Story Threads #2

I’ve just finished meeting these past two days with the members of the newly formed BrookLink Board of Directors. Allow me to introduce them. From left to right: Mrs. Louise Warren, Vice President of TW Consulting- Seattle,WA; Mr. Gary Muchka, President GSM Consulting LLC- Hartford, WI; Dr. Lee Heyward, Executive Director BrookLink- Germantown, WI.; Dr. Dave Seemuth, Associate Pastor, Elmbrook Church- Waukesha, WI. On the far right is Karen Seemuth. While Karen is not a member of the Board of Directors, she will serve as BrookLink’s Director of Operations.

Terry and I gathered with our Board at our home to pray, further define our vision and focus, discuss our values, and strategize for the future. To say these hours together were energizing and inspiring would be an understatement. I’m so grateful to God for these partners who stand with us.

Previously, I wrote of BrookLink’s story threads. Another story thread is:

Story Thread #2: We believe in stepping across borders and into lives.

God calls people to make a difference right where they are. BrookLink exists to help Christian leaders do just that, especially in under- resourced and developing countries—which is the reality for the majority of the world. We believe strongly that the best way to touch communities is by empowering indigenous leaders within those communities. Mentoring, coaching, advising, strategizing, preaching, teaching and encouraging—all of these describe the resources we offer. From Southeast Asia to Nigeria, we have seen men and women discover their God-given calling, grow in their knowledge of the truth and lead with courage. Through the power of God, we learn together, listen intently, serve unceasingly and are there for them…right where they are.

BrookLink aims to step into people’s lives in a spirit and posture of humility. During these past two days Board members were reminded to be like Philip in his encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8). The Spirit told Philip, “go up and join the chariot” (vs.29) Philip did so and eventually he “was invited to come up and sit with him” (vs. 31). We empower others not by dominating and dictating to them, but by coming alongside. What a joy!

S t r e t c h e d

originally posted on my old blog on December 2, 2008