Gò0dNews for Everyone
The Brand Factor
“…is not this a brand plucked out of the fire” (Zech. 3:2, NKJV).
H
by Terrie Ruff
e introduced himself with authenticity and
came.” What a special “brand” of pastoring we have
simplicity that drew us in. He rolled up his
in Pastor Troy Brand. A “Brand” plucked from the fire
sleeves, knelt before the congregation, and
just for us and we are grateful. We are blessed to have
washed the feet of our Head Elder, expressing his desire to work together in his new assignment. As the
been affected so profoundly by “The Brand Factor.” God knows exactly what and who we need and
Elder wept, so did we. What humility. What powerful
sends them our way at the perfect time. Whoever
love in action— “The Brand Factor.”
that person is in your life, celebrate their special type
There was no embroidered robe or loud
of “brand!” Let them know the difference they have
motivational speech, the manuscript from which he
made in your life and strive to be a special “brand” in
read with power and freshness, took us from the
the lives of others.
ordinary to the extraordinary. He lovingly, yet boldly challenged us to change! He called sin out and asked us to evict it from our lives— “The Brand Factor.” The God-given phrases: “Stop wanting to be a Christian, be a Christian!” This powerful, practical application resonated with all of us, bridging the generational divide for the reception of the gospel. His sermons linger in our hearts long after he released them from his animated voice: “Don’t miss this! Are ya listenin’ ta me? Aww, you missed it. Listen ta what I’m fixin’ to tell ya, don’t miss this! Get this now! Ha, Ha, Ha, Amen, Amen!” And with his head leaning to the side, his hand raised upward, he shouts out, “God alone is Sovereign!” He sways from side to side, with heels clicking in motion, and we are silent. Then with rousing enthusiasm, he challenges us, “Aww, you missed it, that was a shouting moment!” and before we can respond, he shouts out a confirming, “ha, ha, and Amen!” and we join him in a united Amen! — “The Brand Factor.” is my desire that you are closer to God than when I
24 // October 2021
About The Author
And in the end, he reminds us, “When I leave, it Terrie E. Ruff is a public speaker, soloist and inspirational author. She is an active member of the Orchard Park SDA Church in Chattanooga. Terrie can be contacted at Terrie.Ruff@lpnt.net.
