Last weekend I was invited to minister in Tagaytay at CBN (Christian Broadcasting Network) Asia's 14th anniversary conference for their partners and supporters. They also asked to do a joint teaching on "starting over" for couples and families together with Marie.
While we came to minister we left blessed by all that CBN represents and are doing all over the world. On hand to update the "Pillars" was CBN's worldwide CEO Gordon Robertson. CBN's core ministries include the 700 Club (TV program), the Counseling Center, a disaster relief organization called Operation Blessing and a Missions Organization.
CBN's Asian initiatives have been outstanding in the last year. But Gordon's worldwide report was even more impressive. Marie and I have known Gordon and his wife Katharine for many years. It has been a great privilege knowing this awesome couple.
This picture is of some of the conference participants during a candle light ceremony to pray and thank God for the year's achievements.
A few years ago Gordon was smitten with malaria while on a mission trip to Burma. Unknowingly upon his return to Manila the parasites have infested his brain, making him terminally ill. This video is a testimonial excerpt of how God miraculously healed him.
I've always wondered after 26 years how my wife Marie has managed to have fun living life. She just knew how to have fun. Needless to say it is all by the grace of God.
Just before I ended this day I read her take on our 26th anniversary. Just another testimony of how she makes life so much fun - here's a link to Marie's - Marriage ABC.
The last 4 weeks have been so busy - I have been out of this blog and was in and out of unpacking bags.
It's been a series of events, speaking engagements, conferences plus 3 short trips - that means I've also been out of my bed - and that's not fun.
Between planning on what to say - coming back home for a brief refueling - only to unpack and repack - it has been a mess - out of the blog, out of my bed and into 3 different bags.
In the midst of all the running around there has been snippets of entertainment.
One of which was a play Marie and I got to watch - "Isang Panaginip" In celebration of the centennial of the University of the Philippines, Dulaang UP (DUP) presented the musical.
To be honest I am quite picky about plays. For one it takes a lot to entertain someone who has been exposed to tv and the big screen. But I must say this one got me entertained - considering we were standing for the first half of the play (the place was packed)
The story behind the musical was about Jose Rizal in Paris, trying to finish his second novel - "The Fili".
It was a creative adaptation of the struggles that Rizal went through. Sure it was a college play but DUP smartly mixed college students with professional actors. One of them was our friend Franco Laurel (left), who played Rizal, and invited us to the play. I loved it - the music, the set, the acting and the story.
Then it was time to take a short trip to Singapore, so short I did not even have time to take a picture except for this meal of fresh mushroom soup, salad and Ginger Beer.
Back to Manila to spend 3 days of strategic planning with our provincial pastors. Then I was off for a 4 day live in seminar with Chrysallis Foundation (in coordination with the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches) in Clark - whew, both of which I have no pictures to show for.
And so today on my day off I was finally able to unload all bags and sort things out and pile them on top of my home office desk that already had a pile waiting for me.
Books I have read and needed to write a review about. A backlog of books to read. Notes from all the meetings. CD's that need to be looked at, downloaded and discarded, manuscripts that need to edited.
What can I say? Welcome home, I guess.
I dug out my recent mind map that Bernard Marquez has tutored me on. I did this earlier this year to plot out the next 25 years of my life and make some sense of it.
Got to get back on track. But 10 minutes into it and the phone has rung and then.........
my eyes caught the stack of bills that I haven't paid, the more than 100 emails on my Mac and a calendar that says: I'm not yet done - got another trip/speaking engagement this weekend.
And the calendar also says that in 3 days Marie and I would be celebrating our 26th wedding anniversary.
Ok. Then all of this is worth it. Lord help me clean up my desk!
A week ago I walked inside my office and I noticed that my regular armchair was gone. What I found instead was a toilet on top of my inverted trashcan. What in the world? I just hoped it wasn't a used one.
I saw some of them cleaning up our storage room. They must have found this thing sitting there and thought of this prank.
As I drew closer I noticed a note was stuck on the toilet. It read: Think Tank. Thank you for your convenience “badabing”.
This was a private joke shared by some of the staff about how I run things. Immediately I knew the clown(s) responsible for this mischief - to think these guys are pastors.
Since taking over the senior pastor role at Victory Fort in June last year, I have been privileged to work with some of the sharpest, hardest working men and women – a verifiable dream team.
More significantly they are people of character, competent, very capable, committed and thankfully there’s chemistry when we work together. The big bonus however, is they are the “funnest” people to work with. The toilet seat is just one of their ways of breaking the monotony of doing work day after day – week in, week out.
Whether its planning worship services, discussing pastoral duties, navigating relational issues, executing events or preparing sermons, videos, communications and the like these guys know how to have fun.
This other picture is with Ganns Deen – who heads up our communications and is sharing with me his new found toy/game he bought for his son which he gladly demonstrated to me. It actually bites.
One reason why I love my job is because the people I work with are some of the “funnest” people in the world. This guy is a prolific idea man - is very efficient and yet finds the time to have fun.
One of the latest additions to our team is the owner of this head. His name is Rich Blaylock.
Last Tuesday, I asked him why he had a scar on the back of his head. He told me of an elaborate story complete with details of how in high school he was surrounded by 15 guys some wielding bats and bottles. The next thing he knew someone had struck his head from behind.
“Gosh, you must have been a mess”, I said. To which he replied, “you should have seen them.” I thought wow, great stuff. Then he said, “actually non of that was true, I actually slipped when I was taking a bath as a kid, and got my head cut and stitched, it just always feels better to tell it like that.” Such imagination, such creativity, we all laughed.
This is what keeps me going to work – people who work hard and know how to have fun.
Earlier this year I met Bo Sanchez - one of the country's leading Catholic Charismatic leaders. Prior to meeting him I have heard and read about Bo. On several ocassions I have come across The Kerygma - probably the most popular religous magazine in the country (sure looks like it). I have stumbled into it at airports, doctor's offices and in book stores.
Populalry known as the Preacher in Blue Jeans, Bo is an accomplished writer and leader of the Kerygma Community. He is also an ardent family man - husband and father as well as a leading proponent of home schooling in the country.
All these accomplishments however would be eclipsed when I met Bo earlier this year. Bo was introduced to me by a mutual friend (Chinkee Tan). What was most impressive about Bo was not his intellectual or spiritual prowess but his humility. Even more impressive was his desire to learn how we made disciples. After our brief meeting I found him to be a serious follower of Christ who wanted to further God's Kingdom. I was glad to have met him.
Earlier this month I got an email from Bo asking if we could meet again. This time with the leaders of their community.
And so last August 12, Paolo Punzalan and I met with Bo together with Hermie Morelos (President of Kerygma), Gil Ramiscal (Head of Finance) and Roy Pasimio (Head of Asian Missions).
Once again I was impressed by his desire to make disciples and not just teach religion. It was inspiring to meet men who have a passion to cross religious boundaries in the hopes of bringing more people into a relationship with God.
Four days ago I got an email from Steve Murrell (Founder of Victory and my pastor). He was giving me a heads up about the Katinas, a popular Christian band who were on their way to Manila. The Katinas are members of our church in Nashville, His email said:
"Talked to Joe Katina yesterday. (his email below) Some Catholic group is flying them to MNL to do a concert. Joe told them that the band would have to have Sun AM off to sing at the EN chch. Would be great to have them lead worship @ ftB."
Two days later during the Leadership Group that I oversee, I met up with Johnny Sy (President of Praise, Inc.). I casually asked Johnny if he knew anything about the Katinas concert in Manila. He said, yes. I asked him who were they coming for - it was then that he said: for Kerygma.
For a moment I stopped and thought about how God orchestrates things. He sets up meetings, concerts, brings people together for the purpose of advancing His kingdom. It all starts with reconciling us to Him and then reconciling us with each other.
All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
Please forgive me for yet another post with an emotional tone. If you know me well you know that this is not my normal me. To better understand what I mean you may need to read the post previous to this: Help - How Do You Work This Thing?
As the title of this post goes - Without My Wife - I'm Useless - emotionally that is - it's been 22 days since my wife left to attend a niece's wedding overseas and is spending time touring with her sisters. At first I thought this would be cinch, even if she was gone for a month. I thought I've always been a low maintenance boy scout who can survive alone. As the days wore on.....it did not get easier, then it got harder.
Then the unthinkable happened - Today, I downloaded the wrong set of music into my ipod nano - a collection of songs entitled Marie's Welcome. A compilation of my favorite songs that remind me of Marie.
Uugghh. Today is my day off and the day I have set to break my record of current long runs in distance and speed. And being a non-athlete I use an ipod to distract me from the pain and strain of long runs.
In January I decided I was going to train for the marathon in Honolulu in December - I was doing fine, until I injured myself in March trying to do some off track walking in the hills of Baguio.
It would take 3 months to heal - before I could run again. And over the last 2 months I have been stuck at 8 and 10 kilometer runs though my speed has remained the same. It has been frustrating.
This morning I stood in the street in Fort Bonifacio struggling with my recent emotional maneuvers.
This run which is the one thing that can help me feel testosterone ended up being packed with love songs. What's going on???? Is this another lesson on navigating my emotions?
And so there I was......The first song was entitled The Diner - a tune by Jerry Goldsmith from the movie Forever Young.
Over the years I have used this song to remind me of Marie whenever I was alone overseas. I don't get it - I was actually crying while I was running. What in the world is wrong with me? I'm a pastor, a warrior and a trooper.
Irene Cara's words were just as poignant: "anyone can see what you mean to me, anyone can tell I fell for you so easily." This song reminds me of the day I met Marie. That same day I went and told my brother "this is the girl I will marry."
As I got home my ipod recorded a 13.06 kilometer run, finally I broke through, I'm back. Even more glaring was the pace I ran - 4.45 minutes/kilometer - that's 26% better than ever. That can't be! Weird? Lord is this what you're teaching me? My emotions can yet be another source of energy and need not be a drain.
I guess the thought of Marie does inspire me.
In the evening I went to the Shangri-la in Makati to attend the renewal of vows of Victor and Hazel Lam.
After a sumptuous 10 course dinner Victor and Hazel told their story in video. A testimony of trying to make life work without God only to realize they couldn't.
After the video, they honored God, parents, family, friends and then just before they ended Hazel said this:
"My sister in law Anna asked me....why I chose only two couples as our godparents...and why them."
She then proceeded to honor the first couple, my good friends Po Seng and Ann Yuen. Then she said:
"Pastor Joey and Ninang Marie, your marriage is a great testimony to us. I salute you Ninong Joey, on how you honor your wife next to God.....And to you Ninang Marie (though you are not here) It was you who opened my eyes and taught me about "wives wrong expectations of their husbands". Ninang Marie I want you to know I really appreciate you soooo much for ministering to me in a very simple way."
Then she stopped abruptly and said: Thank you all for coming, please stay dance and enjoy". For a moment I felt like I was the only person in the room. My marriage of 25 years - marked with many lines of imperfection, fights, issues and moments of drama has somehow touched their lives.
For a moment I could not breathe. My heart was warm - a sensation I have felt before while in God's presence and somehow had always something to do with praying for Marie.
I sent up a prayer: God thanks, thank you for Marie, Your gift to me. Please bring her home safely. Please take care of her. Please heal her tender soul from any harshness I may have caused her. My weaknesses. My insensitivies. My selfishness. I know you are the only ONE who can love and care for her her the way YOU have loved me. But in some unique way remind her as you are reminding me of how precious our lives have been together. Thanks Lord.
for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Philippians 2:13
I just finished reading my son Joseph’s recent post and somewhere in the post he mentioned the words “mixture of feelings”.
I have been unable to write my usual post on the many events that happened in the week, even though there have been a lot. That’s because the last few days have been emotionally charged, and in that area of my soul I am weakest.
I guess I may be aged 51 mentally, probably even slightly older as far as my will is concerned but when it comes to my emotions I’m probably an adolescent. Thank God He is doing something about it – and I’m learning.
There are many reasons that have led to this emotional state that has almost paralyzed me (emotionally that is) this week. Thank God I have a great job I enjoy, but by the time I get home - this funk gets on me.
Probably because my wife is out of town, an old friend has fallen sick, church members who are suffering all kinds of trials, but at the center of all this is 08.08.05. Gosh I hate this state – emotions make me tired. I guess I’m really just not used to it.
While the world celebrated .08.08.08, I sat alone in a park to spend an emotional time alone with God. Really to thank Him for my son Joseph who is pictured above as a young boy.
The events of .08.08.05 have forever changed me. It was the day that my wife and I almost lost our oldest son Joseph.
Last Monday I attended the graduation ceremonies of the Every Nation School of Campus Ministries.
Joseph emceed the event and I would be lying if I did not admit that my heart was stoutest listening to him, he has always been brilliant. But that evening, I could only thank God that he was alive. My emotions kicked in again. How do you work this thing??????
Here's a picture of me with leaders Manny Carlos and Jun Escosar. Hard to smile when you have food in your mouth.
But smile I did. Yet that day my emotions were running at uncontrollable levels, but I have trained myself well from the time I was young - the fine art of hiding your emotions - is this even healthy?
As I watched Joseph emcee the event I was reminded of the dark evening of 08.08.05 and the days that followed after. Thank God he is alive. But my life after that would never be the same - I have succumbed to my emotions.
I am convinced that by God's grace and love for me he is teaching me how to navigate my emotions. I guess men will either become grumpy and old or have healthy emotions and live a full life, even when they don't understand it all.
God thank You for sparing us of the pain and sorrow. Thank You for awakening my pent up emotions. True I am not very good at handling it, but by your grace one day I will be. I can only confess:
Your grace is sufficient for me, and Your power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2Corinthians 12:9
Last Tuesday one of the members of the staff of Victory Fort had the brilliant idea of going to Laser Extreme, the new game center at Market Market Mall.
So during our lunch break on Wednesday 12 of us trooped to the mall ala kkb (pay your own way) and had a blast of a time. For those of you who don't know Laser Extreme is the newest version of Laser Tag.
The idea behind the game is your group is divided into teams. Each person wears a vest which is electronically activated with sensors. These sensors become the targets of the other team.
Teams are then distinguished by the color of the lights in their vests.
After donning the vests all the players are led inside the playing arena. A space of about 200 square meters complete with a maze and staircases and camp sites.
The place is dark and what you see are moving targets, lasers flashing and more lights. Then there's the loud music and it's game time.
Your adrenaline flows and you're ready to rummbblle.
When the targets are hit by the laser the team scores and it temporarily disengages the player who was hit.
His gun does not work and his lights go out. After a few seconds his lights go back on and he is back in the game.
The scores are electronically monitored.
At the end of 15 minutes I was sweating like I came from a work out at the gym. Score sheets revealed that I placed 12 out of 12.
This could only mean 2 things: I have lost my killer instincts (I used to be no. 1 at laser tag back in the early 90's).
Or the staff at church have secretly wanted to shoot me all this time and had their heyday.
Yesterday I had the task of sending out 2 families from our church to their new posts.
The first was the family of Ron and Junko Davis (left) who are leaving the Philippines after 3 years of ministry here.
Ron and Junko were members of the EN church in Japan and moved to the Philippines to jump start our church's ministry to the military.
They are moving to the US to join one of our churches in Tennessee and continue Ron's ministry to military personnel. Please pray for them.
Here they are with Paolo and Jenn Punzalan, Marie and me over lunch.
The picture on the left was taken at yesterday's 11 AM service where we prayed for them and gave a short moment to honor them.
Thank you Ron and Junko you have blessed us much!
Also yesterday at the 1 and 3 PM services we sent out Robert Hern (second from left) the lead pastor for both services and set in Jun Aguilar (extreme right) to become the new lead pastor for these services.
Also in picture is Paolo Punzalan who leads the 5 and 7 PM services.
Here we are sending out and praying for Robert and his wife Maileen. As I sat in the service I listened to Robert minister and realized how much we're going to miss him and Maileen and the leadership gift that they have blessed us with over the years.
Robert moves to become the senior pastor of Victory Pioneer. We are expecting good reports as he goes with many of our leaders in this new adventure.
Here we are this time praying as a congregation to set in Jun Aguilar as the new lead pastor for the 1 and 3 PM services
Jun and Karen have also been a tremendous part of our leadership team. Always eager to serve and build. Jun is a medical doctor turned minister. We are convinced he is in the right season of his life to take on the role as lead pastor.
Here are the wives of Robert and Jun together with Joann Gonzalez (extreme right: wife of UMAK's lead pastor - Robert Gonzalez)
Karen Aguilar - extreme left and Maileen Hern - center.
Here we are in one final huddle before Robert leaves for Victory Pioneer to preach one more service at 5 PM, his fourth. While Paolo starts his and Jun and I go home.
It has been a long day. One of the reasons why I enjoy my job so much is because of the pleasure of working with such quality men and women.
Be on your guard;stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14
Victory's Apostolic team together with the senior pastors of the Metro-Manila congregations spent the last 2 days in strategic planning. The goal was to bring the Metro-Manila church to the next level.
Here is Manny Carlos, Victory's President and Bishop leading the group.
Jun Escosar, Executive Director of Every Nation, Victory's missions arm sharing about the potential locations for future church plants in Metro- Manila.
Here's the rest of the group plodding through the data and discussions.
Michael Paderes, Director for Cross Cultural Missions making a point.
Jiji Concepcion, Executive Director of Victory's Management Structure discussing the interface between ministry and administrative services.
Pastors Arnold Palaganas and Dennis Sy of Victory Fairview and Greenhills respectively, listening intently to the discussions.
Undoubtedly its a Mac World. I had this picture taken during the break.
Here I am asking a question about some of the data that was being presented.
Here's Manny Carlos again - leading the meeting. I just want to take this moment as I write this post to honor him. Manny is an exemplary leader and a great co-laborer.
I have known Manny for about 20 years now. The last 2 days has deepen my respect and trust in his leadership even more.
Thank you Manny for who you are.
Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us?
What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?” Exodus 33:15-16
This post should have been made last June but I have been unable to do it. One reason why I want to still post it is because this site is my way of remembering all the meaningful events that happen in the course of day to day life.
Operation Overdrive was our congregations attempt to pray for the twin cities of Taguig and Makati. These are the 2 cities which we at Victory Fort service.
The idea behind this event was to identify key institutions, establishments, communities, hot spots in both cities and then send prayer teams to pray for specific things about them.
The objective bless these 2 cities and with God's promises through prayer.
So on May 31 - Operation Overdrive went into gear.
Pastor Dennis Isleta who oversaw the planning for Operation Overdrive giving last minute instructions to the Fort staff at 7 AM.
Officially the prayer drive started at 7:30 AM with a time of corporate worship and prayer. Some instructions and then the prayer teams drove out.
51 teams in cars and bikes mobiled out to the over 100 designated locations to spend the morning praying for the city.
This massive prayer meeting started as the teams drove out. Prayers for the city were being made en route to the locations as well as in the actual places.
Bright and early long before the city awoke, the municipal halls of Makati and Taguig are bathed in prayers. Can't wait to see the effects of these declarations in years to come.
Simultaneously the Headquarters of the Philippine Army was being bombarded by powerful prayers of blessing and grace. Some years back we did the same thing and today we have seen the harvest. That includes Pastor Dennis who used to be a Colonel in the Army.
Here's the team that prayed for the Fire Department and the surrounding areas of Makati.
Here's the team that prayed inside Assumption College in San Lorenzo Village.
Other major schools and campuses were prayed for.
All of the major villages and communities of Taguig and Makati were prayed for too!
Even the hottest spots of these cities were covered in prayer. God loves all people and wants as many to know Him.
Here were 2 intercessors clowning around in front of one of clubs in Makati.
Then it was back to the Fort for another moment of corporate prayer, worship and testimonies.
Then it was fellowship and some refreshments. Can't wait to see what God will do to these cities in years to come.
The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. James 5:16b-18
Here's a short video report on Operation Overdrive:
This post is an update of the recently concluded Step-Up Sunday. Our mid-year invitation for church members to participate in serving at church.
Amazingly we had over 700 respond to the call. Here is a picture showcase and the video that we used to invite members to participate.
Throughout the day church members new and old ventured into the booths that explained the various ministries of the church.
This totem pole looking sign points to the location of the booths for the many ministry opportunities, from the top: Admin Support, Communications, Creatives, Hospitality, Kids, Music, Technical Support, Youth and Ushering.
Here's long time volunteer Rey Macalino explaining to new volunteers the rudiments of serving in church.
The greatest among you will be your servant. Matthew 23:11
Here's Pastor Bernard Marquez playing with one of the props on display at the Creatives booth.
Members of the Creatives and Communication booths manning their stations awaiting the arrival of interested volunteers.
The youngest, the young and the young once. Members of the Ushering Team awaiting new volunteers.
One of the most popular teams among all the ministries: Kids' Ministry. Here they are all set-up to welcome even more volunteers.
I believe one of the main attractions of our church is Kids' Ministry, these guys are awesome.
Here's the video we showed everyone to invite them to volunteer.
Two days ago I was asked by a team of movie producers how I would define vision. All too often people see vision as an idea, concept or better yet a picture of the future. My response has been a standard one:
I quoted the second half of a verse, Luke 1:22b:
"They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak."
I explained to them that a vision is more than just an idea or concept. And that the verse I quoted was about a child, more particularly John the Baptist.
In short ifyou want to know what the future holds - look at the children, they are the future. One reason why as a church we value children, they are the future! The pictures are a few from yesterday's child dedication. These first two show the church's volunteers preparing the props for the event.
All preparations were set for the second Child Dedication Ceremonies for the year.
Here is the finished work by the volunteers on stage ready for the families who participated, truly a labor of love.
Tables were set for families and their guests complete with animal figures made of balloons, with candies and souvenirs.
A family of early birds, awaiting the arrival of their guests and relatives.
Then one by one the families arrived with their guests and relations.
In time everyone arrived.
Over 600 people.
Here's Pastor Bernard Marquez leading the parents as they dedicate their children to the Lord.
Here's a family celebrating the special day for the newest member of the tribe.
A Child Dedication Ceremony is a public declaration that our children are valuable and are worthy of this special moment.
More than that it is an acknowledgement that God alone gives us the ability to succeed as parents.
Thanks volunteers, thanks staff, congratulations parents - children are indeed special.
Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him. Psalm 127:3
Every 2 months I do a book review of the books I have read. As I have explained in previous reviews the goal is to encourage leaders to read and learn. In order to LEAD one needs to READ.
The review below are for the months of May and June.
Beyond Megachurch Myths by Scott Thumma and Dave Travis. This book was based on thorough, broad based and well designed research. The result is a comprehensive study that validates the phenomenon of the megachurch.
That's not to say that the megachurch is perfect and has no difficiencies (I don't think there's anything perfect on this earth - minus the Holy Spirit) but it gives light to myths and presumptions people have made about these large churches.
Here's a quote: "In the end, for most megachurch leaders, their ultimate goal is the same as their critics, to present the clear Gospel message, but the forms that their presentation takes are adapted to the needs of contemporary people." I highly recommend it for chruch leaders, whether mega or not. The insights, stories and learnings are invaluable. Thanks Jerome Gutierez for giving me this book.
101 Ways to Spoil Your Wife by Ron Brown. I have no idea where this book came from. I'm sure I did not buy it. I wonder if Marie bought it and stuck it in my stash of books to read, hmmm? If any of you gave me this as a gift, do let me know, I may have forgotten.
Cute book of reminders that can help jog your memory on how to relate to your wife. Also includes practical and creative ideas. Ron is Christian writer and gives verses for most of the ideas. Easy read you'll do it in a day. More importantly it will surely strengthen and enhance your marriage.
Kevin Conner - This is My Story by Kevin Conner. The thickest book I read this year (over 500 pages). Written by one of my heroes in the faith Pastor Kevin Conner, pastor, theologian, best selling author, teacher, husband and father.
The book's subtitle is a bit of an understatement - "Lessons I've Learnt Along the Way". Pastor Kevin writes about his 81 years of life and breaks them down into chapters - at the end of each chapter are pictures from the past, more importanlty are the lessons he learned in that season of his life.
The book is rich and must be taken slowly. For leaders it will be one of those that will stay in your bookshelf because you just know you will face some of the things this man has been through and you'll need to refer to it. Thanks Pastor Kevin for the book.
Leaders At All Levels by Ram Chamran. Ram is a world renowned advisor to business leaders and coprorate boards as well as a best selling author.
This book is all about how to deepen an organization's talent pool. Another way of saying how to solve succession problems. One of the problems that plague organizations and this includes churches. It deals with an organization's inability to spot, attract, train, develop and empower leaders. The main cause it is not the organization's focus.
Ram makes the case that the future of any organization lies in its ability to find and develop future leaders. More imporatntly his book defines what those leaders look like and the qualities to look for. This book is a must read for any one aspiring to be a senior leader.
A key thought for pastors is to be able to write down and define staff functions and expectations side by side with what the Bible says are qualifications of church leaders before bringing staff on board.
Inside Steve's Brain by Leander Kahney. The book that cuts through the personality cult that surrounds Steve Jobs. The book does not deal with what we have all heard and read about - Steve's famous temper and outrageous tanrums but as the title says - it is all about his brain.
Its all about his legendary way of thinking that has led to products like the Mac, ipod, and iphone. The kind of thinking that has made him a man of contrasts. While he is famous for his temper he has also managed to forge deep relationships and long partnerships with developers, shareholders, employees, other genuises and even companies.
The secret is he demands from his partners - to challenge his ideas and whose ideas can be challenged by him, often forcefully. That's how they end up with the best ideas and products. Just look at the new iphone it is "twice as fast and half the price" - Unbelievable!
The book has tons of insight and ideas better than most seminars you can attend on creativity. Bottom line like most anything else - success even in creativity is a discipline. Thanks Steve Murrell for telling me about the book.
Love Marks Effect by Kevin Roberts. Kevin is the Worldwide CEO of Saatchi and Saatchi. His book opened my eyes to whole new way of thinking.
His take: People's desires for products and organizations can be viewed in 4 quadrants: Products (commodities, i.e. Coffee). On this quadrant there is very little of what he calls Love and Respect. Low Love and Low Respect. In short people don't love or respect commodities.
The second quadrant is the Brand (i.e. Nescafe) on this quadrant there is Hish Respect (trust, reliability, reputation) but Low Love (desire, attraction and passion). The third quadrant is the Fad. Here we find High Love but Low Respect (i.e. flavored coffees, here one day gone another).
Finally, the 4th quadrant: The Lovemark. High Love - High respect (Starbucks). The rest of the book is how to do both. Got tons of insight for church from this book. Thanks Mark Ramsey for recommending the book.
Execution by Larry Bossdiy and Ram Chamran.This book was given to me sometime ago and has been sitting on my bookshelf. After reading Ram's book above and liked it I decided it was time to read this. The co-author Larry Bossidy is the current chairman of Honeywell and was its former CEO.
The books subtitle is: The Discipline of Getting Things Done. Without going through a long explanation it covers the simple truth that discipline is necessary for doing something great.
Often we blame strategy for the failure of an organization. Fact is the majority of the causes for failure is the poor execution of strategies. Failure drains the energies and resources of an organization. Repeated many times results in destroying it.
The book's emphasis is on the vital importance of proper execution - how to structure, organize, populate (with the right leaders) in order to execute brilliantly. My best take aways: excecution is the linking of strategy to day to day operations. It is the vital importance of follow-up and follow-through and the synchronizing of people and activities.
Why I did not read this book then, I don't know why. I just wish i did. It is full of wisdom. Here's one last nugget: Great execution is directly related to the members of teams. Building great teams requires candid dialogues and proper matching of people. Too often teams are filled with people who are comfortable with each other (that's why little is accomplished) rather than the right members who can execute well.
My friend Jeff Eliscupidez sent me 2 videos he saw on YouTube. The videos were black and white films that date back to the 1930's about Manila. It showed streets with combined caritellas, automobiles and even carts with carabaos. Despite being black and white I found them very interesting.
Both videos were shot and produced by American cinematographers. Thanks Jeff, to everyone else, I hope you enjoy them.
Last Tuesday one of the members of 
