A Fixed Mindset

Lawrence Temfwe, director of the Jubilee Center, a Zambian NGO and an Organizing Committee member of The GLS in Zambia writes below on the very common mindset found in his country and what he sees as the solution to this problem.

"Most ordinary Zambians have fixed mindset. When you ask most people what they feel about the RB Capital deal, or Chiluba acquittal or lack of leadership at political level, this is what they say: 'This is who we are.' 'Why should I be concerned? I won’t change anything.' 'I am a born loser.' 'Zambia is peaceful but unlucky.' 'God’s timing is perfect.' 'Leaders come from God.' 'We are fools and nobody will change that.' 'What is there to do?' 'What is your cut?'

But we must be concerned. We have children who will be born today who must be provided with quality health care for them to live life to the full years. We have ten-year-old children who must be equipped with character and competency to provide better leadership to benefit this nation. But if this generation can’t cope with current problems of corruption and lack of leadership, our children will think bright people are those involved in shoddy deals and that quality leadership is greedy, selfish and self-centred. Currently, we have a nation that does not honor character, hard work, patriotism and competency. And it is becoming harder to find a people who will bother to put so much time and effort into doing well in anything.

The need for mindset change by the government and the citizen is more critical than never before. But who will provide leadership for this mindset change? It won’t be the government. Its mind set is fixed - it has the monopoly of wisdom and whatever it does is right. It won’t be the ordinary Zambian because it is not his business - his mindset is fixed - that is the way we are as Zambians. In fact most of the resources that are being mismanaged are not his as he is poor; has no job; and does not pay income tax. So, why should the ordinary Zambian worry when its’ not his money? 'Let those who benefit from the system (lawyers, politicians, selected NGO’s and church leaders) talk', says the ordinary Zambian.

Our hope is in the hands of the Christians who form 80% of the Zambian population. Christians are not supposed to have a fixed mindset. The Bible says Christians ought to be transformed by the renewing of their minds everyday. Christians ought to 'test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.' Christians are not called to throw their hands up in the midst of risks and challenges. Changing mindset requires radical disciple making. Jesus spent three years with ordinary fishermen. At the end of three years their mindset were so transformed that they embarked on a journey to transform the world.

Are you in the business of making disciples? Do you have women and men in your church who have what it take to grow in their mindset and to live by the rule of law? How many people in the church can say they have what it takes to be disciples of Christ? How many in your church have the courage of Peter whereby people can take note that these people love Jesus? Until the church of Christ in Zambia take the commitment to make disciples seriously, Christians and non-Christians alike will say, 'There is nothing we can do to change our culture of complacency and corruption.'"

Lawrence Temfwe

The Global Leadership Summit in Zambia and all over the world works to change the mindsets of leaders. To expand horizons, to challenge beliefs; to envision, call out and inspire. The GLS in Zambia takes place November 6-7 in Lusaka.

The GLS Progress: The First Full Weekend

We are gearing up for the first full weekend this fall for the Global Leadership Summit. We have 9 sites in 3 different countries. Here is the list below.

New Zealand, Taupo
New Zealand, Whangarei
South Africa, Johannesburg
United Kingdom, Belfast
United Kingdom, Bracknell
United Kingdom, Bristol
United Kingdom, Edinburgh
United Kingdom, London - Orpington
United Kingdom, Stafford

Keep us in your thoughts and prayers this weekend as there is much need. Ask God what to pray for as He may lay one of these sites specifically on your heart. Or, God may lay one of the GLS-wide areas of need on your heart. Here are just a few of our specific needs.

Attendees: Pray that God would open the hearts and minds of all the attendees, that they would be open and receptive to the leadings and promptings of the spirit.

Programming and production: Ask that God would use the programs to prepare the soil of these leaders' hearts. Ask that the worship would glorify God and lift the attendees' eyes to Him. Prayer is needed for seamless transitions, and for tech support that enhances the programming without distracting with glitches and problems. Our desire at the GLS is to create an environment where God can move. Tech can either support that tremendously or detract with issues in execution or equipment.

Facilitator: The facilitator is a key GLS role who guides the discussion of the content the attendees will take in during the GLS. He guides the moments during the GLS sessions when attendees will have heard impactful sessions and need to further digest with their teams what they have learned. Pray that the facilitator would be open and authentic in their comments. Ask for intuitive discernment to ask the right questions and to prompt the right discussions for the context of that country.

GLS teams: Several of our teams, including a team who GLS run begins this weekend, have sent requests regarding unusually tumultuous events in their lives; whether personal, relating directly to the GLS, reports of natural disaster - as in the Philippines, or political unrest as in Honduras. Every year around GLS time, there is an unusual rise in disrupting issues such as these going on with our teams around the world.

"For we know our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." Ephesians 6:12

The GLS serves international church and business leaders, some of whom work in impossibly difficult circumstances. Corrupt governments, the lack of resources we in the US can't even imagine, political oppression, limited access to training, and cultures completely resistant to the Gospel is just an example of the struggles our delegates work against. Our prayer is that God will use the GLS to uplift, inspire and train these leaders. Hope, however, is at a premium in these countries. These leaders need it desperately. Hope that God can move and work in and through them. The GLS gives hope. Our prayer is that God will unleash that and more in these next few weeks.

Singapore Finishes Strong - Day 2

As the first GLS site in 2009 draws to a close, we thought you would be inspired by hearing about its conclusion as told below:

Day Two GLS in Singapore was full of heart.

Beginning the day with the Heath Brothers there was laughter and connection. People were challenged to highlight the ‘Bright Spots’ of success in their leadership and discussion time again was hard to stop!

At lunchtime we hosted a Foreign Delegates luncheon with the four countries who are hosting GLS for the first time either this year or next, and the support personnel from Singapore and Australia who will work alongside them to assist them in any way possible. As reps from each country stood and shared from their hearts some of the difficulties they are facing, there were moments where ‘you could have heard a pin drop’. They were all inspired to go back to their countries and do the very best with what they have. For some, this is not a lot...but they will still give all they have to make the GLS a reality. The needs ranged from no projector powerful enough in their country, to marketing difficulties because of political pressure, to finances, to unity amongst churches...all very real and poignant.

After lunch, Wes Stafford took the screen. A ministry time for healing and forgiveness was led by the Facilitator [the person at the GLS who leads discussion times] who himself shared he had been through many ‘calvary’ moments that were what has shaped him over the years. Some people stayed in their seats, some came forward to the front of the auditorium...Tears were shed and people knelt on the floor in worship and surrender.

The last session saw us start with our Volunteer Appreciation moment. A brief DVD and the doors were flung open, the band began to play and more than 150 volunteers filed down the four isles [it took an entire minute for them to enter] and up onto the stage. All dressed in black pants and red shirts...it was quite a sight to behold. The audience broke into a spontaneous standing ovation [not a common thing in this part of the world] and the clapping was thunderous! The appreciation of others is surely one of the greatest things we do as leaders. We then prayed that we would continue to have the heart of Christ who came to be the Servant of all...that we would serve the Kingdom in a selfless, sacrificial way. Then, Harvey Carey began and it was a perfect end to the day. The band was ready when his last words were uttered.."Is there anybody here who is ready to see the church be the church? Then Give God a praise!” ...and people jumped to their feet.

As you can tell, it was an extremely impactful event. Our prayer is that these leaders will be forever impacted, that their leadership will grow to what God has created and called it to be, and that as a result, the church in Singapore will never be the same. Check back for updates from our next events, taking place October 2-3.

The GLS 2009 is underway! Singapore Day 1

The Global Leadership Summit 2009 is underway! The first event was held in Singapore, at Grace Assembly of God and it was a great success. Below are some highlights from the event as told by a Willow Creek representative.

We are at the end of Day One GLS in Singapore....the first global site....and it has been a fantastic day. The opening of the first session, called Choir Planet [a blend of different choirs singing from all over the world] was greeted with a roar from the crowd as they saw Riverlife Church [another Singapore GLS host site] portrayed on the screen. We felt more than ever that this year it truly is about global connection. It is so often the case that whilst the speakers seem good in the USA they seem so much more impacting on a large screen in a local setting.

150+ volunteers from the host site all in red t-shirts. Everywhere you turned, someone was there with a smile and lending a hand, pouring coffee, assisting you into
lifts...amazing! This church has such a strong sense of loving community- a high Willow value – that they truly seemed like it was a pleasure to serve others.

Registrations totaled around 747 [with volunteers it totalled almost 900] and some significant people were in attendance...meaning heads of denominations and businesses in Singapore.

During the discussion time, the delegates were given ample time to really process, no one was restless or left the room. Rev Vincent Lun [of Riverlife Church mentioned above] has released many of his staff and key personnel to work alongside and compliment the Grace AOG team where needed. This expression of support and unity is also part of the huge blessing of the day...and a great way for an experienced site to mentor and coach a new one. There’s nothing like the church when it is working well!

As you can tell, we have started the fall with a bang! Leaders were inspired, challenged and envisioned. Click on the picture below to see some pictures of the event. Our next big weekend is Oct 2-3 when we have 9 sites in South Africa, the UK and New Zealand. Check back here regularly for updates. We can't wait to see what the rest of the fall will bring.

The Impact of the Global Summit: Vincent's Story

Many of us can remember a time when we sensed God clearly speaking to us. For some, it was a defining moment that radically impacted our life. In fact, we could not imagine our life had it not been for that experience and the ensuing journey it launched us on. That is the story of one WCA pastor in Singapore.

Vincent Lun is the Senior Pastor of RiverLife Church in Singapore. RiverLife was planted in 1991 by Vincent and a team from Bartley Christian Church in what was once an unchurched community in Singapore. In a mostly Buddhist country with only 10-15% of the population identifying as Christian, the need for a thriving church in every community is great.

Five years into his journey at RiverLife, Vincent was at a crossroads in his life. Feeling as if his temperament and gifting were not cut out for what he believed was the traditional role of a pastor, he was wrestling with the idea of returning to the marketplace where he began his career. Then, while attending a conference in Australia, he heard Bill Hybels talk on the critical importance of leadership in the church. Hearing for the very first time that leadership, strategic planning, and team building were not only needed in the church, but vital for the church to prevail was incredibly freeing to Vincent. He finally felt he had permission to pastor a church from his gifting, rather than feeling confined to the traditional roles and expectations of others. It was through this experience that Vincent received new direction and purpose in his role as a senior pastor.

With renewed zeal for the local church and a passion to reach people far from God, Vincent returned to Singapore excited to put his leadership gift to work. Like all great leaders, Vincent realized he had to develop his own leadership, but also the leadership potential in those around him. Playing a critical role in his team’s development were the talks they listened to from The Leadership Summit, WCA’s annual training event that took place in the United States. Each year they focused on applying a few key principles and gradually saw the effectiveness and impact of their church improve.

As The Leadership Summit grew into a global event, Vincent was one of many pastors asked to be part of the first Global Leadership Summit in Singapore. Since 2006, more than 2,100 people from more than 100 churches have been able to attend the Summit in Singapore. God is using the Summit to transform churches in their country.

This year, the first Chinese speaking Summit in Singapore will take place—opening up even more opportunities for every local church in their country to prevail. Not only are Vincent and these other pastors impacting leaders in Singapore, but they are also transforming their region by freeing up their staff, resources, and facilities to train other countries hosting the Summit in Asia. Simply put, these pastors have developed a heart and passion to see the local church prevail throughout their region of the world.

We hope you’ll join us in prayer that God uses events like the Summit to “free up” thousands of leaders around the world, just like Vincent.

special thanks to Jarrett Ruffino for researching and writing this story

As we head into GLS season...

The first GLS is only 4 days away. On September 21-22, our friends in Singapore will start what promises to be a fall of changed lives, inspired leaders and spirit-filled promptings at our 159 sites across the globe. Our teams are entering the last push of preparation, with emails flying, last minute details being attended to, and long, hard hours being worked. All will be ready when the time comes. As we draw closer, we wanted to leave you with this thought:

Imagine the effect of the Summit on one leader.

Picture a leader working in an impoverished city, with corrupted governments to contend with, few resources for the ideas he wants to implement, and even fewer tools to help him realize the vision God put in his heart. This leader is without hope. Hard years have taken their toll. His thoughts fixate on giving up. This same weary leader, if given the opportunity to attend the Summit, leaves with God placing a new energy in his soul. Fresh strategies for his ministry and tools to implement them. New vision to revitalize his tired congregation. Fresh eyes with which to view the same circumstance. Such life breathed into a leader can change the game.

We hear this same story over and over again. A leader about to give up, tired, war-weary, and without hope, comes to the Summit. And all that changes. Imagine the potential with the 60,000 such leaders we will reach this year.

Now you can see why we can't wait.

The GLS Progress - Update 2

Welcome to our latest progress update. Things are busy around here preparing the soil for what we know will be a movement of God this fall in countries all over the world.


To give you an idea of all that goes into just one GLS site, picture this. An Organizing Committee convenes months and months, sometimes a full year before the GLS happens in a country. They carefully guide the direction of the event, recruiting key volunteers, selecting venues and choosing content for that country's event. In the months leading up to the event, there are trips to Chicago to view the Leadership Summit at WCCC, negotiations with host churches. Volunteer teams are put in place. Different print and web marketing campaigns are launched are strategic times to attract the country's best church leaders. Content from the Leadership Summit is translated into the native language. Volunteers including tech, programming, and event management teams are trained in the highest quality event production techniques. Banners printed, stage decor designed, content processing tools written, registration confirmations sent out, bands and vocalists rehearse, caterers selected, notebooks printed. It is hard to overemphasize all that goes into just one GLS location. Multiply that times the 160 sites this year and you have an idea of all the activity that is happening all over the world, right now. The first GLS is 10 days away, with most being in early October, so our teams are in high-production mode.


Would you pray for our teams overseas as they prepare? Each one has a multitude of details to attend to. Their desire is to create a seamless event so God's leaders, most of whom are serving under very difficult circumstances, can be envisioned, equipped and inspired. Those leaders, some of whom leading in impoverished, corrupted cultures, come to this event every year because often times, it's the only event in their country that affords them access to quality leadership development. These leaders need this development most of all.

The GLS in Kazakhstan

According to Christianity Today, evangelical Christianity in Kazakhstan is on the rise. While most of the country claims a Muslim faith, urban Kazakhs are a part of a growing trend of young Christ-followers in the country. Kazakhstan is a country of collisions where several different ethnic and religious traditions intermingle, although most Kazakhs call themselves Muslims. A former state in the Soviet USSR, Kazakhstan served as a deportation site of many ethnic groups during the reign of Stalin, further contributing to the colorful cultural landscape.

The GLS has been in Kazakhstan since 2007. Pictured below are worshippers during our first year there.

The GLS in Kazakhstan has not been met without resistance. The country's current leader is constantly working to ban free press along with banning his political opponents. Christianity in Kazakhstan hasn't gone unscathed. Recently, the governement tried to pass a law effectively prohibiting the presence of foreign missionaries in Kazakhstan, and it was under the threat of this law that the GLS in 2008 was almost shut down. To get a feel for all that happened, here is an email excerpt from one of the GLS's representatives in attendance there:

Almaty, Kazakhstan 2008-11-26

”What do you think of the GLS?”

“We don´t think…we feel. We feel Grace, we experience the
Grace and the Mercy of the Lord”

…so much for trying to be a smart journalist….

This was said after Bill´s [Hybels] first session at the Kazakhstan GLS. A GLS, that has encountered several obstacles during the last couple of days. First session went very well…people were engaged and laughed and applauded.Then during the break one of the Organizing Committee members came and told us that the Security Police
had called and asked what kind of event was going on and also they sent an officer to check during the break. They asked if there were any non-Kazak people on stage…..but both our facilitator and all worship teams are Kazak. There is a new law about to be passed end of this week that will quite effectively prohibit internationals to enter the country to do any sort of missions related work. Even Russian citizens are considered foreigners in this regard.

So, keep praying that the GLS can go on today and tomorrow without any further interference from the authorities. Pray also for the Body of Christ in Kazakhstan and the Church leaders ….they are under hard pressure and we are honoured to be able to serve them by bringing the GLS here. It´s greatly appreciated!

Ulf

After this official government inquiry, the GLS was allowed to continue. The leaders there were envisioned and inspired. And, the law itself never officially passed.

God is at work in Kazakhstan. Be in prayer for the Christian leaders of this country as they have massive obstacles they are up against. Entrenched cultural systems and governmental opposition are just a couple examples of all they have working against them. The GLS exists to build these leaders up so these dedicated men and women can have the leadership tools in their arsenal that they need to bring the gospel to Kazakhstan.