Howard Johnson: Making a Difference in People’s Lives
“Making a difference in people’s lives!”
This is the answer that Howard Johnson gave when asked about what has given him great joy for the past 32 years he has been a part of Baptist Housing.
Howard’s love for people and his desire to make a difference led him in 1988 to move from Ontario with his wife, Margaret and children, Jeremy and Sarah to join Baptist Housing in the capacity of COO and then for the past 14.5 years as CEO.
Howard is passionate about the work Baptist Housing does to provide excellent care and wellness for the 2700 seniors who are part of the Baptist Housing community of residences across British Columbia. During his tenure as CEO, Howard encouraged and championed programs like Music and Memory, pioneering the powerful bridge between familiar songs and past experiences for residents faced with memory loss. The work done through Baptist Housing has since been widely recognized as a way of enhancing quality of life for those experiencing dementia.
Howard sees the work of Baptist Housing going beyond just caring for residents and enveloping the care of the 2500 team members who work across the organization from care aides, administrators and chaplains to building maintenance crews. When thinking about the work he has done over the past 3 decades, he sees living out the Baptist Housing shared values of:
Compassion - Showing care, love and sensitivity in consideration of the unique needs of fellow team members, residents, families and others;
Honesty - Exemplifying fairness, integrity and ethical behaviour;
Respect - Treating people with dignity at all times to elevate personhood and person-directed wellness;
Innovation - Exercising ingenuity in all endeavors and exemplifying creative courage;
Stewardship - Recognizing God's ownership by using resources wisely to preserve the future viability and longevity of our mission;
Teamwork - Working collaboratively to achieve our mission in a culture of safety, continuous learning and work-life balance.
Fun - Reminding us that we must take our work seriously, but not ourselves!
as key to the success they have experienced enabling Baptist Housing to become one of the largest faith-based organization providing seniors care and housing in the province.
Howard reiterated a story that really sums up the family atmosphere that is fostered at Baptist Housing as he talked about Kasmira.
Ten years ago, a team member came into his office in tears. She shared with Howard the deep sadness she and her husband were experiencing because they so desired to have children and had been unsuccessful to that point. Howard committed to pray with her for a miracle.
With heartfelt emotion, Howard talked of their commitment to pray together for this miracle which resulted in the birth of Kasmira and her two siblings in the years to follow. When Howard talks about his achievements at Baptist Housing it is stories like this that come to light because Howard believes that PRAYER is key and we need to be bold as we pray for each other. A favourite passage that sums up Howards commitment to prayer and his reliance on the Holy Spirit is found in Zachariah 4:6 (NIV)
‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.’
Howard loves how Eugene Peterson wrote it in The Message:
The Messenger-Angel said, “Can’t you tell?”
“No, sir,” I said.
Then he said, “This is God’s Message to Zerubbabel:
‘You can’t force these things. They only come about through my Spirit,’ says God-of-the-Angel-Armies. ‘So, big mountain, who do you think you are? Next to Zerubbabel you’re nothing but a molehill. He’ll proceed to set the Cornerstone in place, accompanied by cheers:
Yes! Yes! Do it!’”
As we celebrate Howard’s shift or transition as CEO, it is not the end of his journey with Baptist Housing. Howard is excited about his new role as Special Advisor. This role includes looking at growth opportunities and supporting development, design and construction of new properties.
As he looks to the future he sees his new role as the expansion of kingdom impact at the municipal and provincial level as he interacts with government and healthcare agencies to meet the needs of our seniors across the province. It is his prayer that he will have many opportunities to share and live out the love of Christ with people across British Columbia.
As part of his new role, Howard will also be involved in assisting Fellowship agencies from time to time as part of Baptist Housing’s support and consulting when we need it. Howard will also continue to be an active member of the Fellowship.
Yay Howard! You’ve always been a great support to us!
Our Fellowship churches and agencies value partnership and Howard is a champion of developing relationships that leverage our strengths and provide encouragement as we pursue our shared vision. We are grateful for the expertise, generosity and encouragement that Howard exhibited while leading Baptist Housing and continues to give in his new role.
When asked what he thought our Fellowship family needed to know about Baptist Housing, he said,
“Baptist Housing is committed to assisting FEB Pacific Churches and our partnering agencies to advance the kingdom of God. Baptist Housing is not about building buildings first and foremost, but about ministering to people.”
We are looking forward to seeing how God plans to work through Howard in the next chapter of his journey!
Retirement? What is that, anyway?
Howard’s Hacks on Life and Leadership:
Start each day with a meaningful time of prayer and God’s word – it’s about connecting with God first!
Invest in people – mentorship always pays great dividends
Be generous with your time, talents and resources for they are a gift from God for the furtherance of His kingdom
Inspire and encourage others with your walk and talk – this is what builds God’s reputation. Write a note of encouragement and throw in a Starbucks Card!
God’s wisdom comes from the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and spiritual counsellors in your life. This is what shapes our lives in the image of God. Be grateful for the people God places in your life.
PRAYER – be bold
Reflect often but then get going!
Success is measured in the growth and development of others.
Work at self-awareness through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Everything is better with a bit of FUN!