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.