FOLLOW THE LEADERpurpose...the call...the burden...the divine mandate! As I have worked for
hours at my computer, I have had the vivid vision of beloved National
partners in my mind’s eye. In addition, I see in my mind my two sons
and two sons-in-law whom I want to encourage in leadership. I also see
our NDI alumni – many of whom have become outstanding leaders in
various fields of endeavor in both the church and society. You see, I am not
writing this book for some nameless and faceless audience “somewhere
out there!” It is my love for these specific key leaders that motivates me
to persevere! It is my belief in what God is doing in and through their
lives that fills my heart with the intense “...joy of the Lord” – which
becomes my strength to press on and persevere (Ps. 118:24). It is my
desire to encourage, equip, and empower these National brethren in their
ministries that intensifies my sense of persistence! It is because of my
calling to strengthen Christ’s church by strengthening church leaders
that I can persevere! It is because of what I know God will do in and
through their lives and leadership that the writing of this book has
become a heavenly mandate. It is the excitement of knowing how these
leadership principles will be multiplied a thousand-fold through these
strategic National leaders that keeps me going. It is for them that I will
“...stand firm” – or rather “sit firm” – at my desk until the job is complete!
That’s why I will “Let nothing move me.” It is because of them that I
will “...give myself fully to the work of the Lord, because I know
that my labor in the Lord is not in vain!” (Paraphrase of I Cor. 15:58).
Besides, even if no one else reads this book – I have greatly benefited by
writing it! Submitting these principles to writing has sharpened my own
understanding of leadership. That in itself has been worth the effort! I
will be a more effective leader because I have persevered in the process!
That’s the source of persistence for me in this specific project. What is the
source of persistence for you? That’s a question every would-be leader
must answer. When you clearly know your purpose, you will persist to the
end!