The Lauren Libby Files

When I took on the assignment of writing a profile about Lauren Libby, until recently TWR’s president and CEO, it soon became apparent that I had too much good material for a single article.

After a significantly condensed version of the article ran in the new issue of TWR Magazine, a longer version was released here, on the TWR website’s Newsroom. But even the more relaxed space requirements of the online version didn’t do justice to Lauren’s 16 years as TWR’s leader, let alone his lifetime of Christian service.

So here we have bonus material: the text of the three scriptural verses that have been foundational to Lauren’s view of missions; some quotations from others about Lauren; and some quotations I especially liked from Lauren himself.

I hope they add to your enjoyment and appreciation of all that Lauren has contributed to TWR.

- John Lundy, TWR Writer and Communications Specialist

Lauren’s Verses

“‘Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage and the ends of the earth your possession.’”
– PSALM 2:8

"He says: ‘It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribe of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel; I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.’”
– ISAIAH 49:6

‘Enlarge the place of your tent, and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; do not hold back; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes. For you will spread abroad to the right and to the left, and your offspring will possess the nations and will people the desolate cities.’”
– ISAIAH 54:2-4

What they said about Lauren Libby

“He was open to hear everyone’s thoughts, but no one doubted who was in charge. … He truly was a servant leader. He looked after the small things and made sure everyone was taken care of.” – Dan Blakely, TWR International board member

“Lauren is a great networker of people, a communicator. He’s always traveling to go see somebody. … He’s constantly working. He constantly had TWR’s best interests front of mind.” – Jeff Jones, TWR International board chairman

“He wasn't just leading an organization. I think in his personal life; he was still looking to glorify the Lord and share Christ with people. He really did have a life that was all about the gospel and the Lord.” – Ross Campbell, TWR International board member and chairman of the TWR Canada board

“He always wanted to invest in people because [he had] one saying: ‘Young people or young leaders, they always actually need someone to trust in them.’ And actually, this is what he did.” – Branko Bjelajac, TWR International vice president for Europe, CAMENA and Africa

Lauren Libby, in His Own Words 

“When you look at the world, the confusion and conflict that’s going on – it’s one of the greatest times to talk to people about peace, grace and the hope Jesus has. If we don’t do it now, we’re going to miss a golden opportunity.”

“We’re not just looking for staff. We’re preparing people for a future in the kingdom, and God has his hand on every last person that comes through here.”

“Crisis motivates people. Somebody asked me one time: ‘Do you ever have a crisis in Trans World Radio?’ I said: ‘Well, which one would you like?’”

“Media is so important. It doesn’t really matter the channel. It doesn’t matter how we get there but that we keep the name of Jesus in front of people and be a big voice for him in the world.”

“When God gives a calling to an organization, he motivates people to make that calling possible.”