counts questioning the power of the majority. Mexico elected their first Female president, marking a milestone in the country’s political environment.  The US held a highly anticipated election year including the presidential elections watched by many around the world. While this year there was a potential for the first female U.S president, the election resulted in the return of Donald Trump. 

 1.   Space Innovations:  While the world has been filled with major news, the biggest news of the year may well be outside of this world. The year marked many space related innovations.  Space X launched record-breaking activities and significant advancements in satellite internet services, and notable progress in spacecraft development. NASA's Parker Solar Probe completed its closest-ever approach to the Sun, flying just 3.8 million miles from the solar surface. China advanced its plans to establish a lunar base, focusing on the lunar south pole with the goal of completing the first phase by 2035. Chinese astronauts Cai Xuzhe and Song Lingdong completed a record-breaking 9-hour spacewalk, the longest in human history.  Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko set a new world record for the most time spent in space, surpassing 1,110 days.

2024 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION ANALYSIS: A REMINDER OF OUR AMERICAN POLITY

By Sosamma Samuel-Burnett, J.D.

Founder/President, G.L.O.B.A.L. Justice

The 2024 Presidential Election was historic in many ways.  We had in Kamala Harris, the first female VP and first woman of color as presidential candidate, and in Donald Trump, a returning presidential candidate who previously marked a historic win for the presidency.  And the election results in 2024 – Donald Trump winning over Kamala Harris – is also historic in some ways.  But perhaps more important and more notable than the presidential election results is how this election has been a reminder and indicator of our American polity and its implications for our country.

“Polity” is a word that we don’t often use when we currently talk about American politics or political process. We often talk about specific party candidates and policy platforms or partisanship in general. But we don’t talk about the polity – what it is, what it does, what it wants.  But politics is fundamentally about the polity.  That is, our American society as a whole as a political entity is the foundation of our American politics and a gauge to understand what is happening in our political processes.

In 2016, when Donald Trump won over Hillary Clinton, our American polity, and our American people in general, as a whole was not pleased with either candidate.  Most were not voting for one of these candidates but rather against the other.  The result was a near even split in the voting, but with Trump having the edge to become President.  Many were shocked that Trump, with his populist bravado and who was then outside the “establishment,” would win.  But if we understand that our American polity was not wanting “the establishment,” or politics as usual, then Trump’s win in 2016 is more understandable though still challenging for many.

In 2020, when Joe Biden won over Donald Trump, our American polity had to choose between two white males with very different political perspectives.  The vote swung against Trump as many in America wanted something and someone who was more civil than in the previous four years.  Trump’s presidency was measured differently than his candidacy.

Now, in 2024, our American polity was looking for a change from Biden who was generally viewed as ineffective during his presidency.  But the American people were also not generally happy with either candidate, Donald Trump or Kamala Harris, as neither specifically resonated with the interests of the American polity as a whole.  Those who voted for one or the other were not generally voting for the candidate but for the policies that each represented.  

Reviewing these recent results, both the Democratic and Republican political parties in particular need to understand a few things about our American polity as it relates to the recent presidential elections:

Republicans, the Right, Conservatives, etc. have become increasingly less concerned with who the candidate is and more concerned with what they represent in terms of their political and policy perspectives.  But the candidate does matter and does have an impact in how the rest of the American pepole receive, accept, and support that candidate and president.  So the Republicans continued alignment with Trump may cause greater concern to the overall American polity, or at least for their support for his presidency.

Democrats, the Left, Liberals, Progressives, etc. have become increasingly of the mindset that their candidate is superior to any from the Republicans/Right and that they represent the people more broadly. But Democrats have missed the reasons why many Americans, both right and center, have not voted for their candidate.  They generally have not perceived the Democratic party candidates as representing the American people more broadly, regardless of what the Democratic party’s perception has been.

Simply put, the American polity – the American people in particular – are not buying what the parties are selling.  What the American people in general are looking for both in their presidential candidates and in their President are values, policies, and practices that align with what they believe to be in the best interest of themselves, their families, and their country.  They are not looking for candidates or presidents that are focused on party politics and policies.

Kamala Harris’ campaign tried to reach a cross-section of the community through her campaign ads and campaign visits, but the policies that her party represents did not resonate with many that are in the right or center politically, and/or located in the middle of the country, which is very distinct from the coasts.  They did not want four more years of what they believed was an ineffective Biden presidency, or also did not want four years of a more liberal agenda than what he had.

Donald Trump, though elected, does not get a pass from these same groups either.  The American people want significant and meaningful change from the past four years with President Biden, but they don’t necessarily want what Trump provided in the previous four years of his presidency.  Trump has to forge a different path with less ego and bravado and more policy and positive impact.

When we look at what the American polity is, does, and wants, it has been interesting to watch how as more of our Left and Right parties and candidates have become more intense in their partisan views, the less in touch they are with the general attitudes of the American polity as a whole.   Our American society  is putting candidates into office not by supporting partisan political views.  They are selecting candidates based on either “the lesser of evils” and/or based on who is most likely to focus on American people’s central concerns rather than the parties concerns.

Personally, I came to this country as an immigrant and as a person of color and I am grateful to be part of the American polity.  My experience and understanding of being part of this political society has been informed by my many years of studying and teaching American and international politics and advocating on related justice topics.  It has been reinforced by my experiences in America as a Christian, woman, wife, mother, professional, and community member.   While many others in this country are not necessarily informed formally by their education or profession in politics, most in this country determine their political perspectives through their own meaningful experiences here.   And those experiences matter in the decisions they make in this country.

I appreciate that there are many in America who have strong political views, and I appreciate that this country has room for a range of parties and candidates.  But I do encourage those with the strongest views to also be aware of what is beyond their political views and political parties. Presidential elections are not only about political parties and platforms, they are about the American polity’s collective experiences and views of leadership for the country.  The American polity will give us a gauge on what kind of leadership the American people want for the kinds of results they seek for the country.   And when the American people have to choose between flawed candidates and flawed parties, they will find a way to voice how they want that leader to lead despite those flaws.  And if a President does not lead in that way, they will make a change.  That is what our American polity is about – representative government and leadership that represents the people as a whole.  And that is what each of our political parties and candidates need to be reminded through this election and into future ones. The will of the American polity and the voice of the American people matter.

A Tribute to Don Brewster: Friend, Pastor, Advocate, Leader, Jesus Follower

By Sosamma Samuel=Burnett,

Founder/President, G.L.O.B.A.L. JusticE

My husband Zack and I met Don and Bridget Brewster in April 2001.  We had just moved to Rocklin, California as Zack was beginning his training as a U-2 pilot at Beale Air Force Base. We were newlyweds who had not even been married a year.  Zack was a new Christian and had started going to church only the year before in Mississippi.  So we made it a priority to find a church home right away when we arrived in California.  Zack suggested we try Adventure Christian Church in Roseville.  I was hesitant because I had not gone to a contemporary, nondenominational church before and "Adventure" sounded very "California" to me.  But he had an instinct about that church, so we started to attend. 

The Founding Pastor RIck Stedman made such a great impression on us with his sermons that seemed to speak so directly to each person.  And the church grew very quickly. The Executive Pastor was Don Brewster.  While Rick continued to preach and reach the community, Don worked with the pastoral team to guide the church through its growth.  And Don also made a tremendous impression on us with his heart for service. We engaged in various service projects that he coordinated in the community. 

By November 2001, Adventure became an incredibly impactful part of our life. That month, Zack decided to be baptized, fully immersing (literally and figuratively) in his Christian faith. Don Brewster was the pastor who joined with me in baptizing Zack. 

Soon after, Adventure grew so much that they started a satellite service at Rocklin High School.  Don Brewster led that service and grew another part of the Adventure congregation. Zack and I and several others from Adventure made the decision to join Don and help that satellite service.  That forged a deeper bond with not only Don but also Julie Harrold and others who worked with Don and befriended us. 

Some time afterwards, Adventure shifted to a much larger building where both services could merge.  Don continued to help guide the church through tremendous growth.  During that time, he and Bridget were asked to go to Thailand to check on some of Adventure's missionaries.  This was a travel experience that neither of them were fully desiring to do, but they went to be supportive.  During that trip, they also travelled through Cambodia.  Bridget enjoyed the Thailand trip, but did not like the Cambodia experience. But that experience left a strong imprint on both of them. 

But one day in the midst of all that was their incredible church ministry, God called Don and Bridget in a mighty but different way.  They were asked to shift from their pastoral roles at Adventure Christian Church and follow Him to Cambodia where they would establish the anti-sex trafficking work of Agape International Missions.  Since that time, they have led AIM through remarkable valleys and peaks to reach and rescue thousands of women, men, and children from the intense evil of sex trafficking in a country that had been devastated by a tragic history.  They were passionate about their work, and grew to love Cambodia and its people so much. They dedicated their lives to serving in the country and sacrificially gave everything they had to sustain AIM's ministry. 

In 2005, I was introduced to the AIM Board by Bryce Jessup, who was President of William Jessup University and also AIM's Board Chair.  I had just proposed and established a Public Policy Program at WJU and was starting my first year of serving as Chair of the Department.  I wasn't sure that joining the AIM Board at that time was a good idea, but I believed in the cause and Bryce believed in me.  Joining that Board meant working directly with Don & Bridget.  That changed the trajectory of my relationship with them.  They were no longer my pastors, but they were leaders that I had a responsibility to serve, support, guide, and encourage in their remarkable ministry at AIM. 

A year after joining the Board, I had the opportunity to become Board Chair.  Over the next 10 years, I served in that role both in California until 2013 and then in Colorado from 2013-2017.  Over the total of 12 years that I served on the AIM Board, there was not a single day that I wasn't struck by the commitment, the sacrifice, and the tenacity of Don Brewster in the work of AIM. The only person who could match his dedication was his wife Bridget, who not only served alongside him in church ministry but in AIM's ministry as well.  

Together they became international leaders in the fight against human trafficking, particularly sex trafficking. Their names and the work of AIM have resonated with, represented, and were quoted by so many advocates and survivors around the world as pioneers in this fight. 

When I established G.L.O.B.A.L. Justice in 2014 in Loveland, CO, Don & Bridget were among the first people I reached out to join our Board.  Despite being in the throes of their intense work with AIM, they chose to also support the work of this organization.  They have served, supported, guided, and encouraged me through the past 10 years on the G.L.O.B.A.L. Board. 

In September 2024, Don & Bridget travelled from Hawaii, their current home, to visit California and the AIM community for their events, and then to Colorado for G.L.O.B.A.L's 10th anniversary events. It was a truly blessed time with them and most of our Board and Staff from various parts of the country.  During our 10th Anniversary weekend, I had the opportunity to recognize Don & Bridget for their support, leadership, and friendship, and especially Don for being such an amazing inspiration to so many, especially me. 

I had no idea that when our weekend came to an end, that would be the last time I would see Don in this world. When Don & Bridget returned to California, he had a stroke.  He then had the fight of his life.  And when a second stroke ended that fight, no one was prepared for his passing. No one could have imagined in the days and weeks prior that this would be his last moments here..

I was in shock at the news of the stokes and then Don’s passing, especially given the beautiful time we had together in Colorado so recently. I know one day I will look back with remarkable joy at that weekend and at all the years of ministry we have shared with Don.  But at the moment, I am overcome by a sadness that is deep and difficult.  I find peace in knowing that we said all the things that needed to be said and had the all the moments that anyone could ask for with him.  But I wrestle with the loss of some one who has meant so much to me for so long., though I know one day, I will see him again.

It has truly been a privilege to know and love Don and Bridget Brewster over so many years.  There are many great leaders in this world, but there are few that have made the personal, professional, and spiritual impact of Don Brewster.  There are many great people in this world, but there are few who have the pure heart and courageous spirit of Don Brewster.  And there is only person who embodies all of these qualities in this particular life so well lived -- only Don Brewster. 

I know that heaven is celebrating Don's arrival in an amazing way to welcome this good and faithful servant who loves Jesus and loved so many others, especially the vulnerable and abused in our world. We love you, Don, and we are so indebted to you for all the ways that you have loved us.