After two decades at the top of his profession, businessman Brian Mitchell feels this year is about putting something back and supporting those who can't help themselves.
Brian is heading to Tirana, Albania as a BMS World Mission volunteer, where he will establish a sewing business for women who have left prison or safe houses.
The project will provide recently-released prisoners with work where they can earn a reasonable living and escape from the cycle of deprivation.
Many of the women are victims of human trafficking and, without employment, are highly likely to be re-trafficked.
Experience
For Brian, an operations director from Wantage, Oxfordshire, the opportunity to lead such a worthwhile project was too good to turn down.
He explains, "For a number of years I have been seriously thinking that, because God has provided me with talents, maybe I should be using them in a Christian environment.
"I had no real idea what that was, but thought that at 58 I had a great deal of experience to offer an organisation. When I had a discussion with BMS I was made aware of a number of openings; the one in Albania appeared to be an excellent fit.
"I believe God has provided me with so much that I really should be trying to put back some of what I have gained. I have been challenged to help those who really are unable to support themselves.
"The women learn excellent skills in prison and channels must be provided where they can be free to employ those newly-gained skills."
Economy
It will certainly be a challenge as Brian sets up the business, then goes on to advise and train a suitably qualified local person to continue to manage it.
The poverty really struck Brian on his first trip to Tirana last month - but so did the resilience of the people.
He says, "Everything about the infrastructure is so basic and in some cases even less than that. The economy is so poor that simply being able to sell the products will not be difficult".
"However, they are achieving truly incredible results with the little they have. They are incredibly industrious and entrepreneurial and I was really struck by the sense of opportunism over adversity.
"I was struck by the amazing spiritual strength, awareness, compassion and love of the local Christians in Tirana. Many of them are young but are achieving things that much more experienced Christians in the UK only dream about."
Export
Brian has asked BMS supporters to pray that he and others can identify the correct products to make and the most suitable markets to sell these goods.
He says, "Ideally we need to start small and target the local market, but then move on and export, perhaps to the UK.
"UK-style wedding dresses can be made for a fraction of UK costs and it would be wonderful to see the skills of the women adequately rewarded and recognised by a wider, appreciative customer pool."
Praise God that two people from the UK who have experience in the textile industry have already volunteered to help.
Brian says, "We need prayers for the best way to integrate these people whilst ensuring we don't try 'running' with the project before we really 'walk' in a sensible manner!"
What can you offer of yourself to world mission? Find out about overseas opportunities with BMS by clicking here.