Two boys met on an Arkansas football field in the seventh grade. Christopher was a dreamer and Derek a strategist; both were original. As junior high turned into high school and later college, these two young ment found themselves journeying life together. They learned from one another. Coexisting as pastor and businessman, they continued asking big questions and dreaming aloud.

Years later on a Sunday morning, Derek sat on a second pew listening to his best friend share good news with anyone willing to listen. Somewhere in the middle, Christopher told a story. The story began with his trip to South Africa at the unsure age of fourteen. Much too hot and sweaty, he remembered walking towards an unassuming white building and finding a long line of people before reaching the door. As Christopher met the front of the line, the people began to hug him, their tears evident. Thank you they whispered thank you. Out of confusion he had asked the interpreter why they were so grateful? The reply started the heartbeat of Greater Works.

The interpreter explained that while Christopher was hardly a boy, his grandfather called Papa had given their village a most priceless gift. He gave the people a place to teach their children, a place to house their worship and sleep their poor- he gave them the white building. The suffering people’s gratitude posed a question for the teenager, who is my neighbor? He realized that Papa's neighbor lived in South Africa, not just next door. One man’s neighbor became his grandson’s heritage. This was Papa’s Greater Work .

Driving to lunch after the church doors closed, Christopher brought up the story to his friend. Derek interrupted after a few minutes, Dude, ninety percent (napkin statistics) of the people listening to your story today do not care about theology; we need something to do. He continued, Show me how I can make a difference- give me a nine pound hammer- you inspire people and I will make it happen! In that moment, like so many before, Christopher’s idea merged with Derek’s action.