Thailand & Latin America

Thailand Trip (February 26-March 8)

I just returned from Thailand where I spoke at the World Retreat of Compassion and Mercy Associates (CAMA). CAMA is a cutting edge Christian organization that provides relief, medical, and community development in limited or "creative access" countries. My friend, Phil Skellie, whom I am mentoring, is the international director of CAMA. He invited to give a seminar on mentoring/coaching to this gathering of workers who are serving in various countries of Southeast Asia, Central Asia, Africa, and Kosovo. Ruthie was able to join me on this trip. Our hearts were stirred as we heard them tell God-stories of their work in difficult and dangerous places of the globe. Ruthie and I were able to talk personally with many of them as well.

Network for Developing Latin Leaders

The main focus of my work under Mentorlink International is the co-direction of the Network for Developing Latin Leaders (NDLL), a network that I co-founded in 2000 with my Peruvian friend, Dr. Wilmer Villacorta, while I was serving as a missionary in Latin America (1986-2006). I have also been involved in Mentorlink initiatives in Latin America.

In the last three decades there has been a proliferation of fallen Christian leaders. The vision of NDLL is to see more Hispanic/Latino leaders continue and finish well in ministry. My main and current focus is on co-leading a process that will take the Network for Developing Latin Leaders (NDLL) to the next level. NDLL has country coordinators in Costa Rica, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Chile. Carlos Varela is Ecuador coordinator, Jair Ríos leads Venezuela team, Karina Vargas leads in Costa Rica, and Nelly Vidal leads in Chile.

Each of these friends is a gifted leadership developer, mentor, and coach. They work within other Christian organizations and collaborate with NDLL. Each one is responsible to coordinate NDLL efforts within and/or across their respective countries so that Christian leaders may walk in renewal, transparent relationships, intentional mentoring, and be able to equip the next generation of leaders. My work is coaching these friends as well as coaching some of our key leaders in these countries. I do this online (Skype, e-mail) and on site with periodic visits to speak and coach.