Final Benediction

What has this experience meant in your life and ministry?

 
 

I have been drowning in urgent things. This is my opportunity to think about important things.

 
 

To be embraced by brothers is so great. Leading is lonely. Coming here is a place to make friends and look into each others eyes. It is loading the batteries. The opportunity to bring young leaders to such a place of stimulation is so important. We harvest from this for years to come.

 
 

I learned the whole concept of being blessed with no strings attached. This has helped me to think about how to live this out with others.

 
 

The fact that no strings were attached but that there was great faith that great things would happen was very empowering to me. The learning posture here is extraordinary.

 
 

Two words that come to mind for me: relationships and mentoring.

 
 

Being here has shown us that God is doing these good works in many cities around the world. This gave us a higher level of God confidence. We can partner and learn from others. We have started the strategic planning process as well. This was tremendously helpful. It's now our turn to multiply what we have learned.

 
 

I needed hope. I have felt like I'm no longer on the front lines. My prayer has been to be on the front lines and finish well. You have given me hope in getting back on the front lines. I have learned from you. I don't know what I'm doing but there are resources here that I can call upon.

 
 

I struggled with coming here because of ongoing things. My wife told me, "This has really been life changing for you". A number of years ago I began to think about and read about city reaching. I found out that others were thinking and doing city reaching. What has been life changing has been the relationships. All of this has been life changing and life giving for me.

 
 

Many that I worked with had never heard of the idea of engaging the city. Most kept their faith secret. What happens here will influence our country and the world. I represent all of our pastors and leaders in expressing my appreciation.

 
 

I need to take time to work on the ministry, not just ministry. This has been that time for me. There's time when no one understands. Change takes time. One of the biggest blessings has been bringing people here. It gives people a glimpse of the fact that God is doing what I'm doing in cities all over the world.

 
 

This has changed my whole orientation: 180 degrees.

 
 

I've been wrestling with issues of the kingdom. I started to feel discontent. I thought maybe I should redirect my passions and energy. The men in my circles had never heard of anyone doing what I was thinking of doing. When I came hear I saw a group of guys who were doing it.

 
 

Your impact on my country has been timely and has had lasting impact. It has legs.

 
 

The last six months has been a lifeline for me because right now I'm working alone.

 
 

We have many people doing wonderful things in our city but it has all been separate. This is been valuable as a platform to bring things together. You created a space to play and act and share.

 
 

This is an environment off grace, affirmation and encouragement. The fact that it's global is so important.

 
 

Andy was the voice of God in Eric's heart to start a global learning community. The Lord brought Sam, Eric and Jan together to begin a new era: The Global Learning Community. They invited Jan to come to a community that they had not even yet agreed to do. This is the best investment.

 
 

I've always struggled with insecurity. At the moment I met Eric I needed affirmation and wisdom. I remember at our first meeting I was miserable in my position and on the verge of quitting. I came here with needs for affirmation, wisdom, strength and courage. All of that has been given to me. God has brought us together to do something big. We're a team, on the field together. We're there for each other. We're a group of leaders but brothers. We have a great cause and great depth of friendship. This is the best thing in life. This will continue and birth things that couldn't be birthed apart from the depth of love that we have. We feel each other and trust each other and that allows us to do more. This is a life group. I couldn't be more confident, courageous and brave. We are all launching great things because we gain confidence from one another.

 
 

Love, hope and faith are the words that come to mind. The tipping point has taken place. Faith believes that it is true. You've got to believe that it's there and step into it.

 
 

How do we meet each other? Through God moments. God is in this. We are in the right place at the right time. We are being led to a new day. This will go very far beyond our expectation.

 
 

I am amazed at everything that is happening all over the world. This is wonderful to interact with people who get things done. It's clear that God does things all around the world at the same time. God is moving in cities.

 
 

I could see why you are the right men for your cities. This has helped me to understand why it's right to be externally focused. I've seen that though it takes time, it's worth it.

 
 

Eric and Sam have created a new form of relating at a global level for the church. The level of honest conversation that takes place here is significant. Many groups engage in happy talk. This group engages in honest conversation. You've gone from a global learning community to a global leading community. You have the opportunity to create something new for the global church.

 
 

Bob Buford said, "My fruit grows on other peoples trees". The harvest has been rich.