“Our InnerCHANGE Ethiopia Team has been coached by Michael for several years now and we want to describe Michael’s true and practical coaching qualities. Michael helped us create, form, and organize a team; and works with the team virtually and in person when circumstances allow. He creates easy modes for communication and communicates clearly. He leads by example in a practical way on the field and illustrates it from his former experiences both successes and failures. He also can serve cross-culturally and even beyond language barriers effectively. He also has the ability to understand other people’s problems outside of his own context; and has a very good heart to support the people in deep poverty and difficulties of life. He displays tolerance and patience to individuals and the team to bring up the level of maturity. He trusts others beyond his context and delegates things by giving full responsibility with accountability. Problem-solving comes through his giving directions and examples as well as practical training which is helpful to identify people’s gifts within the team. Having humility enough to communicate simply which invites people to communicate and work with each other is a highlight of his. He is highly skilled in creating a familial spirit beyond geographical, racial, cultural, and social differences. We deeply appreciate his contributions in our team and ministry in Ethiopia even in the times when nobody knew us.”

— Abiyot Lemma, Team leader