Here' my story:
I signed up to join Generation 18 of the Journey in the winter of
2010. An acquaintance of mine, David Costillo, invited me and so I
looked into it. I knew David through mission work we partnered in to
the DRCongo. David was on staff at that time with World Relief.
After 30 plus years in ministry, I was in a winter of my own. I felt
tired, unsure and basically burned out. I wasn't sure where to turn.
When I showed up for my first retreat, I was not sure what I was
stepping into. I now realize I was stepping into a life boat God
supplied for me to give me the transforming experience I needed to
restore my soul, learn how to keep it healthy and breathe ongoing life
into it to love and serve God fully for all the days I have left!
Walking this path for 2 years with my generation was life-giving. At
our final retreat, I shared with my group, "God is no longer my
employer whom I'm trying to please, He is my best friend whom I love
with all that I am."
That may sound trite upon reading, but it is huge, and I know a lot of
leaders in vocational ministry and leaders in their chosen vocations
who do not walk with God as I have learned to do and their souls are
shriveling up. The men and women that lead this Journey are humble,
intentional, honest and sincere followers of Christ. I have never felt
more loved and accepted in my life, and certainly not at any of the
dozens of conferences I attended throughout my ministry career.
I have personally witnessed many leaders in ministry crash and burn. I
now realize that what often leads to these outcomes produced by sin is
lack of personal, spiritual soul care. The Leadership Institute exists
to provide quality teaching, ample space, and Scriptural context to
help all of us learn how to follow Jesus in the way He invites us; to
where our load is easy, our burden is light, and our JOY overflows.
grace
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