Welcome Stephen Bailey: MITS New Director of Strategic Growth

We are so excited to introduce MITS newest U.S. staff member, Stephen Bailey! Born in Canada and raised in Texas, Stephen graduated from Abilene Christian University with a degree in Human Communication and later got his masters in Communication Studies from Texas Christian University. For the past 10 years, Stephen has taught Communication at TCU and Tarrant County College. Before that, he worked with urban youth in Fort Worth as the Executive Director of Fortress Youth Development. Stephen also has a passion for music and the arts! Touring for years with a band and theatre company, leading worship, and working with a creative studio are a few ways that passion has shaped his career. Stephen has been married to his wife Stephanie for almost 27 years. They have 2 daughters: Rainey and Emily Rose.

What brought you to MITS?
"I've been a fan of MITS since the beginning. I was familiar with the Coulstons and their work and the heart they had for street connected kids, but had mostly watched from afar. When Brad became Executive Director I began to pay closer attention because he is a friend. Finally my family decided to dive in and visit MITS! Unfortunately, our trip was planned for the summer of 2020 and got cancelled. But our hearts were set on helping. I had not spoken with Brad for awhile and called him out of the blue to catch up. We got together and he told me about this position. After seeking the Lord and wise counsel from a variety of people, my wife and I felt like this is where God was leading us."

What are some words you live by?
"Know what your BIG yes is and you'll know what to say no to along the way."
"If you only obey what you understand, God looks just like you. Yield to what you don't understand."
"Don't compare your highlight reel to others bloopers. Or vice versa."
"Your critics aren't the problem, your focus is the problem. Stop focusing on your critics. They're distracting you."

What is your ideal weekend?
"A long meal with friends and family and a lot of conversation and laughter. A round of golf with my wife, brother, and another fun fourth. Go listen to some live music."

What excites you most about working for MITS?
"I believe I am joining the MITS team at an incredibly exciting time! So many people have labored in the past to grow MITS to where it is today. Now that the groundwork has been laid, my family and I are honored to participate in God's vision, mission, and strategy to shape the future of MITS. What a blessing to witness how God brings together people of different cultures and with a wide variety of gifts to impact the world!"