| Deanna worked with the team in Marabá to organize an Emotional Maturity conference. Thank you to those who prayed. The time and ambiance were right, and it far surpassed expectations. I counted 92 people the first night, a bigger group than we have seen for years at that church. Personally, this conference felt like a breakthrough weekend. Some years back, we were asked to quit attending this church we had planted. We asked for a reason. The local leaders had requested it, and the regional leaders supported them. Long story short, through awkward meetings and emotional turmoil, we stayed. We worked on our stuff. They worked on their stuff. And that is how organizational change happens. Human systems change to accommodate changing people. We are differentiated as individuals, AND we are part of a larger group. Servant leaders who embrace awkward conversations with humble, resilient openness may reproduce more servant leaders. The conference format was two one-hour sessions each night, with teaching, breakout times, and a cake in between the two sessions. Thank you for your prayers.      Rick, Deanna, Monica, and Ivanildo |
| Poke the Bear? While Jesus came to bring peace and goodwill to all men, sometimes He intentionally poked the bear because He knew things had to come to a head before they could get better.  “Now the scribes and the Pharisees were watching Him closely to see if He healed on the Sabbath, so that they might find a reason to accuse Him. But He knew what they were thinking, and He said to the man with the withered hand, ‘Get up and come forward!’ And he got up and came forward” (Lk 6:7–9). Sometimes the peace God is looking to give you lies on the other side of awkward conversations. Mature servant leaders avoid coercion, manipulation, or power-over as they find creative ways to influence change toward the future they long for. They are respectful but not intimidated by the power-over influence of others. Skillfully, and when the time is right, they sometimes poke the bear. “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). The way forward is through.Your thoughts? |
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