In this episode of the Know and Follow podcast, Pastor Addison Roberts sits down with Kendall Keeler from Serve Now to explore how God is working around the world through local churches and indigenous Christian leaders. Kendall shares his journey into global missions, how Serve Now partners with believers in over 30 countries, and why discipleship in a heart language is essential for gospel growth. This conversation offers a compelling vision for missions that is relational, empowering, and deeply rooted in partnership.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• What makes Serve Now’s global missions approach different from traditional models
• Why empowering local Christians leads to sustainable gospel impact
• The hidden challenge of discipleship materials not existing in heart languages
• How translation work helps pastors grow without Westernizing their faith
• The story behind Serve Now’s partnership with churches like Grace Community Church
• How water projects, microenterprise, and education flow out of discipleship
• Why generosity and perspective grow when we partner with the global church

Key Quotes:

“We don’t send American missionaries. We empower the Christians who already live within these countries.” — Kendall Keeler

“Most of the pastors we partner with don’t have access to biblical training or Christian resources like we do.” — Kendall Keeler

“If you imagine trying to follow Jesus without access to discipleship materials, it changes how you view the global church.” — Pastor Addison Roberts

“Don’t underestimate what God can do with the bread and fish that you place in His hands.” — Kendall Keeler

Ways to Get Involved / Resources Mentioned:

• Serve Now: Serve Now partners with local Christian leaders in over 30 countries to provide discipleship resources, training, and community development through churches already embedded in their cultures.
• Discipleship Translation Initiative: Serve Now has translated discipleship materials into more than 70 languages and continues expanding access so pastors and believers can grow in their heart language.
• Serve Now App: A free app providing access to translated discipleship materials for individuals and churches around the world.
• Grace Community Church Partnership: Ongoing collaboration including water projects, translation efforts, and global missions engagement.

About the Guest:

Kendall Keeler joined Serve Now in 2020 after years of leadership experience in both for-profit and non-profit organizations, including Black Rock Retreat, Herr’s, Mt. Vernon Church, and Water Street Mission. A graduate of Lancaster Bible College, Kendall also performed as a Sight & Sound actor and has a passion for helping individuals and organizations reach their full potential through problem-solving, creativity, teamwork, and communication.

Kendall is the author of Your Last 24 and leads with the philosophy Create · Connect · Inspire. He believes generosity helps us become more like God and has been married to his wife for over 25 years. Together, they have three daughters.

About the Know and Follow Podcast:

The Know and Follow podcast is a production of Grace Community Church of Willow Street, located at 212 Peach Bottom Road in Willow Street, Pennsylvania. Join us for weekend services on Saturdays at 6 PM, Sundays at 8 AM, 9:15 AM, and 11 AM. Learn more at gccws.net.

Join us for this quick chat with Pastor Bill Young, our Associate Worship Pastor. We talked about what goes into a Christmas Eve service. I hope this gets you excited for services this week!

We will be back to more regular podcast episodes next year!

Episode Summary:

In Episode 21 of the Know and Follow podcast, Pastor Addison Roberts sits down with Wes Kauffman, a local entrepreneur and co-owner of several businesses including FASTSIGNS, Rolling Suds, and a global talent staffing firm. Wes shares his story of faith, hard work, and calling—from repairing cameras at Perfect Image to leading a growing team of over 300 employees. Together, they talk about vocation, stewardship, and the sacred value of work—how Christians can live out their faith in the marketplace with integrity, purpose, and creativity.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• How Wes’s journey from photography repair to franchising shaped his entrepreneurial calling
• The difference between owning a business and leading with a servant’s heart
• Why “discontentment” can sometimes signal a God-given drive to create and serve
• What it means to see the marketplace as part of God’s kingdom work
• Practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs—from teens to career professionals
• How faith and business leadership can work hand in hand through culture and care for people
• Why Christians should be innovators and creators who build for the good of others

Key Quotes:

“Entrepreneurship is not for everybody—it’s hard work. But for those called to it, it’s a way to serve God and others through creativity and perseverance.” — Wes Kauffman

“We’re not just supposed to sit around. God gave us time and talents. So why not spend them for the good of the world around us?” — Pastor Addison Roberts

“Culture is who we are. We want to be nice guys who love people, work hard, and grow something big together.” — Wes Kauffman

“Your place in the marketplace is just as important as leading in a church—because you’re building relationships and showing the gospel through how you live.” — Wes Kauffman

Ways to Get Involved / Resources Mentioned:

• FASTSIGNS: Professional signage, graphics, and visual communication solutions—helping businesses communicate clearly and creatively.
• Rolling Suds: A professional pressure washing franchise providing residential and commercial exterior cleaning.
• Perfect Image: A Lancaster-based camera repair and photography business where Wes began his entrepreneurial journey.
• Grace Community Church of Willow Street: Learn more about our ministries and weekend services at gccws.net.

About the Know and Follow Podcast:

The Know and Follow podcast is a production of Grace Community Church of Willow Street, located at 212 Peach Bottom Road in Willow Street, Pennsylvania. Join us for weekend services on Saturdays at 6 PM, Sundays at 8 AM, 9:15 AM, and 11 AM. Learn more at gccws.net.