Dustin McBride, 23
Co-Founder and CEO, Acirfa
Zambia and San Diego, California
Acirfa works with its partner Zambikes to assemble and sell affordable high-quality bicycles in Zambia.
-Your age this June:
I am 23 years old. Born in Wichita, Kansas.
-How would you describe your job/leadership role (one phrase)?
I solve problems and try to keep my team happy.
-What one or two things most motivated you to get involved?
When I came to Zambia for the first time in 2004, I left a piece of my heart here with the people and realized that there was so much potential and a lack of opportunity. Believing that with a passion and determined heart I could, even at a young age, have such a huge impact in many lives was all the motivation that I needed.
That and my Zambian brother Benjamin. Benjamin illustrated to me what it means to love someone, stranger or not, without hidden agendas but with an unconditional love. That's motivation … people like that remind me why I'm here in hard times.
-As you think about your work and/or your participation in the body of Christ, what's your biggest passion?
I would have to say my biggest passion is relationships. Building long-lasting relationships with our workers, friends, and family here in Zambia makes all the hard work worth it. In times of too much red tape, I think of a few certain faces that I know personally and love passionately, and I can keep going even when completely pissed off and frustrated.
-What's the biggest challenge you see facing young Christians/the church now? In the years to come?
I must say taking the words of Christ seriously will be and is the challenge of our day and our generation. Some of that stuff seriously messes you up. Loving your enemies, blessed [are] the poor, how impossible it is for rich people to get into heaven, and what it means to seek first the kingdom of God and all the basic necessities of life will be added to you—that's seriously crazy stuff. How are we, as believers of the Bible, supposed to live that out in our technology-filled, materialistic lifestyles? It is time for followers of Jesus (a.k.a. the church) to do a bit less talking and a bit more walking when it comes to Christ's words and His calling on our lives.
-We hear often that young Christians'—particularly evangelicals'—perceptions of Christianity are changing, that their concerns are broadening to encompass more social justice issues. Do you see this happening in your own experience? Or, if you would describe your experience of young Christians differently, how would you describe it?
I will have to see that I do feel that we are in the middle of a very dynamic shift in Christianity and what it means to follow Jesus. With information easily spreading and global awareness growing, certain things that our parents had little to no idea were even happening are now on our TV screens and computers daily. We, as a new and upcoming generation, are tired of building bigger church buildings to congregate in and focusing so much on new carpet and traditional hymns in church when we are called by the God of the heavens and the earth to look after the poor, the widows, the orphans, and those that suffer from [the] injustice that our sinful world has unfortunately brought upon ourselves.
-What one thing would you most like to tell Christians?
Our philosophy here has been: ready… shoot… aim. So when it comes to living out your faith… SHOOT! And aim as you go.
-What one thing would you most like to tell non-Christians?
There seems to be little to no point or purpose to our lives here on earth without a loving Creator. And, if you think following Jesus is boring or about rules and laws, give me a call and we can throw down any time.
-What's your biggest challenge personally?
Trying to understand a culture that is completely different than my own. I am in a position of management, making decisions that affect numbers of people, both Americans and Zambians. It can be hard to have answers to certain questions I may know little or nothing about. But I rely on the Lord and take each issue/challenge one at a time.
-What gives you hope?
Chrispan, Gift, Gershom, Mwewa, Sainet, Benjamin, Dennis, Patrick, and many more Zambians that have shown me how a little opportunity can go a long way with passionate, driven Africans. It is the "in between" moments that are so moving and influential to me personally. "In between" all the big things or grand achievements or major decisions truly define my time and relationships here. Enjoy the "in between" times.
I am hopeful for Zambia, I am hopeful for Africa, and I am hopeful for America along with the rest of the world … I have hope in people that walk out in their faith, no matter how small or large their passion and vision is.
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