I have been at Helping Up Mission for 14 years. originally part-time in the Development Department and later part-time as Spiritual Life Director. I was still the Executive Director of the Associates for Biblical Research, working fulltime in archaeological research centered on the Holy Land. Unfortunately, almost no one makes much money in archaeology (even Indiana Jones had a real job!) and that was true at ABR, as well.
So, in 2000, my role as Spiritual Life Director of Helping Up Mission went fulltime. I like to say that HUM Executive Director Bob Gehman made me an offer that my wife said I couldn’t refuse! Of course, I still do archaeological work in the Holy Land – leaving for my excavation in Jordan one month from today – and it continues to be a big part of my ministry.
But my work at Helping Up Mission is the most meaningful and exciting thing I have ever done in my life. In fact, it appears to me that all my experiences and ministry responsibilities up till now have prepared me for what I do here!
Yet, today, a new chapter in my ministry at HUM has begun. I accepted a new role and new responsibilities – as HUM Deputy Director. I continue to teach my daily Biblical Discipleship classes to the guys in the morning, but my afternoons are now spent working with the HUM department directors.
I am enjoying the challenges of my new responsibilites because it gives me new opportunities to serve the men of HUM. But still doing it all…
One Day at a Time,
Pastor Gary Byers
Deputy Director
PS HUM’s Mike Rallo is now taking over my responsibilities as Spiritual Life Director.