Graham Power receives entrepreneurial leadership award

Originally published in Christian Today

South African businessman and Global Day of Prayer founder Graham Power has received the first WEA/ELO Entrepreneurial Leader of the Year Award.

The award from the World Evangelical Alliance and Entrepreneurial Leaders Organisation recognises exemplary Christian and ethical behaviour in the marketplace, which has significantly impacted not only the business community but society at a national and international level.

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Power set up the Power Group of construction and civil engineering companies in South Africa in 1983 with the vision to “improve the quality of life in Africa through infrastructure development”.

In 2001, he oversaw a day of prayer for the nation that brought 45 000 Christians to the Newlands Stadium in Cape Town. The meeting marked the birth of the Global Day of Prayer after it spread across the African continent and turned into a worldwide movement.

Power also founded the Unashamedly Ethical campaign promoting ethics, values and clean living through local communities all over the world.

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Commenting on his award, he said: “I am truly humbled. All honour and glory to God, it was through His grace that my life was turned around at the age of 43, and the visions He has given for the Global Day of Prayer and Unashamedly Ethical, were so clear that I merely needed to ‘stick to His clear instructions’.

“There are so many amazing transformation testimonies about great entrepreneurs around the world, and I feel so inadequate and humbled by this award. I am reminded of the special scripture 2 Chronicles 7:14, a blueprint and promise – if we will humble ourselves and pray, and turn from our wicked ways – then God will hear from Heaven, forgive our sins and ‘heal our land’.”

The Entrepreneurial Leader of the Year Award was established by ELO and WEA to acknowledge and celebrate the inspirational and faith-inspired contributions of individuals to their communities.

Dr Geoff Tunnicliffe, Secretary General of the WEA, said: “I have known Graham Power for a number of years and have observed his life, work and spiritual impact not only in South Africa but around the world.

“He is an ideal recipient for this first annual Entrepreneurial Leader Award. I believe that Graham’s life is a wonderful example to others on how to use one’s God given gifts to honour Christ and serve the world.”