LeadershipConneXtions

Hungary UWM: Thursday Update

Well the morning is over and lunch is over and I have an hour or so before I have some appts this afternoon and evening.

We had two really good sessions this morning and I think this "group" of leaders "got it" as quickly as any group I have worked with. They were tracking and connecting and their feedback assessment showed they really picked it up. It was a pleasure and a privilege to do those sessions with them. 

One more main session tomorrow morning (With Jesus) where we look at a gospel pattern for missional work that grows out of a way of being with Jesus. I think it will be a good topping off for the week. 

I need to get a run in before the appts start, but I wanted to take a minute to post this.

Thank-you for your prayers.

Brian Rice

Leadership ConneXtions International

Hungary UWM: Wednesday Update

Yesterday was a planned down day for the conference. After some morning worship and devotions, everyone had the day for leisure and sightseeing. I went out with Chad and Serina and their family (who live in Budapest) and toured the city a bit. Plus, had some conversations with a number of people about the themes of the conference.

Today I did a session on The Means or Pathways of Spirituality. Sowing a lot of seeds and ideas, and nowhere near enough process time for them. And more conversations.  Good ones and some painful ones as well.

I was up until about 1:30 a.m. working on some ideas about Friendship With Jesus and really seeing some connections that I didn't see before and hearing some encouragement from God as well.

I can't begin to tell you how important this is for my life and for ministry.

I am back after lunch and I am a little sleepy since I was up about 6:00 today. time for a little nap.

Brian Rice

Leadership ConneXtions International

Delayed Going to Budapest, Hungary

In all the years of flying and with all the trips I have flown, I had a new experience yesterday. I had a flight cancelled due to bad weather. BWI shut down flights for awhile. And I couldn't get to JFK.

So I wasn't able to get my flight from JFK to Budapest.

And to make things worse, I stood in line for over two hours, just to talk to a Delta agent to rebook my flight.

So, I am flying from Baltimore to Cincinnati to Paris to Budapest. Only this flight is about 9 hours longer to get there! So I'll arrive Sunday evening in Budapest.

And I miss the first day of the conference.

I am a part of a conference for the African and European staff of United World Mission. I'll be speaking on the spiritual life of the leader in the mornings for them.

It has been a long time since I have been in Hungary. I was here in the early 1990's (I forget the exact year) and that was for a very short visit. I hope to have a little time to see some of the sights of this beautiful city.

I'll try to post an update on most days.

Pray that I'll have good sessions with the UWM staff and be able to encourage them on the pursuit of the spiritual life with Christ.

Brian Rice

Leadership ConneXtions International

Leaving for Amsterdam

Brian Newman left yesterday and I am leaving today for Amsterdam... to meet some good friends I haven't seen for several years, to catch up with a few that I have seen in the last year, to talk about LCI and future possibilities...

I will have only two short days, but it will be fun.

Brian Rice

Friends in Europe

I want to welcome our friends from Europe who will be checking out this blog. I am no longer writing on my personal blog and have switched to writing only on the LCI site.

My entries will be a mix of personal updates and insights as well as leadership reflections.

I hope many of you in Europe will keep up with what's happening with Leadership Connextions. You all have been a major part of Susy's and my life for many years, and we look forward to continuing our relationship.

For those of you who God has called into leadership in Europe, our hope is that LCI (including this site) can be an encouraging and helpful resource to you in your leadership. Check back once or twice a week for some recommendations on resources or to hear from Brian Rice or myself about what we are learning and experiencing in our leadership contexts.

- Brian Newman