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I have a business plan for Releasing Kings that captures the desire of my heart. In that plan I list mentors and associates. I lost one of those mentors (Dan Gaub) to an accident this week. I'd like to share the simple story of the impact he had on my life.

Meeting Dan

After we wrote Releasing Kings, I realized that creating wealth was a key ingredient for ministry in the Kingdom. That had been a desire of my heart for a decade, but my own attempt at investments hadn't worked very well. I came to the conclusion that I needed a mentor, and that I would try to broaden my life skills by building a bridge between engineering and multi-level marketing. That particular bridge didn't work out either, but it did lead me to Dan Gaub via a recommendation from a friend. I asked Harold if he knew anyone that was honest, successful, and a Christian. Dan was the answer.

Going with Him

When I met Dan, he was making about 250K a year in his MLM. He told me his story and mentioned that he was actually making a lot more in currency trading... adding 1-2% a day to his account for 200 days a year. Sue and I both explored the trading option and started his mentoring program. At the time, it wasn't particularly structured. Dan just invited friends who were interested in trading over to his house four nights a week. There were always 5 to 25 people crowded into his office and living room for the London open - which was midnight our time. We drove 70 miles for that 2 hour session a dozen times and listened to his live narrative over the phone the rest of the time over the last five years. Whatever Dan was doing, he always invited other people to go with him on the journey. That didn't mean it was structured like a class; it was just time with him talking, having fun and answering questions. I slept on his couch a half dozen times from 2 AM to the US open at 5 AM so we could trade the opening of both the London and New York markets.

And He went up on the mountain and summoned those whom He Himself wanted, and they came to Him.  And He appointed twelve, so that they would be with Him.  Mark 3:13-14 NASU

The Ingredients

It wasn't personal discipline or accountability that kept us close to Dan. I admired his anointing to create wealth, and wanted to learn from him. I had to pinch myself to believe that he and Dawndee opened their home at midnight four nights a week for anyone to show up...with pizza, snacks, laughter, and trading. Dan referred to himself as a "party trader" and had the high "I" DISC profile to prove it. People often flew in from out of state and hundreds were on the trading calls from around the world. Sue's favorite memory on the calls was when Dan had a cold and drank too much Nyquil - the humor went to a whole new level. It was like currency trading conducted by a comedian.

I was also drawn to Dan's generosity. Most of his business dealings were in foundations that were set up to give over 40% of the annual income. Even more impressive was his heart. In spite of a hectic schedule from business, church, and trading, motorcycles and boats, he would always take time to meet with us or talk on the phone. He never discounted the potential of anyone. He often told me that people you least expect to make it, often surprised him in trading and in life.

Discipleship Jesus' Way

The church tradition for pastors is to get too busy to spend time with people. We plug the newcomers into classes, programs and Bible Colleges and expect sermons to mature them. I've written books, done conferences, preached for 13 years, and this newsletter is approaching number 400. What I've learned is that Dan was right. We are all discipled through personal relationships. There isn't any shortcut to maturity. Elisha was with Elijah. The Disciples were called to be with Jesus. We all really only "know" what we actually do. Being a "Jesus follower" isn't a set of beliefs, a theology, or a philosophy. It includes those ingredients, but it is really a lifestyle of love for people that shows itself in the generosity of what we do and the miraculous power God uses to reinforce our initiatives because he shares them.

Taking People with You

When your dream starts to come true, you will be doing some things and operating in an anointing that will spark an interest in others. They will see something in your life they want to emulate. That's where discipleship starts: two hearts find some synergism in the same mountain. For Dan and me, it was building the Kingdom through the business of trading. I was drawn to his ability to create wealth, and his integrity for the Kingdom, and his love for people. He took the time to take me with him. It felt like Jesus... because it was. I will miss him, but I have a vow in my heart to take those who are drawn to what I'm doing, and bring them with me. I will not leave them behind or get too busy to help them reach their dream. It's a lifestyle that works and it's relationships that love. It's this cultural mindset: 1) "What's your dream?" and 2) "How can I help you take the next step?" Dan enabled me to take steps toward my dream, practically and financially.

You were the example that taught me that "Dreams do come true!" It really is fun to be a Jesus follower. Thanks buddy, I will remember it always. I'll see your smile in those who are drawn to me. I'm going to take them with me and do something powerful in the Kingdom... having fun, making money and loving people. And, thank you for loving me enough to ask those two questions.

Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.  You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit - fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.  This is my command: Love each other.  John 15:15-17 NIV

For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power. 1 Cor 4:20-21 NKJV

I testified about it many times after Tibor and I came back from the US in January this year: these 5 genuine and meaningful words.:"HOW CAN I HELP YOU?" that Dan Gaub opened our meeting with that time. It was one of those moments that I just knew that was given as grace, gift and evident example which I mustn't waste but want to cherish it as a torch of fire that I choose to carry on for the fullness of my own life and the fame of Kingdom of God I serve...with love, joy, passion and wisdom that I had a privilege to see with my own eyes.

John Garfield

www.releasingkings.com

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