Monday evening--28Jan13: 28/337
Beginning this past Friday, it has been a privilege to be hanging out with the creative leadership of Eastside Community Church (ECC) in Wichita, KS. In 1995 one of our valued, former LDG Board Members, Ron Baldwin, brought me to that town to meet a developing leader, one fine young minister and his wife, Dennis and Cathy Turner. Ron was correct in believing that these two were in the class of "world changers."
Over these seventeen years I've watched the Turners grow and develop into leaders of influence, not just in their community, but in several foreign countries, as well. They are not afraid to tackle the tough issues of our world and their community. What a sacred privilege it's been to be a mentor to each of them, as as a couple, in the 8 dimensions of their own wild and precious lives.
Last Friday afternoon, when I landed, Dennis took me by the church were 44 Wichita police officers were being hosted by ECC. It was my understanding that this was the first time these fine women and men who faithfully serve that community were being made this aware of a very serious issue in our world. They were hearing what to look for and how to work with those caught in this tragedy.
Cathy's heart has been burdened by the rise in human trafficking in our country, and around the globe. Thus, she has taken on the challenge of supporting and starting initiatives that deal with this critical reality.
These officers were blown away by the exceptional hospitality of ECC. They were sobered by the reality that human trafficking is, indeed, happening in their neighborhoods. They learned that a major conduit of this is taking place from Texas, up through Oklahoma and into their state.
This is not just a Kansas issue. This is happening in every state of our country and the provinces of Canada. This is not just something happening "over there."
Today found me encouraging Cathy and some of her developing team in the intricate process of developing a new needed NGO. Their dreams are both real and huge. They have an exceptional, savy, caring local lawyer taking care of all the legal details. What a gift he is!
Meetings later this week will include significant interaction with local social service agencies, who are eager for the added support and care through the creation of a new enterprise: Hope Ranch for Women. I could not be more thankful for, nor more proud of what these good, courageous women are beginning to achieve. Amazing, frankly, to see them step up and step into doing something about this increasing need in our land, and in their community.
Tonight, my olde heart is full of gratefulness to have walked with this couple for all these years. Their willingness to own their stuff, to be hungry and curious to learn and to be committed to living courageously in tackling life, has forged a safe place for people to come and experience wholeness. They have dared to step into all they have been designed to be and do.
No wonder, even through the thick and thin of almost twenty years of growth, Eastside is making a difference that has the angels watching over them clapping their wings with delight. What grace abounds here. Welcome. Needed. What an honor to count them as special friends. Them and their whole team.
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