A Step Made Possible - LLI Virtual Run

by Steve Meeker

Steve has the privilege of serving as the director of Leadership Lab International. His passion is to step alongside young leaders in order to help them grow in their love for God, their skills to lead and serve together on teams, and in their commitment to fulfill Jesus' Great Commission.

Stepping off the plane in Estonia was a dream come true. We had envisioned this day when relational discipleship and team building training could be offered outside of Croatia through LLI.  As we emerged through customs, our team was greeted by an Estonian delegation including Mari Vahermagi, the SU Estonian National Director, who had an even bigger dream to bring together young leaders from other Baltic nations for training in their beautiful nation.
 
God dovetailed these two visions and transformed them into reality.
 
Members of teams of volunteers from Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia learned together about each other and what they each contribute to the body of Christ. They began to understand more about Jesus’ model for discipleship and how they are to be involved with the Great Commission. It was a time of discovery, fellowship and empowerment as each reflected on abiding in Christ.
 
Vision needed empowerment and that is where so many of you played an important role. This training event could not have taken place without your partnership. Our team took a step of faith and opened up the 2017 LLI Virtual Run event and in May participants started the race.
 
Whether you were in a group or pressing on alone, pushing a baby stroller, tackling another hill on a dirt bike or cycling through the streets of your city, every ounce of exertion mattered. One team of three even raced back from a river beginning to spill over its banks to complete the event. Why? So young leaders could be trained to serve like Jesus and fulfill His command to go and make disciples.
 
Your efforts made life changing impact possible! Thank you for being a part of the team. As Zane from Latvia said, “Thanks to LLI I really understood what discipleship means and I was encouraged to change my life completely. Now I know I want to follow God’s will in my life.”
 
Zane was one of three who attended this training in Estonia that decided to apply for our summer Transformation Training.  She is also seen as one of the future leaders in outdoor camp ministry in Latvia.
 
Today, as I look back at what God did in the hearts of those who came to this ABIDE training, I am grateful for everyone who walked, ran and biked in order to step alongside this dream and to make it possible.
 
May this encourage your day as you remember the race you joined last year to help others follow Jesus’ command to abide in Him and to “Go and make disciples.”
 
Gratitude:  What is one thing you are thankful for today?