We are having lots of fun here in Raleigh. Feels like we are visiting family. We are blessed to have so many good friends and folks who really believe in HELP and want to get behind the vision, that is such an encouragement.
Our hope is to have three hubs across-the-nation. Of course we have one in Austin now. Raleigh is definitely a target city as we have a foundation here with so many great connections. We also hope to have a hub somewhere on the West Coast. Our desire for each hub is to engage local poverty in that city and also create global partners for our International projects. Are passion is to work with the local church, we want to discover a leader, bring aid if needed, connect that leader with other organizations who can help the end local poverty, create a sustainable plan, and plant churches that fuels a movement of people who will seek Gospel Justice!
I don’t think you can end poverty without the local church being the foundation. This is why we chose to work with local faith communities to spearhead our projects. Of course we will work with anyone in the community and find ways to serve humanity together, but our contacts on the ground must be a local church. But we must redeem the local church!
However, leadership seems to always be the issue at hand, maybe resources would fall a close second. Matter-of-fact the majority of my conversations tend to deal with those two issues. It’s just not easy to create a culture that reproduces quality leaders. So when I look at my vision for HELP, I know my struggle is to create great leaders who work for HELP, but HELP also has to help create leaders in key hotspots around the world. These leaders are the hands and feet of our vision, they are the ones who will help end local poverty and we will do our best to serve, leverage and assist them.
So the question of the day-how do you create great leaders…Any thoughts?
You've asked for thoughts on creating great leaders but I have a few comments (if you don't mind) on your strategies based on what I've learned from nearly five years in Cambodia (using marketing / strategic planning skills to support various projects). However, I am no expert and can put you in contact with others who are better qualified than me.
I am aware of one group here that tried supporting local churches in accessing and managing funds for aid and development within their communities. I could put in you in contact with the guy who started it up, if you are interested in learning from his experience. He is also the guy who is now establishing a network in country called Christians for Social Justice (which also fits your vision).