LEADERSHIP & REBUILDING MISSIONS & FIRST FOLLOWERS

Changing missions is tough, yet I am convinced in the Lord, if we do not strive to make changes, hundreds of thousands are doomed to hell without Jesus. Yes, it can be discouraging.  Remember the prophets in the OT and the Apostles in Acts also had very tough assignments. They too often complained that nobody listened to them.  Elijah sums it for many of the prophets if not for ourselves when he said, “I have been very jealous for the LORD, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.” (1 Kings 19:10)

It’s essential that we keep our focus on Jesus and work together.  We all know God has others out there waiting to join in.  Here’s a link to a 3 minute YouTube video that illustrates my point.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fW8amMCVAJQ

The video illustrates the importance of 4 things:

• Do not fear standing alone. In the beginning we will be ridiculed.
• The first follower. Getting the first people on board is the hardest part.
• Be public. Be transparent. Let everyone see and know what we are doing.
• Make what we do easy to follow and replicate.

Ridicule
Arthur Schopenhauer a German philosopher said, “All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident.”  A friend I had not seen for a number of years reminded me last week; In the 1990’s we were everyone’s whipping boy – criticism abounded.  Today, we are sought after speakers.
As key people come on board, the OPEN Network will have the influence needed to start making real change, real impact.  Presently there are OPEN workers involved from over 40 different mission agencies.  We’ve begun to collaborate and consolidate these field workers.  At the OPEN Expo October 3-5, there will be an attempt to collaborate and consolidate to solve B4T issues and concerns related to B4T workers in coaching, finding start-funding and equipping new workers. Change is in the works.  It’s going to happen.  Yet it begins with that first follower.  Perhaps God is speaking to you about stepping up and driving change via B4T in one of these three areas.

Plan now to be at the OPEN Expo.  For more info see www.B4Texpo.com

PATRICK LAI and his family have worked in SE Asia for over 37 years. His experience in doing business with Jesus has brought him to understand the meaning of work and worship in the marketplace. He started 14 businesses in four countries, six of which are still operating. Patrick and his wife, May, mentor and coach businesspeople working where there are few or no Christians. Check out Patrick’s latest book, Workship, now available in paperback and e-book.