Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

One day while scrolling TikTok, as so many of us do now, I came across an intriguing post by Ken Arrington. It was a post from his series titled “How To Know When Your Church Has Become a Business.” What intrigued me about what Ken Arrington’s beliefs highlighted was how familiar the business model he described resembled many product marketing models I have encountered in the business world. However, in this case, the ‘product’ was faith.

I had to learn more so I reached out to Ken and asked if I could interview him and maybe have him on my podcast, DissedMedia: A Startup Story. He graciously accepted, and while I enjoyed learning more about Ken Arrington’s beliefs, and his views on business and faith, I was struck by his personal story and commitment to missionary work. Now I understand that The Daily Pitch does not typically cover topics related to religion, but this is, as my colleague and co-host Alan Landry pointed out, is a story about a startup. It is also a story about grit, determination, and goodwill.

The Decision to Embrace a New Path

Ken Arrington’s beliefs took center stage when his story as a missionary took on new life. Ken and his family made a radical decision that changed the course of their lives. Thriving in a high-paying corporate sales job, Ken chose to seek a different kind of fulfillment. This was more than a career change; it was a complete shift in lifestyle and values driven by faith and the desire to serve. Embracing the unknown, Ken and his wife gave away everything they owned to embark on a journey fueled by a desire to impact lives directly.

The decision to move from being a champion for the corporate cause to dedicating his life to missionary work began with some initial missionary work Ken was doing while balancing his corporate life. However, the pull to do more and make a bigger commitment to serve was not being satisfied by working in his passion between his day job. So, after some deep reflection, Ken and his family made the decision to move to Neath Wales to start The Gathering Place.

The Journey to Wales

As Ken and his family embarked on their journey to Wales, their commitment to a new life path was symbolized by their decision to give away everything they owned. This significant act underscored their readiness to fully embrace a life dedicated to community outreach and making a real difference. Moving to Wales was more than a change of location; it represented a profound shift in their mindset and life philosophy, prioritizing community well-being over material possessions.

Upon their arrival in Neath, Wales, the family faced daunting challenges. They had chosen a region deeply affected by social issues, notably marked as the opioid capital of Wales. This contrasted sharply with the corporate world they had left behind. In Neath, they encountered a community grappling with addiction, poverty, and the aftermath of abuse and trafficking. This was not merely a new chapter in their lives; it was a deep dive into addressing some of society’s most pressing issues.

However, shortly upon arriving, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, presenting an unforeseen challenge. The pandemic not only brought health concerns but also threatened funding and resources necessary for their planned projects.Ken went into problem-solving mode without hesitation. Drawing from his previous role selling to clients in the hospitality industry, he realized that many hotels and restaurants were unable to use their inventory due to lockdowns. Ken found a way to gain access to those resources and repurpose them for those in need in the local community. The success of coordinating these efforts, rooted in Ken Arrington’s beliefs, led to a significant boost in financial resources, allowing them to press on with the larger mission.

With a windfall of funding, Ken was able to establish spaces for the community that served dual purposes. One area for worship to bring together worship teams, and another for charity focus to support the homeless, addiction programs, and for women who had been trafficked, abused, or neglected. This dual approach demonstrated a deep understanding of the community’s needs, offering both spiritual and practical support. Their work, particularly with those affected by trafficking and abuse, directly addressed the harsh realities present in their new community.

The Call To Help Those In Puerto Rico

After spending a few years in Wales, Ken felt a pull towards focusing his efforts somewhere new. When that pull started, he was not sure where that would be but he felt it was somewhere lush, with lots of trees and greenery. Upon visiting Puerto Rico, he immediately felt a strong connection and realized this was where he needed to be next. As he did before, in preparation for his move his family once again gave away all but their most necessary possessions and moved.

Ken and his family have only recently settled into their new life in south western Puerto Rico but he wasted no time getting to work and establishing Awake to Dream’s Project Freedom: Puerto Rico. In Puerto Rico, Ken has embarked on a new and ambitious plan that reflects his ongoing commitment to community development and sustainable living.

Why Puerto Rico?

Southwestern Puerto Rico is a region that has some incredible beauty contrasted with rich culture, and a complex web of economic challenges. Rooted in its history and exacerbated by environmental, socio-political, and external factors, the region continues to be challenged by its colonial past under Spanish and American rule. Originally a hub for sugar production, southwestern Puerto Rico suffered from the global decline in sugar prices and the shift towards cash crop production under U.S. control. This shift has led to a reliance on imported food and has displaced many local farmers. The modern push for industrialization has further created agricultural struggle, concentrating economic benefits in other parts of the island and leaving the southwest in a vulnerable state.

Most recently, Hurricane Maria in 2017 and a series of earthquakes in 2019-2020 have added to the significant infrastructure damage and economic disruption. The confluence of all this has led to high unemployment, public debt, and austerity measures that have disproportionately impacted the southwest. As the region declines, younger workers are seeking opportunities on the mainland, which has resulted in an aging population. Meanwhile, legislative actions like the Jones Act have increased the cost of living, escalating shipping costs for goods from the U.S. mainland.

What’s Next?

With the establishment of Awake to Dream’s Project Freedom: Puerto Rico, Ken continues to weave a narrative of hope, resilience, and community empowerment. His efforts in Puerto Rico reflect not just a continuation of his mission but an evolution, adapting to the unique challenges and opportunities of the region. Ken’s work is a testament to the power of human spirit and collective action. By fostering sustainable living and community development, he is not just addressing immediate needs but also sowing the seeds for a future where the people of Puerto Rico can thrive on their own terms. His journey, from the corporate world to the heart of community service, is a vivid reminder that real change often begins with a single step, a bold decision to follow one’s heart and make a difference.

Ken Arrington’s beliefs remind us that we each hold the potential to impact the world in profound ways. Whether it’s through starting a new venture, lending a helping hand, or simply sharing a story, we all have the power to contribute to a brighter, more hopeful future. Ken’s journey is more than a story of a man and his family; it’s a call to action for us all, an invitation to step out of our comfort zones and into a world where compassion, dedication, and hard work, driven by beliefs, can truly make a difference.