SILK ROAD continued from
SILK ROAD continued from page 33 up of volunteers that are committed to answering the call of St. Pope John Paul II to re-evangelize the world, was another panelist. He came to Michigan from Iraq in 1994, ready to learn. With his brother-in-law and mentor Mike Koza, he cashed in on the video craze and invested in Mammoth Video. Riding that wave until the market cooled, he began looking for other opportunities. Casting his eye to the southern Unites States, he observed that gas stations in the region were larger and offered more choices and thought there might be something there. Again, partnering with Koza, Karam created USA to GO, a gas station/convenience store model that disrupted the industry and changed the way motorists plan road trips. This successful enterprise allowed him to pursue his dream of seeking spiritual sustenance and becoming a revivalist. Besides ECRC, Karam founded REVIV3, a ministry that offers one-on-one support for Christians in their walk, and is heavily involved in World Youth Day, an event that brings young people from all over the world together to worship Jesus Christ. “The Church is alive,” says Banham, “and it’s powerful.” Jeff Denha was the only panelist that was born in the United States. He shared the story of how the Denhas came to own and operate Brass Aluminum Forging (BAFE). Mike (Jeff’s dad) and his partner were in the business of buying distressed companies and figuring out how to make them profitable. They would resell the business once rescued or dissolve it if the business was unsalvageable. Brass Aluminum was one of those businesses. The partner had moved on and the Denha family was left holding the company. Jeff felt that with hard work, BAFE could turn around and show a profit. “Entrepreneur” is a word much overused today, but it is a word that perfectly describes the spirit of Chaldean businesspeople. Not many in the community engage in production, tending toward buying and selling, but the Denhas are outliers. Jeff, along with his siblings, was determined to “protect Mom and Dad’s money,” as he said during the program. BAFE produced samples which he sent out to vendors, but he didn’t sit around and wait after that. When he was contacted by a potential customer whose previous shop couldn’t meet their order, Jeff contacted the supplier and arranged to meet. The result was new business for BAFE and a mutually beneficial business arrangement with the other production company. That’s good business. Full Circle As the vibrant tapestry of Chaldean culture weaves its way across continents, from the ancient sands of Mesopotamia to the busy roadways of The Chaldean community continues to bridge the gap between past and present, enriching both their adopted homeland and the legacy of the Silk Road itself. CHALDEAN STORY This report is made possible with generous support from Michigan Stories, a Michigan Humanities Grants initiative. Michigan, the journey along the modern Silk Road shows resilience, entrepreneurship, and a commitment to preserving cultural heritage. Through their thriving businesses and unwavering dedication, the Chaldean community continues to bridge the gap between past and present, enriching both their adopted homeland and the legacy of the Silk Road itself. As we traverse this cultural corridor, it becomes clear that the spirit of commerce and cultural exchange knows no bounds, reminding us that the ties that bind us are as enduring as the threads of silk that once connected distant lands. 34 CHALDEAN NEWS CHALDEAN STORY
chaldeans a portrait of the community EXPLORE THE CULTURE THROUGH MUSIC, TRADITIONAL DANCE, STORYTELLING, FOOD, AND MORE! THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2024 6:00 PM CHALDEAN COMMUNITY FOUNDATION 3601 15 MILE ROAD STERLING HEIGHTS MI 48310 There is no cost to attend, please register at chaldeannews.com/celebration FREE EVENT! This free event is made possible with generous support from Michigan Stories, a Michigan Humanities Grants initiative. CHALDEAN STORY CHALDEAN NEWS 35
