Ministry Today commends a different group of kingdom-minded people or organizations each year in our MT21 issue. In 2014, when we launched MT21, we honored churches and ministries that were influencing the 21st-century church.

In 2015, we highlighted 21 congregations that were "culturally diverse on purpose." This year, however, we're taking a different approach and naming 21 businesses whose leaders are a witness for Christ in some way through their professional platforms. From cupcake makers to insurance agency owners to roofers, we have covered a wide range of businesses in this year's MT21 feature.

Today, we are highlighting MaidPro Heartland maidpro.com/tulsa/.

After working as a chemical engineer for 35 years, Greg Ford yearned for something different—a career where he would be the one making policies based on biblical principles rather than corporate directives. His search for a franchise led him to MaidPro, a cleaning company he describes as "shocking, quirky and fun." Because MaidPro allows each franchisee to develop his own company culture, Ford was sold.

"I knew in my heart that God had directed my steps to MaidPro," he says. "I began my franchise in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Valentine's Day 2005. On that day, I was literally set free to experience the hands and feet of Jesus through the unique design of God called 'Greg Ford.'"

The MaidPro CEO describes his company's culture as "one of openness, honesty, caring and safety, among other things. Like our Lord, whose name meets every need, we devote ourselves to being aware of our employees' needs," Ford says.

That same awareness holds true for MaidPro's clients as well.

"If there's a sickness, loss of job, etc., it becomes an open door for the Good News," he says. "This atmosphere can only be brought about by His Spirit. We trust Him to use us in any way He chooses."

God has chosen to use Ford's company in many ways—so many that he has compiled them in a book, Behind the Clean, "intended to encourage other new franchisees." Ford talks about an elderly client whose arthritis was so bad she was unable to hang her clothes, so he and his team mobilized to help.

"We were able to lower all her clothes racks and discovered other things that needed fixing for her safety and enjoyment," he says. "We cleaned up her back yard, patio and storage barn. Everyone was blessed."

The company also participates in local as well as international Christian work.

"One of the main purposes of starting MaidPro was to help underwrite a mission in Cambodia—International Orphan Aid," he says. "About 900 children have been adopted out of the state-run orphanages through our efforts, and about 100 children have been nurtured and cared for through BYKOTA House, our Cambodian children's home."

Above all, Ford enjoys the freedom of owning his own company.

"I'm not bound by any corporate politics or propriety," he says. "Being free to express the life of Jesus through a variety of means is true joy and freedom. That is the living gospel."

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