A Heart for God and a Head for Business
Michael Ashbrook, WorldServe Chairman
For a fairly quiet man, his work in the business and non-profit worlds has been anything but quiet. Michael Ashbrook, Chairman of the WorldServe Board of Directors, is known for his bold leadership of a unique group of Christian business people. His innovative approach – bringing successful business models and principals to bear on non-profit ministry projects – has created new thinking and new results.
“My first contact with WorldServe was in May of 1998,” Ashbrook recounted. “[WorldServe Treasurer] Randy Barton invited me to attend a meeting in St. Louis to explore the future of WorldServe. At this meeting, the thirteen leaders present made substantial commitments to the organization and reshaped it. This was the start of the new WorldServe.”
Reshaping WorldServe meant continuing to foster economic development, but focusing on water solutions as the key to helping people in developing countries. Maji-Tech Engineering, launched by WorldServe’s leadership, quickly became the leading borehole drilling company in Tanzania. “Today,” Ashbrook says, “we have 5 drilling rigs working in Tanzania and 3 more on the way.”
But addressing dire poverty through water well drilling and job creation is not exactly where Ashbrook’s journey began. After graduating with a degree in Management from Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield, MO, he went to law school at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. Ashbrook said lightheartedly, “I practiced law for 15 years before retiring from solving all my client’s problems.”
“A legal education teaches you to think and not accept anything at face value,” he continued. “Most things are not as they appear and we must be able to know the difference.”
This ability to think critically and tackle difficult problems has served Ashbrook well during his tenure as Chairman of the Board. Rallying other leaders and overcoming the many logistical, financial, and other challenges of entrepreneurship is common.
His commitment to the business and ministry tasks of WorldServe – more importantly, to helping people in poverty – is rooted in his spiritual life. “My family is third generation Assembly of God members. Our faith in God is important to our daily life.”
By bridging his business know-how together with his love for God, Ashbrook has connected the two realms with resounding effects.
“Whether you are looking at a missions project or a business venture,” Ashbrook says, “the same principles apply. Usually there is someone who has a vision of what they want to achieve. Some of the considerations include:
1. Guidance – Whether it is a missions project or not, rely on the Holy Spirit to guide your efforts.
2. Money – Where are the funds coming from to finance the project?
3. Preparation – Hire ‘an architect’ – someone who prepares the plans and specs.
4. Competence – Hire a competent contractor to build the project. Using your best friend may not be the best choice.”
This business-minded perspective is creating new pathways for the Gospel to reach areas and people that previously had not heard of Jesus Christ. “Our goal is to spread the Good News of Jesus – the Gospel – through the drilling of water wells and as a means to have an impact on the local population. When we drill a well and bring clean water, it is tremendously positive for the community. It enables them to grow crops successfully, support medical clinics, and care for children through education. We also bring the salvation message and build a church in the community.”
Ashbrook resides with his wife Loretta in Monroe, Louisiana. They have two children – Scott Ashbrook of Fidelity Bank in Baton Rouge, LA; and Jeff Ashbrook, an architect in Denver, CO. They also have two grandchildren – Lowell, 6, and Hunter, 3.