Guest Post by Charles Buller

These simple words were spoken twice at the outset of Jesus’ ministry (John 1). Once when two of John’s disciples inquired of Jesus where he was staying (v. 39), and again when Philip responded to Nathanael’s doubts whether “anything good could come out of Nazareth” (v. 46). In both cases, rather than giving heady explanations, they issued an invitation, “Come and see.” In other words: Come experience the answer(s) your heart seeks.

These three words sum up the spirit with which we hope to conduct the upcoming transformational leadership seminars in Gungu and Kahemba. Rather than multiply words and elaborate theologies, we seek to create a space where leaders interact with one another and with God through simple acts of faith, hope, and love.

Many attending these events will come from considerable distances. And almost always on foot. There is nothing convenient about the journey or even the stay, as there are no hotels or restaurants to accommodate large groups. In many cases, the blanket and the tin plate they pack in their travel bag will serve as their room and board.

I, too, am eager to ‘come and see.’ The past four seminars have taught us that God’s Spirit never does it the same way twice. As unique as we all are, the Holy Spirit tailors these seminars to the unique needs of each group and to our own growth as a team. We feel very much as if we’re in a grand, unfolding experiment where both great love and great suffering serve as the primary catalysts. ~Charles

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The Congo Leadership Coaching Network team is busy with the details for this February’s seminars. Charles arrived safely in Kinshasa earlier this week. The team went right to work preparing copies of the manuals for the seminars and the soccer clinic.

A thousand other details and connections must be made. Logistics are difficult as always in the Congo. Teammates and seminar participants will arrive at the seminar locations via various vehicles (plane, motorbike, local bus, 4×4, and on foot across rivers, sandy savannahs, and dense jungles).

Please be in prayer for the teams’ and participants’ safe travel and physical health. Also for the following list of what needs to occur between this week’s blog post and next week’s update. The first seminar will be held in Gungu area churches Feb 12-17(Remember all times are 6 hours ahead of EST):

• Eight team members will eventually meet in Kikwit and travel to Gungu
• Upon their arrival they hope to met with the team coming from Tshikapa
• Many trouble-spots on the road including crossing the Kwilu River.
• Coaching team members will be dispersed to preach among several different local churches
• A session with church/youth leaders to work through details for the soccer seminar/clinic
• Feb. 13th Pray for open hearts for the opening seminar
• Pray for the Soccer clinic at 4:30 p.m.
• Feb. 14th Pray for participants’ willingness to work with God on their transformation and their relationship with their spouse; Soccer clinic occurs again
• Feb. 15th Seminar work on the marriage relationship; Movie night for clinic
• Feb. 16th Partner exercises along with significant ministry time followed by Youth Soccer games, all are invited.
• Feb. 17th Evaluation and follow-up of the seminar/clinic; vehicle repair; possibly start for Kahemba
• Continue to pray for a peaceful political climate throughout Congo

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