3 September 2006
What does it look like if local churches started exploring ways to actually work together?
It might look something like the Summit on Lebanon REACT
helped plan and lead this past week in Atlanta, dealing specifically with responding to the present challenges in
Lebanon.
With little advance notice, nearly 40 key leaders from churches and ministries across the USA gathered to seek the
Lord and to decide upon strategic responses to the current crisis. (Many others wanted to attend but were unable
because of other commitments.) These women and men heard reports straight from Lebanon about the present context,
including the condition of nearly one million uprooted and displaced peoples. They looked at initial proposals for
response, including those for housing reconstruction, medical teams, water projects, family relief packs, and
other appropriate humanitarian answers. In addition, longer term strategies addressing business development and
leadership training were presented.
But much of the time was spent discussing the questions: how can we as churches do this together? How can
what we do bring greater impact for the Kingdom? How can we bring a relational model that is relevant to
a relational culture and serves the emerging church in Lebanon? "Champions" for specific ministry projects were
identified and they will play point for communication and coordination of those efforts.
REACT was
privileged to help convene and lead this meeting, and has been asked to continue to facilitate this emerging
partnering effort. Please pray for us as we continue to bring leadership to this church-driven effort.
Much follow up work needs to be done as on-going collaboration takes place.
If you or your church would like to be involved in this strategic response to Lebanon, please drop me a
note. To financially assist the continuing efforts of REACT
to be involved in these kinds of projects --
click here.
Blessings!
Brian
