Part 3 -- A Little Town Called Esteli
By James Gunter

God led me to share with that group that day that Jesus set the best example for any of us to follow in regards to family and community. Pulling from the information Micah and I had written, I explained that as leaders, we are to care about family, community, brothers and sister in Christ, our pastors and our leaders. We must pray for them continuously.

As leaders, I told them, we are required to “know” the truth, continue with the desire to “learn” more about the truth, how we are to “prepare” for the lesson, and the effectiveness in “delivering” the message accurately.

There are some key issues in regards to leading others. We are to lead others “to Christ”, lead others to “follow” Christ, lead them to “grow” in Christ, lead them to “discover the call” on their lives, lead them to “make a difference”, and to lead others to be leaders.

I closed by holding up my English translation of the Experiencing God workbook, as I explained that I had made a commitment at my own church. I explained that I was presently in the 45^th week of continually leading this 12 week course. I also explained that I was leading a Mind of Christ study at my home each Tuesday and my normal senior adult Sunday School class every Sunday. That is my own personal commitment.

I then explained, if they knew the one and only Jesus and had accepted Him into their hearts, that their name was written in the “Lamb's Book of Life”. I explained that this particular book has tremendous value in God's sight. I then explained that I had nothing but my composition book with my notes in it. I asked if they were willing to make the commitment to be learners and better leaders, I would challenge them all to sign my book. When I was finished, the pastor got the book and made sure that everyone in the church signed it.

Thirteen names representing six different churches in Nicaragua. We quickly snapped some pictures of one another -- maybe something we said hit home with the people at the church. I know it was a blessing for me – and one I will never forget.

I am looking forward to seeing where God will take us next. It could just be your own church!