111. Jessie Rees Foundation -- Erik Rees

Have you ever been inspired by a child or impressed by the maturity of a teenager? Have you ever looked at their life and just been in awe with how God gifted them and how they are using those gifts to help others?

I cannot wait to share with you about Jessie Rees and the foundation that was inspired by her. This week on the podcast, I am talking with her father, Erik Rees and he is going to share Jessie’s story and how it birthed the Jessie Rees foundation that helps children fighting cancer. Their Joy Jars and phrase NEGU, Never Ever Give Up, has helped encourage and inspire many children who are walking this hard road as well as their families and siblings.

This Tuesday is Giving Tuesday, so I cannot wait to share with you about this amazing foundation and the inspiration behind it, Jessie Rees! Let me just say, this is a powerful testimony of how God brings purpose to our pain. I promise you do not want to miss one word; there is so much wisdom in this episode.

The Jessie Rees Foundation believes every child fighting cancer deserves joy, the opportunity to smile, and be encouraged to Never Ever Give Up. To learn more about the Jessie Rees Foundation, please visit their website: https://negu.org/ I highly recommend clicking the get involved tab to see all the ways you can help support this phenomenal foundation.

Book Recommendation:

*Living the Life You Were Meant To Live by Tom Patterson

Erik Rees has dedicated himself to empowering people to find and fulfill their God-given purpose in life for more than 25 years. Rees began his career in 1993 as a pastor, strategist and trainer at world-renowned Saddleback Church, where he helped grow the congregation from 3,000 to more than 30,000 followers over a 20-year period. During this amazing time Rees helped train church leaders around the world on keys to building an "Empowering Church Culture". In addition, he wrote several best selling's books: SHAPE: Finding & Fulfilling Your Purpose In Life; Only You Can Be You: 21 Days to Living Your Purpose; Tilt: Small Leadership Changes for Big Results and Your Life Review.

Upon losing his daughter, Jessie, to inoperable brain cancer on January 5, 2012, he and his wife Stacey formed the Jessie Rees Foundation and has functioned as a member of the Board to ensure that children fighting cancer have the support and resources they need to “Never Ever Give Up.” He shares this inspiring message in his newest book Never Ever Give Up: The Inspiring Story of Jessie and her JoyJars.

Under the daily leadership of his wife, the Jessie Rees Foundation has raised over $25,000,000 dollars in donations to care for children impacted by cancer. They have also stuffed and sent over 350,000 JoyJars to children fighting cancer in all 50 states and 41 countries.

He and his wife live in Orange County, Calif. with their two other children, Shaya and JT, and their dogs.

*Note: If you are interested in purchasing the book recommended, I would love for you to use the Amazon Affiliate link above to help support the podcast. Thank you!