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Death by meeting? Is that possible? I am sure that often plans are over discussed and yes even over prayed. Many a vision can and has died. Too often the answer is simply to take the first steps and see if God continues to open or close the doors.
The kind of meetings I have been part of this trip have drained me (tank drainers.)
I know for sure it is the kids and the programs we work that are "fillers" to my tank. But painfully I acknowledge that I can't do it all. Try as I may... :-0
As much as a "drain" it is to me on a personal level, I recognize that the real lasting answers must come from a change in both govt. and church circles. Specifically in how things are done. If this last statement didn't make you gag it did me! Who am I to think I have even "some" of the answers.... Right?
But imagine what it could be like if the local church had more freedoms. What would it be like if they caught the vision that God has planted not only in GIBTK but other organizations.
What if local church members visited homes? What if they were the ones hugging and spending time just to build up those they visit?
Sounds simple huh? Probably not as simple as I see it. There are issues of misunderstanding between govt. and churches. And local churches that are too scared, underfunded or most likely undertrained. (I must be tired if I'm putting this in writing. :-)
This trip, which has been full of meetings with local Authorities and meetings with both local Vietnamese churches and International churches from Saigon and Danang, I am confident will help ensure that this work GIBTK has begun can and will extend far beyond our reach.
The trip began with Paul Cole, head of Christian Men's Network coming and investing over a week with both international and local church leaders. The meetings were great. Materials were distributed and additional dates set. I am confident that seed was planted in good soil.
Paul was followed by Gary Schwammlein President of Willow Creek Association. He too met with local church members who have been part of the past 2 years of summits.
This year we have hopes of doing a larger Global Leadership Summit in Hanoi, which will be open for all. Including churches, business people and yes, even govt. authorities. Through a long time friend we had a unique opportunity to meet with the Vice Director of the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
We also met with the leader of a large group of a government recognized churches in Hanoi We followed up on a visit last May by Gary and Bill Hybels to continue discussions of hosting this year's Global leadership Summit.
The govt. gave us a nod and said they would support an "open" GLS if another official govt. agency would take the lead. The other agency sorta agreed but has a somewhat different plan then ours...
The church leader I spoke of who has 1000+ churches under his leadership showed much interest and said if his board agrees he would haven no problem getting legal permission
As many of you already know I am not the most patient type but I am satisfied with this as a beginning. We need to begin someplace. I am confident that the local church will one day, sooner then later do the hugging, mentoring, and disciplining that is so needed.
I am confident that the govt. will one day soon see that the local church when working correctly can and will affect those in most need.
So death by meetings? To be honest ... Almost, lol!
But tomorrow I will share about some tank- fillers I did find?
Thank you for staying with us during this trip!
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