Ownership in Action: How Ben Allison Used His Gifts to Amplify Hope
One of the greatest rewards of serving with A2S is witnessing the transform ation that takes place when people experience Nigeria firsthand. Time and again, we see volunteers return with a deeper sense of purpose, ownership, and commitment—finding new ways to invest their talents, expertise, and hearts in the mission long after their trip has ended.
Few recent examples capture this spirit more powerfully than Ben Allison.
Ben first met A2S founder Andrew through their time together at Davidson College, where they were teammates on the Wildcats basketball team. What began as a friendship years ago has now grown into a meaningful partnership in service. After making his first trip to Nigeria last summer, Ben felt called to return this spring to serve at our Basketball & Empowerment Camp.
While Ben’s impact on the basketball court was significant, what stood out even more was the extraordinary level of ownership he demonstrated throughout the trip. Rather than simply participating in the experience, Ben looked for every opportunity to contribute his unique gifts in ways that would strengthen the organization and amplify the stories of the people we serve.
As a talented producer, videographer, and creative executive of Benco Productions, Ben dedicated countless hours to capturing the heart of A2S’s work. Working closely with our Communications teams in both the United States and Nigeria, he helped document powerful moments, meaningful relationships, and life-changing stories. Alongside professional storyteller and producer (as well as current A2S Board Member) Bob Gordon—who also joined the trip —Ben helped uncover and preserve stories that will inspire supporters and partners for years to come.
One of the most moving stories Ben captured was that of Jothan, a remarkable young man featured in our monthly FaithFuel program. During their visit, Ben, Bob, and a small group were welcomed into an incredibly sacred space—Jothan’s home. It was an intimate and humbling experience that offered a deeper glimpse into Jothan’s life, faith, and resilience.
Deeply moved by what he witnessed, Ben asked for permission to document Jothan’s story more fully. What emerged is a beautiful and powerful piece that reflects not only Jothan’s journey, but also the dignity, hope, and strength that exist within the communities A2S serves. Ben’s accompanying article and video stand as a testament to his desire to use his professional gifts in service to others and to ensure that important stories are told with authenticity and care.
We are incredibly grateful to Ben for the generosity, excellence, and passion he brought to this work. His willingness to invest his time, talents, and energy far beyond what was asked exemplifies the spirit of servant leadership that makes our mission possible.
As we prepare for our next team heading to Nigeria in just over two weeks, we invite you to join us in praying for their journey and the lives they will impact. We also hope Ben’s example inspires many others to consider how they might use their own gifts in service to God’s kingdom—whether through joining a future vision trip, sharing professional expertise, or supporting the mission from home.
We invite you to join us for Missions Night on July 30 as we explore how each of us can play a role in serving others, both locally and globally, and discover new ways to use our talents for God’s glory.
