Why I Serve - Ben Kish

Both the print and television media is full of news that impacts our community, some negatively when there are layoffs, some positively when new companies come to town.
For almost 14 years now, a hidden treasure has been impacting our community, one life at a time.

Ben Kish opened The Master’s Loft (www.mastersloft.com) in Winston-Salem 8 ½ years ago. His observations as a retailer are that 9 of every 10 people who come into the store are either hurting, hungry for something, or are ministering to someone who is hurting or hungry. Although he and his staff do their best to help, often the level or scope of need goes beyond simply recommending a book. “People often need a guide or professional help,” Ben says. “Not a week goes by that I don’t recommend Associates in Christian Counseling to someone. I give out more of their business cards than my own. Sadly, only 1 or 2 of each 10 people to whom I mention ACC has ever heard of it.”

When asked how he first learned of ACC, Ben replied, “It was in 1998 through one of my pastors and a church friend whose life had been impacted by going there. The following year, I became a member of the Board of Directors. I want to be able to give something back to my community and this is where I choose to serve.” Kish currently serves as the Board chairman.

From his service on the Board to having ACC therapists do community programs in the store, Ben shared that he has come to appreciate what a unique group of folks staff ACC. He believes, “Christian counseling is a noble profession where deeply committed people serve as a Christ-like model of investing themselves in others without great reward or recognition.” Kish added that pastors simply don’t have enough hours in a day to counsel everyone. “Without a place like Associates in Christian Counseling, where would people go? Our community is blessed to have this treasure. We need to spread the word so others might find help and healing.”