Saturday, July 4th, 2009

Happy Independence Day! Our final day. Brett had arrived from Indonesia overnight and we started the morning with an 8am recap of the entire Blitz from the traveling consultants. Each of the six trips I’ve made to India has been so different. Prior to the trip, I knew God had BIG plans based on the traveling team He had gathered. All but one were experienced alums, all spiritually mature, all incredibly strong and capable leaders – many of whom have led or co-led teams in the past. Though the team was small, it was mighty in faith, perseverance and unity. Once again, God called the perfect team together – just the right combination of gifts, skills and dynamics for the task at hand.

Though not without challenges and attacks from the enemy, by God’s abundant grace and provision, both weeks of the Blitz ended on such a high note. Repurposing Business is a journey. We all know that it doesn’t happen overnight. Sometimes that is hard to keep in mind when the traveling team has such limited time in country. Two years ago in India, God gave me a verse that I now realize was a promise from Him. 1 Corinthians 3:6 – “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.” He is so good! As each Blitz client presented how they plan to move forward, it was clear that each had continued their journey with God of repurposing their business. Their thinking had been renewed and so much personal growth has taken place. No longer were they speaking about what God would do in their own lives, but each had turned their attention outward to implementing throughout their company, discipling employees and mobilizing their companies toward community transformation. Praise God for His supreme faithfulness recorded in Philippians 1:6, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

Our second week was spent with our precious group of volunteer rēp leaders in Chennai. It was an intense week that didn’t follow the original agenda AT ALL, but I think we ended in the best possible place. I thank God once again for the flexibility and ingenuity of the traveling team. The “revised” agenda allowed us to remove stumbling blocks and rubble and start afresh with a new, solid foundation. Past hurts and misunderstandings were reconciled. Trust was built between local team members and with the Home Office / traveling team. In the middle of the week, we talked about not moving forward with any decision without unity of spirit. Some of the team members believed that this would be impossible in India, “but with God all things are possible.” The local team had made ALL of their decisions in unity and their support for one another and the way forward was clear. By the end of the week, love, unity and respect for one another infiltrated the team. Only Christ in us can accomplish that among 12 people from various backgrounds, educations, experiences, genders, churches, castes, economic statuses and industries. Another leader shared that he KNOWS that God’s desire is to repurpose businesses in India because every time it looked like we hit an insurmountable roadblock, God intervened with the people, resources or breakthrough we needed. The Bible says in Isaiah 55:9, “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Amen to that. Thank you, Lord, for an incredible two weeks in Chennai and Your way forward for the marketplace in Chennai.

We finished the two weeks with a day trip to Mahabalipuram to visit the rēp India housing project. On the way, the remaining team (Michelle, David, Debbie, Shirleen, Kim & Suma) had a great time singing worship songs off key and rhythm (neither intentional), sharing personal stories and hopes… Sure beats 99 bottles of beer on the wall!! Our visit to the villages wasn’t the same without Don & Margie to take us around and share recent stories, but Pastor Jayasheelan was a wonderful tour guide and did a great job introducing us to everyone. We had a chance to pray with the local villagers, share an abundance of candy, explore their new homes and appreciate the tremendous progress that has been made. It was so much fun to see the new factory fully functioning and see 5 houses worth of panels stacking up waiting for Don’s return!

On the way out, we drove by Butterball and the shore temple. We capped off the night with a scrumptious dinner at Sudhir and Aruna’s. We missed the rooftop dancing due to the monsoons, but it was fun to just relax, catch-up, and pray together. A perfect ending to a great two weeks!!

Kim Wilson

Day 13: Thursday, 2 July, 2009

Thanks Michelle for doing such a wonderful summation of the whole entire week.  As from my perspective, here is me at the

Wow! The official ending of the week long Leadership Development team (that immediately followed the week long Blitz!) And what an ending it was. We came into the room Monday morning, with hopes and anticipation, trepidation and tiredness, expectations and skepticism, joy and not yet resolved issues, bottom line: a myriad of feelings, thoughts and behaviours. And we ended the week with a singleness of heart, mind and spirit, and peace that all will be well despite not every detail yet fleshed out! What a miraculous ending it was, thank God for His grace. No small feat to bring a group of people from many backgrounds and countries together, to affirm unity in the essential things and freedom in the non essential!

For me, it is another demonstration of the biblical principle of synergy, what can be accomplished when two or more are in agreement. It was fun, affirming and challenging to observe the passion and skills of each individual involved come to the forefront in the effort to move us forward. As someone aptly said, with family one reveals their true self, warts and all {my editorial comment!} and with strangers only our best foot forward. To sum it up, we were family this week! As each person demonstrated their passion, interest, and skills, we were able to put into place an action plan that God willing brings transformation to the business community here in Chennai; a plan that makes sense for the local market.

The work is not yet finished, for in many ways it is just beginning. There is still consultant recruitment, planning for foundational events (Convergence, Day of Purpose and Kingdom Economic Forum seminars to be planned and executed. Roles and responsibilities to be clarified, and commitments made to be followed through on. But we leave this week’s Leadership Development Seminar invigorated and ready to do that which lies ahead.

On another note, we have a variety of experiences which also make us smile, or downright laugh, such as:

Ø One of our visiting team members went into her hotel room bathroom to wash her hands (and fortunately that was all) and a little voice peeped out from within the shower, “good morning madam!” {Apparently she hadn’t noticed the man cleaning in her shower!}

Ø It was not until long after a particularly intense discussion, that one of the key presenters noticed she had her hair clip forefront and center of her head, perched their like a crown, rather than at the back of her hair, holding it in place. Seems the local team either didn’t notice, or just thought it was one of those “strange American fashion statements!”

Ø During a particularly powerful time of worship, one member of the team broke all customs as she bowed down on the mat, with her backside in full view of the local team! Thank God for the Indian dress of long tunics over pants and the grace and observation of another visiting team member who strategically placed herself so as to block the view!

Ø When sharing the American phrase “quit beating a dead horse” with a particularly long winded team member, he responded with his phrase “when the horse doesn’t perform, shoot it!” (How’s that for grace?!)

Ø And the plethora of new Indian phrases: Eve teasing (catcalling, whistling); he is out of station (out of town); “I’m never late, I’m always there 5 minutes ago!” (no explanation required); in a family way (pregnant); “buffet of choice” (lot’s of options); sister, auntie, mother (depending on what age you appear to be, regardless of actually being any of those things); “mother of all waste” (no explanation required); the status quo is vegetarian (if you are not vegetarian, you eat ‘non-veg,’ not meat); and lastly, there are “love” marriages (those where you choose your partner) and arranged marriages (those where your partner is chosen for you!)

Yes, although we still have the consultant recruitment dinner tonight, the all day trip tomorrow to see the houses that are being built for the widows and orphans, another Leadership session tomorrow, for some a two day trip to Cochin to meet with locals there whom are interested in this work, and of course the long trips home and the rest of life that has been moving ahead whilst all of us have put our time and attention to this effort, we acknowledge we are separating physically, but not spiritually. To God be the glory!

michelle

Day 12 Wednesday, 1 July

Dried Fruit Sandwiches and other cultural icons!

Our program started at Joseph’s office at 9 with praise and worship and by around 10 most attendees have arrived.

Lyn explained what a repurposed society looks like according to Isaiah 59. David did a teaching on values. He explained the different values of and provoked a lively discussion on the different cultures within India itself as well as other countries like the USA. We also discussed changing society and family values. Everyone had to share how the team in Chennai can live according to the Bible based values of rēp.

Later, Michelle, for whom we had a celebration of prayer and blessings for her birthday, presented a session on communications. There were some lively interactive demonstrations on how communication can be more effective, by identifying filters and perceptions. She also facilitated discussion on how to resolve conflict or issues in team members’ relationships.

The latter part of the day we spent looking at the foundational principles. The rēp team members in Chennai raised a number of concerns and challenges they are currently experiencing. We hope it will be addressed in the coming two days.

This evening we went to the Anice Restaurant in the Taj hotel to celebrate Michelle’s birthday. We were quite overwhelmed to see the bling side of India, it felt out of place to arrive with an auto between all the Mercs and BMW’s. We played a game to get to know each other better and I was surprised that the restaurant didn’t ask us to leave we made such a racket.

The meal was fantastic and we had a lot of fun. We were also grateful that Debbie could join us after she had to go to the doctor for treatment for food poisoning.

Estelle

Day 11 Tuesday, 30 June

Breakfast as usual; Idly, Sambar, Chili omelet, Parotta to name but a few of the delicious dishes available in the breakfast buffet. The team joined the rest of Chennai in the traffic on the way to Joseph’s office; he graciously made his offices available as the training venue for the week.

Gerrit was lead by God to start the day speaking about love. The Father’s unconditional, unending love was poured out for each of us and His desire for us is to love one another with the same love – the love of Christ that is within us.

The exercise on Calling and Purpose was followed by a lively session on Lemon Leadership facilitated by Michelle. Kim’s discussions on purpose, vision and positioning also met with enthusiastic response.

After the day session Debbie, Shirleen, Michelle, Estelle and Gerrit traveled by auto to the local mall for shopping. Three hours of pleasure (for the ladies) and sacrifice (for the rest) resulted in bags of goodies and clothes finding the way back to the Beverley hotel.

Kim had her hands full with various interruptions once the feedback session got going after 8:30. First the ladies wanted to exhibit their newly acquired fashion attire, and then it was room service delivering meals and team members enjoying their dinner.

Finally we all agreed that the day belonged to the Lord and that he worked in wonderful ways to minister to all of us. We believe that we began to experience a spiritual breakthrough for the marketplace in Chennai.

GB

Day 10 Monday, 29 June

Winning recipe for the team

Q: What do India and Golden States Warriors (a professional basketball team in California) have in common?

A: They both love “Curry” (Warriors recently drafted Stephen “Curry” in the annual 1st round draft pick J.)

Recognizing the importance of “good picks” in the Kingdom of God, the rep India team is excited to kickoff the Leadership Development in Chennai. The purposes of the week-long training are to bless our local team by affirmations and understanding their needs; to provide personal assessments for spiritual growth; and to co-labor with them as leaders to establish a supportive community in India and become sending nation to many countries.

To champion the commitment for eternal impacts, rep comes up with a winning recipe for the team!

The “Golden Nuggets” Ingredients:

1) Nurture “a culture of honor”
Kim elaborates on the essence of nurturing “a culture of honor” and how it accents the values of rep to repurpose leaders and corporations to implement their calling to transform nations.

2) Share your testimonies and affirm each other
The attendees share their testimonies and pray for each other.

3) Integrate 10P and 10F in a converged lifestyle
Estelle facilities a personal assessment on 10F and encourages the team to work on the areas of improvement.

4) Operate under a “Spiritual Umbrella”
Lyn articulates on the latest concept from Brett on “Spiritual Umbrella”.

5) Live by Personal Calling with a defined Purpose Statement
Gerrit leads the team to explore their Personal Calling and Purpose Statements.

The team appreciates the care and the thoughts behind the Leadership Development program that rep designed and is excited to mix more key ingredients in the next four days – LEMON Leadership, Convergence, Leadership Maturity Model, Communication with love, uncompromising Values, and Foundation Principles. More importantly, we are all thrilled to see how God (aka our coach) will transform us to win more people in His Kingdom!

Go Team rep!
:-DK

Day 9 Sunday, 28 June

Sunday in Chennai

Our team split up on Sunday and a few stayed in the hotel to get some much needed rest. David had the opportunity to go with his client Ebenezer out to some of the villages where Ebenezer ministers to the local people. They took the train which was quite an experience!

Shirlene, Debbie, Giju and I accompanied Kim to a local church where she was the guest preacher. We were surprised when we saw a large banner outside the building with Kim’s photo on it and the words “Evangelist Kim” being announced. We were warmly welcomed and ceremonial shawls and garlands were placed around our necks. Kim preached on God being the source and shared truths about how we need to view money and resources from a biblical perspective and I had a chance to pray for the congregation. Afterwards we prayed for a number of people and were deeply impacted by some of the tragic stories we heard. We had lunch with the pastor and some members of the church.

Later in the day we had a chance to reconnect with some of our precious alumni. We are so grateful for the amazing, dedicated people that God has given us as friends and co-workers in India.

This next week is key as we spend time with the local team preparing them for the task ahead as they take on more of the responsibility.

Lyn Johnson

Day 8 Saturday, 27 June

Kingdom Economics Forum

Gerrit, Kim, Giju and Lyn did a great job with the presentations for Kingdom Economics. Even though it would have been awesome to have the conference room packed with new clients, I feel that the people who attended were greatly blessed by the content of the material. In total, there were about 20 people, traveling and local consultants included.

I enjoyed listening to the comments from the 4 guests sitting at my table. Many of them were especially touched by the testimonies. Gerrit was sharing about the differences between being the owner verses steward of money/properties, Estelle told us what happened to the car she had. One guest was touched by Estelle’s story of when her car was stolen one day and she immediately phoned her husband saying, “God’s car has been stolen.” It was convicting for that guest to hear how Estelle and her husband view everything as belonging to God. It wasn’t “her” car, but “God’s.”

One key take away for me comes from 1 Chron 29:11-12. It really challenges me to maximize flow through of money; bless as many people as possible with the money God is allowing me to manage.

Shirleen Ho

Day 7 Friday, 26 June

What a beginning to a wonderful Friday, with a time of devotion and worship filled with God’s tangible presence and a reminder of his faithfulness. We began our Client presentation with a renewed exuberance, with each confident client stepping in to testify & challenge themselves and each of us to go that extra mile for God.

The most talked about P’s from the presentations were people & profit; mostly in lines of mentoring the people and to work through profit processes to enhance contribution to Kingdom purposes. Most of the clients communicated their desire to contribute to societal transformation in a more focused manner and in terms of integrating societal transformation programs as one of their business initiatives (not separating it as someone else’s job).

One client in particular preferred to confirm rep’s ministry by drawing an Analogy with Jeremiah 38 : 7 as to how Businessmen in India are cast into the pit and are dying of hunger and that rep has been called to lift these men from the mire and the pit to set them on the path of their destiny for God.

After feasting on the typical Indian curry lunch, we decided to play with the leftovers, particularly with the ‘Fish bones”. Our ignorance was delivered, when we realized fish bones could be this useful, to understand the root cause to a problem or a myth. We drew deformed fish bones (some looked like road signs & Stone Age wall paintings) as a part of the analysis exercise and the revelations prompted us to draw up action items and strategies to beat up the giants.

The exhilarating presentation day ended as a closure to the first week of the blitz, in an atmosphere of gratitude to God and one another; and an expectation of the greater things to come.

In the evening, we saw an effective elder’s dinner, with a live wire presentation on rep. This time we trashed the fish bones after dinner. The invitees were positive in the response asking questions and queries.

God is faithful & we are seeing breakthroughs in lives as we labor together in the fields waiting for the HIS roll call. J

Giju

Day 6 Thursday, 25 June

Thursday, nearly midnight, we have just completed our last day at the client sites. As usual, after morning devotions, we all scattered in various directions to meet with our clients, their staff and to madly finish that which we purposed to do at the beginning of the week. For some, that meant working through any number of “P”s in their operating model, for others, it meant conducting/reviewing LEMON Assessments (Leadership styles) with our respective clients.

Despite English being the native tongue for many, accents and intonations vary and one must listen intently to grasp the full meaning of words being said. During one consultation this afternoon, miscommunication took place on a number of levels at an important management meeting. One gentleman (upon discovering his leadership style was that of a luminary) was said to have been hired to “network for the lot” (meaning the entire company!). However, Michelle heard “network for the Lord” and couldn’t believe her ears, given the man making the point is not known for his spiritual beliefs! And then later, when one manager was noting that he was a “visionary,” Michelle again misunderstood and thought he said “missionary!” What is God doing, and what is on my mind?!

Also, new delicacies were to be tried, amidst the myriad of other ethnic cuisine! Has anyone ever had a dried fruit sandwich (yes, dried fruit and peanuts on a toasted sandwich!) Or, better yet, a corn and bean sprout something or other, and curd (yoghurt) sandwich! Only two of what I later came to find out were not local delicacies, just the unusual cravings of one man in particular! And then of course the whole orientation here is different to us in the west. For instance, on menus and in restaurants the baseline is vegetarian. Therefore, if you are going to eat anything other than vegetarian, it is not known as “meat,” but rather as “non veg.” So most waiters will ask you if you want “veg” or “non veg!”

We were actually able to try both veg and non veg at a wonderful dinner this evening with all the local consultants, and many clients from past ventures. We had nearly 50 people attend, many dressed up in their beautiful saris. It was a time of food, fun and fellowship. Kim looked stunning in her sari, Deb, Shirlene and Lynn in local dress. Sadly I have been unable to download a photo but I imagine they will be posted sometime soon (thanks to Deb!) Clients were able to share stories of amazing things that have transpired since their Venture and Kim and Lynn gave information about the upcoming Kingdom Economic Forum, Leadership Development, and recruitment for the next round of training. A tired, but happy lot headed back to the hotel, some in autos (three wheel open vehicles) and others managed to solicit rides from our clients! Either way, we arrived home full of joy, hope and encouragement (not to mention curry!)

In closing, just one question: at what point do we move from being “sister” to “auntie” to now “mother?” J mdy

Most of the consultants went out with their clients to their workplaces and a few had their visioning sessions with Gerrit and Kim. Everybody reported back on very insightful sessions with their clients. We praise God for new ideas, products and marketing strategies for all five of our clients.

We are so blessed to be here and experience the excitement of what God is doing in our clients’ lives and their businesses and to be a witness to what God is doing in this part of an amazing and interesting country.- Estelle.

Like Water, for Chocolate

After a fun ice-breaker by Michelle with the team in the evening and slept through the monsoon, the Chennai team welcome the morning devotion. Estelle facilitated a thought-provoking session of the meaning of “Living Water” specified in Genesis 26:12-22, Psalm 1:1-6, and John 4:7-14. Each team member shared his/her perspectives on 1) What’s Living Water to you?; 2) How do you get the Water?; and 3) What causes any blockage? The devotion concluded with a “Korean style” prayer.

The consultants then went in pair (visiting and local) to work at their clients’ businesses, from pizza parlor to pest control. My client is Mr. Ebenezer Joseph of “Winning Moves” (no, it’s not a dancing studio or singles service, but a Kingdom venture that positions Chess as a vehicle for healing, affirm, and/or connect.) Besides discussion on marketplace strategies, we conducted a LEMON Leadership assessment for the employees. Mr. Joseph is grateful that through rep’s venture last year, Winning Moves is able to launch a product to the market and eager to follow through on the 10P scorecard.

The day continued with the Chennai team’s debriefing with praises and prayers for their respective clients. The local consultants shared the good progress of India in various spheres (i.e. government, media, etc.), value rep’s integral transformation for Christian businesses in Chennai and encourage the team to expand to other cities.

Ending the debriefing on a high note, the team enjoyed the fellowship over dinner (thanks Giju for the smart picks for the delicious meal)! Do you know that Indians love chocolate? It’s pricey to get chocolate here, perhaps due to the hot weather that can melt such special treat.

Can’t wait til the Visioning session tomorrow! J

Reporting LIVE in Chennai!

:-DK

During the night we were entertained to some magnificent lightning and thunder, but the concern is growing about the Monsoon rains that are staying away. We woke up this morning to a glorious fresh, sunny day. A few of us did not feel as fresh due to extended jetlag but got into the flow of things after The Beverly Hotel’s hearty breakfast and our early morning devotions.

Most of the consultant teams had a very productive and fruitful day, visiting the clients at their offices or homes. They all helped their clients to identify the 3 most important P’s for their business and expand on the strategies and action steps.

Gerrit and Kim visited Arun and Akeena, who were clients at the second venture. They praised God that their roof sheeting manufacturing business has grown and their marriage that was only in the second month during the venture in 2007 is happy and built on a solid rock. Arun also testified that he has reconciled with his dad and that their extended family prays together every evening.

My co-consultant, Giju and I were picked up by Albert, the owner of Smokin’ Joe’s, to pray with him at his Pizza joint (that’s what he calls it) in a mall and to work in his office at home. A friend of his joined us and was very interested in LEMON and the 10 P’s of which Giju gave him a ten minute crash course. He is planning on starting a few business ventures and is considering being a client of the Institute.

Kim, our democratic leader, gave us the choice of going out for supper or ordering in. A lively and extended discussion followed, during which Shirleen’s jetlag caught up with her and she fell asleep. A very helpful David and Giju made sure everyone had enough Tandoori and Afghan chicken as well as Breyjani before we all went to bed grateful to God for an amazing day.

Estelle

21 June 2009

On Sunday mornings we visit various churches of the India Rep associates. This Sunday, the Kwokster, Shirleen, and I went to AFT (Apostolic Fellowship Tabernacle). Due to time constraints, we could not go to the English service, so we went to the Tamil service. Tamil is one of the oldest languages in the world. People in Chennai speak Tamil rather than what many consider the common language of India, Hindi. I was excited about the Tamil service, but was even more blessed to find they had English translation.

It’s a HUGE church with 3 services. The best part about going there was not only the worship and Word of God being preached, but also the air conditioning. At almost 102 degree weather, I was thankful to make it into the packed sanctuary rather than having to sit in the huge church tent outside.

Day of Purpose Seminar

The objective of Day of Purpose is to introduce new clients to Rep. We do mini-teachings/seminars on who Rep is, what we’re doing, and the purpose that drives the ministry.  Joseph Bhaskharan, Kim Wilson, Gerrit Brits and I covered the “History of Business and Missions,” “What’s God Doing in the Marketplace?,” “Purpose of Business,” “Societal Transformation & Giants,” and “Marketplace Miracles”

Some highlights for me:

(1) During the teaching on Societal Giants, one of our newest attendees felt comfortable enough to share about his own dealings with corruption and the challenges his own business faces trying to meet that Societal Giant head on.  It was like he finally had a voice in what India considers common business practice.  As a Christian, how would you handle an issue that was ethically wrong, but considered common practice in your country?

(2) Teaching on “Marketplace Miracles” and watching the group pray for each other to experience miracles in their own lives/businesses… watching the limits of God being taken off.  The testimonies shared by those who have had miracles in their lives, not only my own of business and healing miracles, but also two others where one’s business sales cycle was cut by more than half after going through Rep and another business where God intervened on their behalf against the mafia and corrupt government officials. 

(3) Watching the intense discussion going on not only between the consultants and clients but also amidst the nationals and seeing the prayers of His people for one another in this room filled with people from around the world.

Special ketchup

I was excited about the onion rings that were served. I asked Amesh what kind of ketchup was with it and he said “Tamil Nadu ketchup.” I was super excited … special ketchup. I was sorely disappointed. It was plain ole ketchup. I started laughing realizing that Tamil Nadu is the name of the city state. Amesh was really saying that it was ketchup bought in Tamil Nadu.

- Debbie