From the chair, David Gardner
In 2002 I experienced a life changing moment at a Generous Giving conference in the U.S. I had recently become wealthy when the company where I was employed went public, and I did not know what to do with wealth and my faith as a Christian. Meeting with other believers, being able to speak openly about those challenges, learning more about the Bible’s teaching on stewardship and feeling encouraged rather than judged has helped shape the course of my life. I yearned to have the same experiences closer to home in the UK to continue the lifelong journey of pursuing my relationship with Jesus, and submitting my wealth to His authority.
Others have shared in that passion to help form Generous Journey. We are a community of Christians from different church backgrounds but with a shared vision to see generosity encouraged amongst us and in our communities. We gather to learn best practices, be encouraged by one another and give thanks for the incredible generosity of God. We create a space where we are not asked for money, but rather have the freedom to share the joy that comes from being more blessed to give than to receive.
We primarily gather together annually for 24 hours to receive excellent Bible teaching, discuss what God is doing in our lives and hear from recognised Christians who have wisdom to share. Our events are private and we respect one another by not allowing fund raising and keeping each other’s stories confidential.
I hope you will join us to see where God might take you on your journey of generosity.
Executive Committee Bios
David and Eli Gardner
David became a Christian in 1973 and moved to the UK 30 years ago. He was the 11th employee at Electronic Arts Inc. and helped to grow it to over 8000 employees globally during his 25-year tenure. In 2008 David became CEO of Atari S.A. David is a trustee of Alpha International, an active private pilot and in 2007, was awarded an OBE. Today David is founding partner of London Venture Partners and is also Vice President for Games at BAFTA.
He is married to Eli and they have 3 children. Eli is a Clinical Psychologist and has founded a charity focusing on parenting for the inner city called Kid's Matter.
Yolanda Ibbett
Yolanda and her husband John, live and work in North Bedfordshire, working in the Ibbett family business, Bedfordia Ltd. They are convinced of the power of the gospel in all of life, and as Christians, understanding that we are all full time Christian workers, with a frontline impact for the gospel, no matter where God has placed us in our day to day lives. They have three children and have begun the journey of understanding wealth, philanthropy and Christian generosity together as a family.
Nicola James
Nicola is the UK Regional Director for the Maclellan Foundation. She started her career working for the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire as their Press and Marketing Officer and following this set up her company in 2008. Nicola is married to Pete, and they have two daughters; Olivia and Summer.
John Riches
John has spent the last 35 years as a lawyer advising business families around the world in the fields of estate and succession planning. He has a public policy role in the field of private wealth and has a passion for family governance. He loves to bring his faith to bear in his daily work.