"Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”
— Matthew 13:8
I just returned from a land of the richest soil. The fruit of what God has been doing in this country the last 25 years is enormous.
Some of the key alumni gathered to meet with me expressing a new found enthusiasm for the future of what God is doing in their country and how A3 can assist. It was one of the most deeply enriching experiences you can imagine.
Leading Like Geese
One of the men was inspired the night prior to our breakfast. He went out at nearly midnight and knocked on the door of a shopkeeper who sold large scrolls. That’s how motivated he was! He spent the next few hours crafting the calligraphy that you see in this picture. The message speaks of Leading Like Geese and he was praising the local leadership of A3 for the way in which they have fostered an environment that brought so much profound change. Listening to their praise reports was nothing short of amazing!
Life-Focused Emphasis
One of the pastors said that he has been to a vast number of leadership trainings in his country, but that he had never experienced anything like A3. He spoke of how most leadership training is so task focused and how A3 was life-focused. He said:
“I couldn’t wait for the sessions to begin. It was more like a brotherhood that met the longings of my heart. It ended up being a significant enrichment to ministry and to our country as it birthed a United Prayer Movement in our city. The alumni connection is like nothing we have ever experienced here. If I had to choose between training opportunities, I clearly would choose A2!”
Oh, how I wish I could share all their stories. It was so profound listening to them!
The Impact of A3
One of the wives who’s husband went through what may be one of the darkest personal periods in modern church history in their nation and who felt both betrayed and wounded by her husband said this:
“I cherish A3. Of all the ministries I have seen in the last 30 years, nothing has impacted me more than A3 and my theology tutor. Please tell all the friends outside our country what a profound difference A3 has made in our country.”
As she shared this with me, my eyes filled with tears as I personally invested about 3 years of my own ministry life in this couple. To see God’s grace unfold in the course of their marriage, family and life and to see what God is doing today is so incredibly moving!
A New Spirit Among Us
At the close of our time, one of the key leaders said:
“I sense a new spirit alive among us today. For a few years we have lived under a spell of fear in our country but it is clear something fresh begins today. The future of our work together holds a lot of promise and will be significant for the next generation of leaders in our country.”
Two Parables
The whole experience reminded me of two parables:
- The first is the story of the Geese that lay the golden eggs. A3 believes that if you invest in the right leaders providing the right context of relationships and community, rooted in Christ, that great fruit will arise. As we invest in these special geese, the eggs they produce are remarkably golden. As you look at what the Lord has accomplished in their country through these dynamic pastors, you realize the power of Jesus choosing the right 12 disciples to invest his life in.
- The second is the parable of the Sower quoted above. God has given us a special gift to sow seeds in fertile pastures. As we are faithful to his call, we will continue to see refreshing streams of living waters.
As we continue marching toward our 50th year of Jubilee celebration with A3, I praise God today for the amazing work he is doing.
How is God working in your life? What lessons do you have for us to learn?
Joe Handley
@jwhandley
