ryan gibadlo

Most of us have heard the story of Gideon…the tale of an Israelite warrior who defeated the Midianite army after the Lord pared down his own forces to a mere 300 men. We have probably wrestled with certain elements of the narrative and likely learned a lot about God’s character through it all. But as I reflect on ATLAS and the role we are playing in a much larger narrative here in Greene County, I would like to point our attention to Judges 6:14. “The Lord turned to him and said, Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand.” What we learn in reading on is that Gideon considered himself to be the weakest of his family, which was the weakest in the clan, so it wasn’t with an abundance of “strength” that God was urging him to “go”... quite the contrary. Yet through Gideon’s eventual obedience we also learn that he was used to defeat the Midianites mighty forces without raising his sword… It was God’s victory.

The work that is being done here in Greene County is tremendous. This year has been very successful on so many fronts, none more meaningful than students coming to faith in Christ in great numbers. All along the ATLAS Continuum, I could share stories of successes from children learning to read to high school leaders emerging… from toddlers receiving developmental interventions to middle school students embracing higher purposes in their lives. The pages that follow will include an update on some of this. However, I would like to focus our attention before diving into the rest of this report.

Just like Gideon, there is a monumental task at hand here in Greene County and beyond. But also like Gideon, all God asks from us is to “Go in the strength you have.” Similarly, we may see a lack of strength, a lack of resources, a lack of courage, or whatever it may be… but He is directing us to “Go in whatever strength we have.” So, with that I am asking you to join me, maybe in a deeper way than you have in previous years. With our time, treasures, and talents, God has given us an opportunity to be a part of something special in our own community… to see it transformed.

The appointment of ATLAS’ Executive Director has been the most purposeful endeavor of my life. During my time here, I have become even more convinced that what God is doing is extraordinary. Join the mission with whatever strength, or lack of strength, you may have and allow God to use it in ways you never thought possible. Join ATLAS in equipping children and their families to fulfill their God-given purpose and see our community transform from within.

In Him,

Ryan Gibadlo
Executive Director