Andrej Ciho

Andrej and his wife Jessica and their three children live in the Historic South Atlanta community. Andrej's role with Metro Merge is overseeing operations and technology. He has used his experience with technology and project management to empower over half a dozen ministries that operate in South Atlanta.

Andrej also works as a web developer with BLACK and is starting South Atlanta Bikeshop.

Being Bi-vocational

Written by: Andrej

Ever since I left my full time job to join Metro Merge, I have also been doing work for BLACK, a company two friends and I started, to provide for our family since we are “only” raising support for one minimum wage and health insurance. At first I thought of this as a crutch but it didn’t take long to realize that being involved with BLACK actually increased my ability to do ministry.

As Metro Merge is working to empower local entrepreneurs to strengthen and grow businesses, I don’t have to strain to imagine what kind of challenges a small business owner may be facing – keeping books, writing proposals and contracts, maintaining client relationships, planning cashflow… This gives me a completely different level of credibility when interacting with other small business owners in our neighborhood.

And just like our neighbors I have to work hard to make ends meet.

Yes, at times it is a challenge to balance time between ministry, family, business and church. But it’s a good kind of challenge.

Posted on June 2nd, 2010