An interview with Thanh Campbell,
 Executive Director, Canadian Christian Business Federation

‘Insanity’ is sometimes defined as ‘doing the same things over and over while expecting different results’. That’s not how true change works. Habits must be broken, new behaviours embraced, along with attitudes adjusted to better reflect the heart of God.

Dying to self is one of our biggest fears. Why? Ambiguity frightens us. It’s the unknown and seems like a mystery. Stepping off the edge of ‘self’ takes courage and a deep trust in the God of the Bible. Becoming God’s ‘new creation’ means God is in control, not us.

Living for God is challenging, yet it also brings with it unspeakable joy. It means we join the Creator of Heaven and Earth in His plans to save the lost, expand His kingdom and make the world a better place.

God is always good, always loving, and always gives what is right for us and those around us. That’s why, to live life to the fullest, we must step out of His way and relinquish selfishness and stubbornness.

Navigating change requires a roadmap. But, thankfully, we have been given one; it’s called ‘The Bible’. 

Thanh’s Story

Born in 1973 in Vietnam, Thanh was placed in an orphanage with his brothers. After being separated from his brothers he was mistakenly added to the ‘Operation Babylift’ group of babies headed for Canada to be adopted. That’s how he gained five siblings and became the son of a Pastor and his wife in Cambridge, Ontario.

Thanh spent five years at Redeemer College, earning two degrees, one in Education and the other a Bachelor of Arts with a joint major in Theatre and French. After graduation he was recruited by Redeemer, as their Admissions Counsellor. Soon, through the mentorship of Greg Hatton, he joined the fundraising team, gaining expertise in stewardship counselling and ministry fundraising.

This training provided amazing opportunity for Thanh to serve, assisting with fundraising needs in Hamilton Missions services, Kids Alive International, World Vision, Christian Reformed Church initiatives, Trinity Western University and others.

During this time Thanh also wrote and published his memoir entitled Orphan 32, and during book tour events he shared his passion for kingdom building and eradicating global poverty.

About this time COVID happened. His life nose-dived. A family and work crisis left him homeless. Thanh cried out to God and prayed with desperation. A friend gave him shelter, but he had no money and felt helpless and alone. Depending on God, at a whole different level of need, opened Thanh’s heart to what it means to truly depend on God, trusting Him for everything.

Through this trial Thanh learned some lessons. First, God is enough. In fact, God is ALL that he needs! He is EVERYTHING that truly matters in life.

Secondly, because he is God’s son, beloved by God, all that Thanh has, and will have, belongs to God.

Thirdly, no matter how needy Thanh felt, there is always someone else nearby with a greater need.

Thanh tells the story of meeting a hungry homeless young lady of about twenty. When Thanh offered food, she surprised him twice. First, she ordered kraft dinner at a pizza place; then, she preferred to return to her tiny stairwell sleeping spot, instead of eating in the restaurant. She wanted to spend time alone in prayer and thanking God for this food. Thanh felt humbled by her gratitude and desire to acknowledge God.

Biblical Principles

Mind Renewal Transforms: Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is---his good, pleasing and perfect will.  Romans 12:2 NIV See also Romans 8:6

Reconciliation In Christ Jesus: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5: 17 NIV

Power from the Holy Spirit: But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8 NIV

Conclusion

Thanh has many reasons to celebrate God’s goodness. In early 2021 Thanh met a woman named Teresa. Engaged in May, they were married in October 2021.

After a season as Director for Partners Worldwide, Thanh became Executive Director of Global Development Partners in May 2025 and Executive Director of CCBF, in December 2025. Thanh is looking forward to exciting changes ahead, and wants to nurture leaders to become innovative change makers and kingdom builders.

Thanh’s desire is that each one of us commit to mentoring others in areas God has corrected or directed us, and in so doing, radiate God’s light and perfume the world with Christ’s aroma of mercy, grace, and loving kindness.