20 Under 40: Brett Durbin
Photo by Nathan Ham
Education: Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, Washburn University Master of Criminal Justice, Washburn University Master of Arts Christian Leadership, Asbury Theological Seminary
Hometown: Topeka, KS Spouse: Jaelle Durbin Kids: Gabriel (9), Matthew (7), Susan (5), Josiah (3), Hannah (3 months)
Age: 35
3 Words: Obedient Faith Adventurous
Role Model: My role model is Ed Rotz. He has been my pastor since I was a child and has always shown me an incredible amount of grace and love throughout my life. He is the definition of a humble leader.
Best Advice Received: My mom and dad taught me from a very early age to make my faith in Jesus Christ the number one priority in my life.
Superpower: Depending on God for all things. I would call this a superpower because depending on someone you can’t see just doesn’t come naturally, this is truly counting on the supernatural.
Accomplishments Most Proud Of
Personal: I have no idea where I would be in life if I would not have married Jaelle, and I simply love being on this journey with her.
Career: Starting Trash Mountain Project. It was a big step of faith for my family to start this organization, and it has been the most rewarding and challenging adventure. Serving the poorest of the poor around the world is a blessing in my life that is hard to describe.
At this point in your life, what do you know for sure? God is real, and He loves us in ways that we will never fully understand.
“Brett continues to shine in his guidance of our organization through record growth and interaction with donors of all types, from a few hundred dollars per year to more than a million” - Timm Collins, Trash Mountain Project
“As part of his outreach, his organization is experimenting with building aquaponics facilities overseas (producing fish and leafy vegetables) so that the schools, churches, and food kitchens he has built can become self-supporting.” - Jim Congdon, Topeka Bible Church
