October 1st, 2009 by Zac

These were the best and most promising! They were a collection of 160 young leaders from 11 central European countries whom we were entrusting to pass the baton to the next generation. Some of extraordinary appearance, most common, some gregarious, most quiet, some of high school age, some of professional status. But all carefully chosen for this conference because of their gifts and passion to inspire the next generation to walk with God.

The baton represented the process inherent in Christ’s mandate for us to “go and make disciples”. It’s a process of reproducing ourselves (as reflections of Christ) in another person, who can in turn do the same.

But the “forces” are against us. In some of our small group time, many excuses surfaced. “I don’t have time, I like to be alone, I’m naturally shy, I can’t see anyone to disciple, I have never been discipled myself, I don’t know enough”. But as the week progressed the mission was clear. We must not let the baton drop! We can’t let excuses stop us!

Throughout the week, we studied the scripture, we worshiped, we prayed, we battled our weaknesses, we shared our experiences. And then we went our separate ways… with our batons in hand.

Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Albania, Latvia, Ukraine, Estonia & Romania.