Leadership training

Jesus as a role model

The days fly by and I've already been in New Zealand for 3.5 weeks. I have been lucky enough to take part in a leadership training course at the YWAM base, also called Pacific Reach. Together with four others we have received good teaching, participated in several discussions and had our own study time to read different books. I am left with a foundation that I can build on to become a good leader, with Jesus as a role model.

Throughout the course, we have looked at biblical principles and stories. For example, we went into the story of King Saul and David, where you can clearly see different leadership strategies. Saul was concerned with how others perceived him and often made emotional decisions, while David was more stable and genuinely concerned with how God saw him as a leader. Of course, we also looked at Jesus as a leader, how he demonstrated healthy leadership to his disciples rather than commanding them around. He took on the form of a servant and washed the feet of those he led. 

Furthermore, we have reflected on what a leader looks like from God's perspective compared to the world's perspective. God raised up several great leaders in the Old Testament, but those with the most impressive backgrounds or qualities were not chosen. Moses, for example, struggled with stuttering and was afraid to speak, but God chose exactly him to convey God's words to the Israelites. A bit of a responsibility! We see again and again how God qualifies the unqualified.

Pioneering

In addition to receiving a lot of good teaching and replenishment, I have been allowed to prepare my own heart for the transition to Vanuatu. Acknowledge and face fears with God's truths. If there is one thing I constantly have to do, it is to surrender my control again and again to God. Fortunately, he is faithful and always comes with encouragement and confirmation that it is he who has sent me and is calling me into this ministry.

I have also been allowed to learn from those who have gone before me. The married couple Linda and David Cowie are founders of the YWAM base here in New Zealand and work in Vanuatu. They have spent over 50 years changing the lives of thousands around the world, both medically and spiritually. They have been responsible for several ships that have provided free health care and shared the gospel with the most difficult and unreached islands around the Pacific Ocean. They have experienced firsthand how pioneering has its advantages and disadvantages. Learning from them and hearing their stories has really been an important part of my stay here in New Zealand. Especially now that I'm taking over and going to Vanuatu to pioneer. 

Intercession

On Monday 30th of September we had an act of intercession for me here at the base. The vision of Pacific Reach is to have a place where young people can gather from all over the world to be discipled and trained in various aspects of service and international missions. But also a place where new initiatives and services can become pioneers to reach the nations with the love of Jesus. It is great to be one of those who have been trained and discipled here, and now go out. They stand with me in prayer and will always have an open door if I need a break. It's good to know that I have a little home away from home, here in New Zealand.

Now it's just a matter of getting the final preparations in place and packing the suitcases. The flight to Vanuatu leaves on Thursday 3 October. I'm really looking forward to finally arrive, unpack the suitcase properly and getting started.

Prayer topics:

- Safe travel to Vanuatu and a good adaptation phase

- That God may bless me with good friendships

- For God to prepare the hearts of the locals

- That I won't go in my own strength

- Language learning