Why so secretive?

I think it had to be said about the Younger Leaders Gathering in “Kuala Lumpur”, Malaysia 2006. I just received my final packet of information and it was mentioned quote:

“It is the desire of Lausanne to have a safe and enjoyable Gathering for the participants coming from over 100 countries. Although we do not anticipate any security problems, we do want to take some prudent cautions. The following are some security guidelines:

1. Malaysia is a Muslim country. While visiting Malaysia it is important to respect those hosting us and not engage in proselytizing. Obviously we are gathering in the name of Christ for the purpose of advancing the Kingdom. However, during this Gathering and while in Malaysia it is important that we focus on living out Christ-like lives and not criticize our Muslim neighbors. - I agree with this. The last thing I want is to have someone to have disregard all the hard work Malaysian Christians have put into gaining the confidence of the country, and jeopardise that relationship.
2. There will be those attending YLG-06 who are coming from countries that have security concerns and it would be dangerous for them if their picture was published. So, we will ask that NO pictures be taken of those that have nametags that are a certain color or have a NO-PICTURE STICKER. - I wonder which nation is that?
   
3. All those attending the Gathering will be required to wear nametags. If you notice individuals who without nametags who are hanging around, please inform the YLG conference staff. - Its a resort and a public place. If there is someone hanging around in the conference area without a name tag, I understand, but in the hotel…… this is not a country with KGB or religious police around.
4. Please do not publish information on the exact hotel or location of the Younger Leaders Gathering in your newsletter or blog. - I wonder why.
   

Again, we are not anticipating any problems, but we are taking some conservative precautions for the safety of everyone attending.”

I will be traveling to Malaysia for this gathering, and will be representing the US. The interesting thing is that I am a Malaysian and grew up there all my life as a Christian. Bottomline, Malaysia is not some middle east country with fanatic muslims. Street evangelism and freedom of religion is part of Malaysia. So don’t make up what it is not.

Let’s just enjoy the time together and keep our courtesy alive.

Rwanda - Sept 9 - 19, 2006

Most Rwandans live in round grass huts in farms scattered over the country’s many hills. Family life is central to society. Traditionally, the principal goal in life was parenthood. Women generally dress in brightly colored wraps, men in white. However, many have adopted Western clothes. The Rwandan diet consists mainly of sweet potatoes and beans, with bananas, corn, peas, millet, and fruits added in season. Beer and milk are important beverages. Protein deficiency is a serious problem. Cattle are herded as signs of wealth and status rather than for their value as food. Most Rwandans consume meat only about once or twice a month. Fish is eaten by those living near lakes. Pastimes include poetry recitation, storytelling, and mancala, a board game common throughout Africa. Soccer is also popular.

Luasanne - Younger Leaders Gathering 2006

This first time I heard about this gathering or anything about lausanne was in Feb 2006. Someone had recommended me. Later the week I received an invite to register and go through their process of selection. Due to my work with Compassion, my schedule is pretty much set for 1 year ahead. With doubt I submitted my application for the interview and was later turned down for the gathering….. so I thought!

In August, about 2 weeks ago, I got a phone call from MentorLink asking me if I had registered yet for the gathering or have I decided not to go. I was rather surprised since it was them who told me that I did not qualify.

My next obstacle was that, if Compassion could let me go and represent them under their banner. I didn’t think much of it, thought that will be a waste of time to them. Within 24 hours, I had the support of 3 VPs and an area director of Compassion, all expenses paid.

Lausanne gathering, a place to connect, inspire, mentor and develope. There are only 55 that are invited to North Americans and I got it. I am NOT even an American. I am a Malaysian. It has been a call in my life to bridge nations. And this gathering held in my birth city of Kuala Lumpur, representing the US but yet Malaysian at heart, is indeed truly a “crossing”.

Younger Leaders Gathering 2006 - Are you connected?

Around the world - One way

This September 2006 is going to be an interesting marathon of destinations for me. Sept 7th Colorado Springs to Dallas then to London. Sept 9th, London to Nairobi, Kenya then to Kigali, Rwanda.

A few days of break in Rwanda then flying back to Nairobi again on Sept 19th then on to Dubai, UAE then to Singapore. Breaking my trip in Singapore for a couple of days before flying up to KL, Malaysia for a week. Then on Oct 1st, to Hong Kong then to Los Angeles and finally home in Colorado Springs.

9 different cities in 3 weeks, in 4 different continents. So far, this is the craziest ever.