Tim’s story isn’t one of sudden epiphany. It’s a testament to the power of self-discovery. He emphasizes the importance of introspection at a young age: “What I think really helped me at a young age, was I did a lot of work around my unique individual purpose. What’s my unique purpose? What’s my identity in that? Why? What makes me tick? And then really nailing down my value system. Like, what do I value? What am I clinging to?” This introspection laid the groundwork for understanding his values and the path he was uniquely wired to walk.

Pictured above: Tim (on the left) as a young boy with his Cabbage Patch doll

The seeds of Tim’s passion for Haiti were sown as a child. Witnessing his father’s service there sparked a lifelong fascination with helping those in need. “He [Tim’s dad, Denny Brand] went to Haiti when I was seven years old in 1986, and I grew up looking at pictures of him serving people that looked very different from me.” This, coupled with his mother’s lessons on human rights and civic duty, nurtured a deep-seated desire to make a positive impact.

Tim identifies a concept he calls “holy discontent” – a nagging urge to address a specific injustice in the world. For him, it was the plight of Haiti. “Number one is, what’s my holy discontent? What’s the thing that just really irks me in the world? What’s the thing that keeps me up at night or gives me fuel or gives me passion that is unique to me?” Recognizing the unique role he could play, he drew on his personal experiences and the connections he’d built throughout his life.

 Pictured above: Left, Tim in Haiti, 2014 and Right, Tim with Kerlin in Haiti, 2015

Tim’s background in the for-profit world wasn’t a detour; it was preparation. His ten years of experience honed his business acumen, teaching him valuable skills like financial management and website development. “I spent ten years in for-profit. And I am so thankful that I spent ten years in for-profit because I learned from amazing leaders. I learned how to run a business. I learned how to develop a website, I learned how to do my finances.” These skills would become crucial tools in building Many Hands.

The decision to go all-in on his Haitian mission wasn’t easy. It meant sacrificing financial security for his family and facing the unknown. But a powerful conviction fueled him. He knew this was his calling, and living a safe, comfortable life wasn’t an option. “I had a four and a two year old, and I went from a six figure job, a high six figure job, and I went to zero. Because when I went full time, I wanted to make sure that I wasn’t doing this for money and that I would be free from that bondage because that’s what’s holding me back.”

Pictured above: Brand family on a trip to Haiti in 2019

Tim emphasizes the importance of obedience to one’s calling, even when it’s scary. Stepping into the unknown requires letting go of the need to control outcomes and trusting the process. “But I knew that if I commit fully with myself and I live all in, that my residence inside of me was going to be true, and that I’d become the best version of who I’m supposed to be, and no matter what, that I would take this experience and I would learn from it.” This surrender, he believes, allows for the emergence of our best selves.

Pictured above: Brand family on Many Hands’ campus in Haiti in 2019

Tim highlights the significance of connections. He views himself as a bridge builder, fostering relationships that create a two-way flow of support and achieve shared goals. “And if I’m available to people showing up with my true self, being uniquely who I am meant to be no matter where I’m at, that more will happen than ever imagined. But I had to let go of it myself. I had to surrender that and just say, I’m good with just being obedient and not controlling the outcomes on that.” He recognizes the power of genuine connection in making a real difference.

Pictured above: Tim making introduction to a little girl in Haiti, 2012

Tim’s life story interwoven with his Haiti story  is an ongoing testament to the power of purpose. It’s a call to embrace introspection, identify your “holy discontent,” and take the leap of faith to live a life of impact. His journey with Many Hands continues, leaving a lasting impact on countless lives in Haiti and Abaco. They’ve built schools, provided clean water and good food, medical assistance, and empowered communities. But Tim’s impact goes beyond the tangible. He inspires others to find their own calling and bridge the gap between good intentions and real change.

About Many Hands:

Many Hands is an Iowa-based nonprofit creating local and global life-transformation by strengthening families.  Established in 2008, the organization focuses on six key areas for transformation, including education, agronomy, leadership development, safe homes, medical assistance, and economic development. Each year, the organization reaches at least 25,000 people through their Haitian operations, IMPACT trips, and Many Hands four Thrift Markets located in the greater Des Moines, Iowa area. 

Many Hands is called to transform together, to be love in action, in a broken world.