S.E.R.V.E.

For the past couple of days I have been in Cincinnati, Ohio for the first Call2All America congress. It has been pretty incredible.

Yesterday, I attended a session on the business track in which Larry Cox shared with us the leadership principles that Chick-Fil-A has utilized to build their organization in a way that honors God. Larry is the director of the WinShape Foundation, a foundation begun by Truett Cathy, Chick-Fil-A's founder, to "help shape winners."

He began by stating that everything in the company revolves around their purpose statement. This is prominently displayed on the plaque below so that anyone can read it as they enter their headquarters.



He then went on to say that they have used the acronym SERVE to describe their leadership culture:

S - See and Shape the future - there are three parts to vision: 1. Planning, 2. Decision Making, 3. Communication

E - Engage and develop others - Improves organization and let's them know they are valued

R - Reinvent continuously - Need to reinvent personally first

V - Value results AND relationships - Master the genius of AND - figure out how to get great results AND great relationships (In other words, have fun while working hard)

E - Embody the values - 1. Know your values, 2. Share your values, 3. Live your values

Truett Cathy has stated that he believes you can change lives by the way you treat people. He has certainly lived that out and his company has as well. It is no wonder they have been so blessed!

"Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant."

Matthew 20:26

We Are Family

We are family

I got all my sisters with me

We are family

Get up ev'rybody and sing

In 1979, Sister Sledge released this great single, We Are Family. This past week, I got to experience what they were singing about.

At the Call2All Gathering in Hong Kong last week, there were representatives from over 100 countries. I met people from many different cultures and I will have to say I had my eyes, and my heart opened.

All of these people from different walks of life were gathering under the banner of Christ, for one purpose, to see His love spread throughout the world. It was incredible, to say the least.

I truly felt part of something much bigger than myself. I felt true unity. I saw myself as having millions of brothers and sisters...as one big family. As a result of this, I have a renewed love for all people.

I met many wonderful people, including Sylvester from Kenya, Maria from China, Mary from the United Kingdom, Vareena from South Africa and Eddie from Hong Kong (our waiter who prayed to receive Christ at our table with us!). All awesome people. My family!

"Love your neighbor as yourself."

Matthew 22:39b

Reluctant Traveler

I am thinking about trying to get ready for a trip I'm taking this weekend to Hong Kong. I have mentioned this to a few people and they all say something like, "How exciting!" or "That is so cool!"

Well, to be honest with you, I am not excited about it. I am going because I believe that God wants me to go. I know I should probably be pumped about it, but that is not the case.

I am attending the international congress for Call2All which is a movement to network, train and focus the body of Christ to fulfill the Great Commission, which is very exciting.

So, why am I not excited? I have been wrestling with that question myself. Perhaps it is because I am concerned about my comfort (over 20 hours of flying plus jet lag). Or is it because I have a lot of stuff going on here that I want to take care of? Maybe it's because I don't truly know my role in Call2All and this is taking me way outside my comfort zone. It could be that I don't feel worthy to participate. It's possible it is all of the above! In any event, I'm not fired up at the moment.

However, one thing I can say is that I'm expecting great things from God during our time in Hong Kong. So, can you do me a favor? Can you pray for me and the other attendees (representatives from over 100 countries) for safe travel, for protection for our families at home and that God would show up in a big way and guide each of us exactly where He wants us? Thanks!