Vantage Point (online) Magazine: Recent Comments

Comment on Inspiration and Transformation -- Using Technology to Make a Difference

Susana Rosende — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 17:57:11 GMT

My father, Alberto Carlos Rosende, Sr., has had a great impact on my life, both personally and professionally. He has instilled in me the values of family, hard work, and integrity, as well as the knowledge for the importance of having goals in life, and for never giving up, no matter the obstacles. He also inspired me to earn a university degree.

Born in Havana, Cuba in 1926 to a working class family, my father learned at a young age that earning an advanced education was essential to gaining financial security. After receiving a scholarship to the University of Havana, he endured hardships (such as lacking bus fare or lunch money and needing to share college text books with his twin brother) to earn his Civil Engineering degree.

His professional engineering career was curtailed in the early 1960s, when he chose to leave Cuba during Fidel Castro's revolution, and was then rejected for engineering positions in the USA during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Previously in management, he was forced to start over as a Land Surveyor to support his family.

However, he persevered, eventually landing a structural engineering position in NYC to support his wife and--eventually five--children. After 20 years with the company, he was transferred to Houston, Texas during the oil crisis. In Houston, the company folded. My father was laid off and lost all his retirement benefits.

Undaunted, he found an engineering job at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, where he has been laid off and re-hired numerous times, and worked until a few months before his 80th birthday (even after undergoing prostate and quadruple bypass surgeries).

After my divorce, my father encouraged me to return to college to earn my degree. My parents then welcomed me back into their home, and helped care for my then-two-year-old son, while I worked two jobs and commuted to school.

My father, who prides himself on not missing days from work, took the day off to attend my college graduation. Because of his example, I am inspired as a single mother to continue striving toward new education and career goals, and in turn, to pass my father's values and legacy to my sons.

Comment on Inspiration and Transformation -- Using Technology to Make a Difference

RL — Wed, 28 May 2008 07:42:59 GMT

Well, I think I know Barry fairly well and this article describes him to the tee. He's a giving person all right and from what I perceive, much of his life goals are towards the creation of an entity, a to-be recognized tool that helps people connect, a place where folks can open up and show their gratitude to others, a feel good tool that will leave a lasting impression on their lives.
Sometimes I wish I can be as altruistic in my views and as benevolent in my daily life. But of course, we all have distinctly different lifestyles and mine just happen to be encumbered with work and a young family. Thus, I'm only glad the Barrys of the world have decided they will take on the task. To that I say Thank You.

Comment on Inspiration and Transformation -- Using Technology to Make a Difference

Jeanni Tavlin — Fri, 23 May 2008 17:33:53 GMT

This was a well written article of how Barry Tavlin transferred his ideas into a positive, meaningful reality.
The Inspiration Project gives people the opportunity to let others know how she/he inspired inspired them. Too often, these feelings are not articulated and if they are, it is usually too late to make any difference.
This project gives individuals the vehicle to let their innermost feelings come alive. People get to share the inspiration they have received from others and thereby "pass it on".
When a person accepts another's invitation, it is a way of acknowledging the contribution of one on the other person's life. It becomes self-validating.
It also serves to let us know that we have 'made a difference' in someone's life.
The article describes the philosophy of life that Barry has and discusses how he has developed to the current plateau on which he is situated.

Comment on Inspiration and Transformation -- Using Technology to Make a Difference

DVilla99 — Fri, 23 May 2008 17:11:44 GMT

Interesting article about an interesting man. I happen to have the pleasure of working with Barry now and again. This article really nails his outlook on life. He is a real genuine person.

Comment on A Career Change: Leaving Technology for Medicine

Marco V — Thu, 08 May 2008 15:28:00 GMT

Awesome story! I have just had such a enlightenment moment. After 12 years at a large firm, I'm also moving on to a more of a people environment. I genuinely care and wish to help people, not computers nor the bottom line. The bottom line comes along when you take care of people.

Comment on Life on the Mean Streets of the Inner Cities

Tami Grotenhuis — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 23:21:32 GMT

Wow! This is inspiring! Thanks Bob, Susan, and family for following Him! May He continue to accomplish His plan each day through you! God Bless You!!!

Comment on Life on the Mean Streets of the Inner Cities

Dave Murray — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 19:05:35 GMT

Thanks for a great article. I went to Taylor with Bob abd have always admired his work for the Lord in the inner city. I've seen a bit more into what motivates him and his drive to serve God in this capacity. Nice article.

Comment on Life on the Mean Streets of the Inner Cities

Vaughn — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:55:46 GMT

Bob is a personal friend and spoken for our church. He is everything mentioned in the article and more. The more is his vision and motivation for the Lord's work. Our church is right now working on partnering with one of the LA churches he has helped establish. Want a blessing for your church? Get involved!

Comment on Life on the Mean Streets of the Inner Cities

Gretchen Horton — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 17:22:16 GMT

My first contact with World Impact was many years ago, shortly after I became a Christian. I started making modest donations and received a news letter from Bob Engel. I was intrigued and started to designate future donations to him. By brief notes and one wonderful meeting I have come to know this man and know that he is God's man - completely surrendered. I pray daily for him and his family, for God to provide, protect and produce good fruit from his ministry. I am passing this article on to others so they can pray for Bob and thank God for what he is doing for the kingdom.

Comment on A Career Change: Leaving Technology for Medicine

chana — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 08:51:42 GMT

I am also thinking about a switch from a creative and technological profession to medicine. This article was inspiring. I am 28 and my chosen career path is starting to leave me unfulfilled. All I can think right now is that I don't want to be doing what I do now when I am 50.