Making an Impact

Young people have so many influences in their lives they often fail to realize the influence that they can be in the world around them, beginning with the choices they make.

On February 23rd, more than 400 youth and educators poured in for our first IMPACT youth conference of the year. The theme of “Arise and Shine” perfectly captures what the Lord expects from each of us. To shine His light in our schools, churches, and communities. To be godly influences. To make godly choices.

Each youth leadership conference will address a significant issue raised by our teachers and principals. This time the “hot topic” was about Sex and Choices. That sure got the kids attention!

The information was great, but it was the real life testimonies that cut straight to their hearts. Coach Thapelo shared about choosing sex before marriage, the consequences of his poor choices, and how Christ transformed his life. Coach Constance spoke about saving sex for marriage, withstanding peer pressure, and relying on God to stay pure.

But what about when kids have their choice stolen from them, such as through rape? June addressed this painful situation including how Christ can replace shame, anger and guilt with forgiveness, love and trust. We all have choices to make in every situation.

The youth were then given the choice to make a covenant with God to save themselves for marriage regardless of what may have happened in the past. Hundreds of youth responded.

What an amazing IMPACT!

Rebuilding the Walls

Nehemiah 2-3 begins the fascinating story of how Nehemiah rises to his next challenge as a leader – rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem.

How well did his role as cupbearer to the king prepare him for this next task? A number of his competencies and leadership skills transferred quite nicely, and then he was challenged with even greater responsibilities. A better predictor of success, however, was his underlying character. Nehemiah was a man of integrity, authenticity, compassion, consistency, and dependability. These are traits that transfer with leadership into any situation.

So I ask myself, how have my previous experiences prepared me for my current role with Ignite South Africa, and as we face the challenges of rebuilding? How does God want to use my competencies and character traits in the part I’m called to play? And where do I need to grow as a leader?

Nehemiah begins by mustering up the courage and humility needed to ask for help from the king. That was a big deal. He needed resources, authority, and time off to go to Jerusalem and lead the work.

I know I have a hard time asking for help. As a leader, I’ve been conditioned to value independence, dependability, control, and self-motivation; sometimes at the expense of teamwork, interdependence, and mutual trust. Now as a missionary so far from home, depending on others is more critical than ever. And God has been so faithful in providing help through individual and ministry partners. He’s also been showing me what a blessing it is, and how these partnerships are part of His divine plan to carry out His work in South Africa. I guess that’s one of the reasons for sharing my thoughts as I reflect through Nehemiah - I depend on the prayers and support of those partnering with me on this journey.

Next Nehemiah goes to Jerusalem and puts his analytical skills to work surveying the scene and preparing a plan. He knows they’ll have to work fast because of the threat of attacks. He divides the project into manageable tasks with measurable outcomes, and then communicates his plan to the people.

Even with authority, resources and a rock-solid plan, Nehemiah will not succeed without full commitment from the people. So he appeals to their hearts, motives and needs. He gets the right people on board and the wrong people off. Then he gets the right people doing the right thing.

As a ministry we have a lot of work to do to carry out God’s vision for what he’s entrusted to us – to maintain, rebuild, and grow, igniting eternal impact in South Africa. I’m excited and hopeful about the future. And like Nehemiah, I’m looking forward to nothin’ but smooth sailing ahead. Right?

Wrong. Rough waters are surely ahead.

Lessons in Leading

On the 9th of February 113 Pastors and church leaders joined us for our first Enrich leadership conference of 2011.

Our theme this year is Kingdom Leading – leading according to God’s principles.

Pastor Abram Moloi, Enrich Director, began by teaching how to develop a culture of honor within our teams and congregations. June Blanshan, Executive Director, shared from Ephesians 4:11-12 how Jesus set various offices within the church, and each is purposed and anointed by God. Next, I followed with 5 keys to successful team work: building trust, handling conflict in a godly manner, achieving commitment and accountability, and focusing on results.

We asked our leaders what they learned and how they will apply it in their lives.
Listen to what some had to say:

“This seminar helped me to know my calling, and realize that I have to be equipped in the Word in order to recognize it in other people.” Josephine Katali

“I have learned that God has a purpose for each and every one of us. Each one has much to do with what God has anointed. We should trust one another, help one another and be committed to participating in the church.” Maseabata Emerly Mohloaj

“God spoke to me about team-building – how to build trust and commitment, and about being accountable in God’s work.” a local church leader

“I learned how God leads us to work in many ways, and how God loves us as a church and as prophets, pastors, evangelists and servants of God.” Mamoruti Makhoba

“The Lord touched my heart and helped me understand His purpose and how he chooses people to be leaders. I learned that respect amongst people is important, as well as trust amongst team members.” Dr. Mzolo

What incredible testimonies showing that God is at work in mighty ways here in South Africa!

(I based my teaching on "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team" by Patrick Lencioni which I highly recommend. It's written as a story with further explanation at the end so it's a quick, relative, interesting and informative read.)

FlashPoint Kicks Off

On Wednesday, FlashPoint kicked off the 2011 school year with a luncheon for our Principals and Teachers. It was such a blessing for us to honor, serve, and thank those who give so much to teach the youth of Qwa Qwa. It was also an opportunity to share our vision, mission and goals for the FlashPoint program, to review the curriculum and answer questions. Our guests were encouraged and excited about the work being done in their schools.

We could not reach the more than 4000 youth without the support of the Department of Education, its Principals and Teachers. Nor could we without the leadership of our amazing coach team. So what a blessing it was for them to build relationships and share a meal together.

Speaking of goals, here are some for 2011:

- To teach over 4,200 students in 13 schools during our bi-weekly classes
- To conduct quarterly Impact leadership conferences for more than 420 students from 21 schools
- To conduct 13 assembly programs reaching thousands more youth with Christ’s hope, purpose and truth.

It definitely takes a team to achieve these goals, and I thank God for the people He has brought together to do so - those who labor here, and those who support from all over the world.