We are grateful that the ministry of?The Journey, our two-year leadership development process rooted in deep spiritual formation, is proving fruitful in other nations. Here is a recent report from The Journey Nigeria. For the sake of security, we have changed names below.
We are looking forward to the close of Generation 1 and the launch of Generation 2 this Fall. The Journey Nigeria came in quite timely to meet the needs of many of our participants: personal spiritual life, family life and ministry or work place. ?Nigeria, as you know from the news, is right now passing through a very difficult time in terms of security of lives, political stability and governance. ?Islamic?terrorists?have killed so many people, churches have been bombed, and strong political rivalry along regional lines exist. Many people feel insecure, and people are asking questions which leaders, both spiritual and secular, do not seem to have answers to. ?This is the point where the Journey Nigeria has greatly impacted participants. ?Time with God gives reassurance to these leaders. They are refreshed and encouraged to continue with ministry even in the face of danger at times. ?The Journey Nigeria has challenged leaders to pursue authentic spirituality that translates into meeting every day life as people listening to God. ?I have many stories of personal and leadership transformation through the disciplines of a spiritual "rhythm of life," Lectio Divina, extended time with God, etc.
"Paul" is the Managing Director of a large pharmaceutical company.?His family had a lot of difficulties, especially with one of his oldest sons who went into drugs and so couldn't help himself much. ?This was a cause of constant family friction. ?Paul enrolled in the Journey Nigeria Gen 1 together with his wife. ?This community joined them in praying for their son. Learning how to abide for others in the Soul Room helped them to abide for their son as well. ?Right now, the son has begun working again and his life is improving. ?This family is enjoying more love and much needed peace and?harmony. ?Five of Paul's management staff have also participated in the Journey and their lives are being transformed. ?They meet every day for devotion, during which they do Lectio Divina to listen to God as they begin their day's work. ?They have testified to how the Journey has helped them to achieve organizational synergy which is making their work much more productive.
He also introduced the unhurried approach to listening to God in scripture (alone with God together) in the weekly Wednesday service at their denominational headquarters. Many began to sense God's presence and hear God's voice as a result. They began to come to Paul with many questions about this process. As a result, denominational executives invited me to speak at a high profile retreat of all its most senior leaders. The impact of this gathering is spilling over into District Church Council meetings, Local Overseers Conference and to a number of our churches at the moment. ?One large church in one of our nearby cities is requesting to have a whole generation of 25-30 persons from their Church alone to go through the Journey.
There are so many more remarkable stories of God's work in the lives of people than I can write now. We are looking forward to your visit to these generations in the Fall, Alan.
God's blessings,
"Peter"
Director of the Journey Nigeria
