This past week was the adventure of a lifetime.
I was in Washington D.C. with my friends Rick and Kay Warren of Saddleback Church, along with several other pastors including, Pete Wilson (Crosspoint Church, Nashville, TN) , Naeem Fazal (Mosaic Church in Charlotte, NC), and Johnnie Moore (VP Liberty Univ.).
We were at the 2012 International AIDS Conference as guest and pastors that Rick and Kay Warren mentor.
So much happened. My emotions range from hopeful to deep sadness.
Here a few observations from the adventure:
RICK AND KAY WARREN ARE TWO OF THE MOST HUMBLE, GENUINE, GENEROUS PEOPLE I’VE EVER MET.
Being around Rick and Kay inspire me to love people more and walk in greater depths of humility.
RICK WARREN IS A GENIUS. I’VE NEVER MET ANYONE WHO KNOWS SO MUCH ABOUT SO MANY DIFFERENT TOPICS.
One day we walked through downtown DC for fours hours; Pastor Rick would stop at different historic landmarks and share specific insights. He really poured into us.
THE CHURCH HAS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO ENGAGE AND MAKE A SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE IN THE FIGHT AGAINST HIV & AIDS.
Saddleback Church has started the HIV & AIDS Initiative. Through Saddleback Church’s PEACE Plan, churches all over Rwanda have linked to provide basic, preventative, lifesaving healthcare in their own communities through the local church. Check here to learn more.
I CAUGHT A GLIMPSE OF HOW THE CHURCH CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE BROADER CULTURE.
In one of the forms, the editor of the “Lancet Medical Journal”, one of the world’s leading medical journals, said, “I’m an atheist. But today, I need to change my mind about the church. The church can make a difference in the fight against the spread of HIV & AIDS.” He said this because of the epic work that Kay and Rick Warren are doing in Rwanda through the PEACE PLAN. Click here to learn more.
I caught a glimpse of how the church can, and must engage in the world’s major issues and be the difference makers!
Marinate on that,
Pastor Derwin