I love wooden train track sets. The more curves and straightaways, bridges and tunnels, junctions and turn-stations, the better. 

Each of our grandchildren started with the small toddler Brio set. Over the course of the years, we bought more pieces. Having expanded their engineering capabilities, they now build intricate and complex railway systems that fascinate me. While some tracks intersect at a junction for a brief moment in space and time, others run parallel for long distances. The networks formed between individual tracks remind me of human relationships.

With that in mind, I want to introduce you to Christian Grandparenting Network’s new Chief Operating Officer (COO), Jay Bell.

God’s Design:

Jay first contacted Christian Grandparenting Network (CGN) four years ago, requesting information about how to start a grandparent ministry at his church in Fort Pierce, Florida. While we were thrilled to work with Jay and his wife, Robin, I assumed that our ministry’s relationship would resemble a simple railway junction. Christian Grandparenting Network would lay the groundwork for a grandparent ministry, starting with a two-day Nuts and Bolts of Godly Grandparenting conference. Then, we would remain available to offer suggestions, coaching, and resources until their grandparent ministry was launched and on solid ground. Based on experience, I assumed that our ministry would work closely with Jay and Robin for three-to-six months or a year at the most.

God had much bigger plans.

In retrospect, given the spiritual attacks we came under whenever we tried to have the Nuts and Bolts conference, I should have suspected something. The enemy was determined to derail our efforts. The pandemic and Hurricane Nicole were two of his tactics. I now realize that while the enemy was determined to throw us off-course, God was working a miracle. Our Lord, the Master Builder, was forging a relationship between Jay and Christian Grandparenting Network, one of friendship and trust. This friendship ultimately became the answer to one of our most fervent prayers.

God’s Provision:

Jay accepted the invitation to join our team as the Coordinator for Church Development in December 2022. He works specifically with churches, scheduling Nuts and Bolts conferences and helping them start grandparent ministries. One of Jay’s passions is to plant Grandparents@Prayer or G@P groups in churches around our nation and throughout the world.

At the same time, Jay was getting settled into his role, Cavin and I were fervently praying God would raise up a new Chief Operating Officer. (Cavin graciously stepped into this role until we found a replacement.) Over the course of the next few months, God made His will known.

To say God tapped Jay on the shoulder for the position of COO is an understatement. First and foremost, Jay loves the Lord. He is a humble servant, knowledgeable about Scripture, and has a God-given acumen for business.

Jay’s parents always advised him to follow his heart when choosing a career. Passionate about music, he spent almost thirty years in the music industry, representing and managing artists’ careers. When the music business underwent a series of rapid and unacceptable changes, he decided to apply his skills in another field. The coffee industry came calling. Jay spent the next twelve years with Starbucks, culminating in his management of a portfolio of some thirty of their locations. He has held many positions in his local Methodist church including Trustee, Council Chairman, Registered Agent, and Certified Lay Leader. He currently leads a G@P (Grandparents@Prayer) group there, as well.

God’s Wisdom:

God has blessed Christian Grandparenting Network by building an incredible all-volunteer team. Our lives are intertwined like wooden tracks on a railway system. We work together to fulfill our mission of encouraging, equipping, and empowering grandparents to pass a legacy of faith in Christ to future generations.

Please join us in giving thanks to God for Cavin’s willingness to serve as Chief Operating Officer during 2023 and for Jay’s willingness to accept the mantle in the New Year.