Hello,
Some of you may not know me (and that’s for sure). Before sharing my heart, I’m Benjamin Mierzwiak, 31, married, father of 2 (soon to be 3). I’m a pastor and an entrepreneur. Currently in the process of church planting and Manager of 7VB CAFE (a specialty coffee shop we have in Marseille and Mulhouse).
I don’t know how it happened for you, but as a child I never imagined myself as a pastor or even as an entrepreneur. My parents came from a Polish immigrant background, and the culture was that when you arrived in a country, you had to stay where you belonged, accept the work that was given to you, and above all be content with it without complaining.
They also taught me perseverance, loyalty and submission to those who bear responsibility. They marked the importance of honoring these people and accepting their decisions or ways of leading in spite of everything. All these values are part of me, and today I live them intentionally in my church and my business.
Over time, I’ve also learned to dream and to surround myself with people who dream even bigger than I do, and who have this desire to invest in me. Today, I live these 2 roles (pastor and entrepreneur) thanks to inspiring men and women who believed in me, my dreams and my aspirations. Particularly during the last 2 years, which were crucial for me to start my own business, and when it was essential to surround myself with the right people. One of the things I was repeatedly told during those 2 years was:
1. “PERSEVERE”
2. And “CONTINUES TO DREAM”.
Even if society has lost its taste for dreaming. “PERSEVERE, in what you’ve undertaken!” I don’t know where you are in your business. Maybe you’re just starting out, maybe you’re a success, maybe you’re a failure.
Persevering isn’t just about your actions or the situation you’re in. It’s also about persevering in the vision God has given you. It’s the word or vision that God has put on you that will help you no matter what phase you’re in.
If you’re just starting out: it’s extraordinary that you’ve had the courage to take the plunge, so persevere no matter what obstacles you come up against.
If you’re successful: celebrate that and persevere with the vision God has given you, because it’s so easy to get lost in activism. Don’t forget that your actions must be in line with your vision.
If you’re in the middle of a failure: don’t be discouraged! You can be proud, because it takes courage to question yourself and dare to stop. PERSEVERE, decide to believe in the vision God is giving you and start a new business that is in line with your vision.
KEEP DREAMING! Personally, I think it’s one of the hardest things about our world today. We’re surrounded by “dream killers”. They can be everywhere, even in our own environment (families, friends, people in the same sector of activity, administration, banks…). We need to protect ourselves by deciding not to let themselves be influenced by their words. Don’t stop dreaming God’s dream for your life! Don’t believe what people say, but believe in the word you’ve received; in the dream you’ve received.
Persevere and keep dreaming!
Benjamin
