Ahhhhhh, I can’t even begin to tell you how nice it feels to be back in the saddle after being gone for nearly 3 weeks. Sitting down @ the grind enjoying my ceramic mug of Kenyan coffee. The little things of life!!!
Since I last wrote an update so much has happened. I won’t bore you with all the details, but as simply as a pastor can:), I’ll give you some highlights.
1. Flew to La Paz, Bolivia. After 3 years, the dream of raising up associate leadership trainers that are national’s from Bolivia is coming to pass. To God be the glory!!!
2. My business partner Scott Larsen & I had dinner with the Bolivian team the first night we arrived in La Paz. Great country leadership from Jaime Greminger, the country coordinator. The names of our team members are Ximena Jaramillo Greminger, Iver Marquez Muller, Noemi Torrez Villa-Gomez, & Alvaro Ortiz. Wonderful people!!! Also a shout out to our translators – Javier Camacho, and Mario Borquez. Dream Team! I look forward to our return, and will be praying for all of you in our absence. Lead on!!!
3. The cities we spoke in were El Alto, Oruro, Cochabamba, Sucre, La Paz, and it sounds like Santa Cruz, and maybe another or two will be coming up?? In order to make this all possible, we had to split up, and we had to empower our AT’s (Associate Trainers). All AT’s were given the chance to speak. We did some coaching, but I learned a thing or two!!!:) Here’s the key to international leadership training…………….relationships = trust = results. You can’t bounce all over the world, and expect people to readily trust you. It takes time & patience, but it will pay off in due time. Mavericks don’t win – relationship builders do!!!
4. After 3 years, we finally figured out how to deal with the altitude. How? Diamox!!! A prescription drug taken for rapid altitude ascent. Where was this drug when I was in the ER?
5. After coming down from the altitude, spent a day in Miami @ Doral, but ultimately ended up @ Smith & Wollensky’s on Miami beach. Had an afternoon of debriefing before flying back to Las Vegas.
6. Preached the 3rd week of www.EpicChurchlv.org series “Champions”. Spoke on II Samuel 23 – Benaiah – “Champions Are Brave because Jesus Saves!” Had a baptism tailgate following the second service. Here’s a New Testament goal – one new follower of Christ added to the church, everyday, 365 days a year. It sounds biblical!!!:)
7. Flew out Monday for Monterrey, CA. Destination? Pebble Beach & ultimately the Inn @ Spanish Bay. Holy Cow, how can you afford all of this on a home missions pastors salary? I don’t! Thanks to some great business partners in Wisconsin & Michigan, they underwrite the expenses. So don’t judge, because after all, pastors are supposed to sign-up for a life of poverty – right?? Your kids wear Air Jordans, my kids, Voit Velcroes. LOL!!!
8. Spent some time with John Maxwell. The vision we talked about for the next 5 years for Equip was “Think wide, go deep!” John gave me a window to speak, and share what God is doing in Bolivia. We’re quickly becoming the prototype for the 202 recognized nations of the world. I’m humbled, but understand the command to reach the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ, and to raise up leaders everywhere. This has nothing to do with me, I’m just a vessel, and while I breathe on this earth, I pray God uses me for the purposes for which He has put me here. How about you? Don’t waste your life!!!
9. Spent some time talking with Wes Stafford – President of Compassion International. Equip is a partner with CI. We’re working on ways to become more strategic in bringing children all over the globe out of poverty.
10. I’ll be writing an article for Equip next month. I’ll send you the link when it’s completed. Also looking to travel to Atlanta to help train other associate trainers stateside.
I’m not numbering the last one, but I missed my family, love my family, and I always thank God for bringing us back together safely. God – Family – Work/Ministry. Never forget the order!!!
A big shout out to the Denny’s, Hoover’s, Wright’s, Russell’s, Autumn, Brittany. Our family would never make it without your friendship, support, & leadership. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!
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