GlocalNet

I heard a few months ago Ambassador Feldman with the US State Department say, in regards to why there is no peace in the Middle-East, “There are fleeting moments of opportunity that most don’t recognize, and when they do it’s too late - but most, when they see them, they don’t have the courage to act.”  It gave me a new definition of leadership, “Seeing and recognizing unique moments of opportunity and then seizing them with boldness and courage.” 

That is exactly what the http://www.globalfaithforum.org is all about.  Everyone is saying that the tension between the US and the rest of the world is bad, tension between the faiths is bad, and things are spinning out of control.  We can complain, gripe, fear, worry - or we can act.  This is an opportunity to gather and act.  We will be explaining many of those opportunities as you come.  It isn’t a gathering of theologians to debate religions - it’s a gathering of global citizens to speak of how our faiths propel us to serve humanity and he we speak of our faith and our desires each of us has for our faith. 

You should understand, this isn’t just a talk gathering.  The people that are coming are my friends and most have been so for years.  We became friends through doing projects together of engagement and community service.  Through those relationships I asked them to come and speak.  I’m asked all the time by people to let them go and be a fly on the wall - here’s your chance - it won’t get better than this.  At some of the sessions we will literally talk as a group like we talk when we are alone and sharing things. 

There won’t be any sermons.  It isn’t a conference where a bunch of preachers are speaking on the latest whatever.  You will see young and old people alike - world leaders and emerging world leaders.  Diplomats, businessmen, doctors, plumbers, royalty, electricians, pastors, imams, rabbi’s, from nations literally around the world. 

The great tragedy is - we evangelicals are not viewed in a favorable light by most of the world.  It’s time to begin to understand that - and change that.  The Great Commission demands it.  The love of Jesus for all of humanity and his desire to see transformation demands it.  We are boxed in by love on every side by Jesus Christ - even those we fear and those that we would think are our enemies - we are commanded to love. 

I have no Polyana view of the world, I’m in and out of war zones and major catastrophes enough to see the brutality and injustice of humanity.  But I know this, there are those that will not be intimidated, fearful, of others - their own tribe included, and want to reach out because they know there is a better way than hate and fear.  This is a gathering of people with hands reached out.  There’s enough room for you - and you don’t have to have all the answers, know everything - you just have to be willing to put your hand out. 

Get used to seeing me in a suit this week!