Blessings at the End of 2009

Dear ROM Family and Friends,

I love meaningful mottos such as "Investing in a New Generation of Leaders", "The Change Begins with Me" and alike. Probably due to the current stage in my life's journey, having been spoiled by ROM for the past several years, one that I like and reflect on very much lately is - "Pursuing God's Purpose in Our Generation".

Somehow, it matters to me more and more to strive to live a life that is directional, focused, and purposed by the giving example of Jesus of Nazareth. I am one of those who believes in the finished work of salvation in Jesus on behalf of everyone of us. But I know also that His finished work for us is only a beginning of a life long process of Him working within us to "love our neighbors as ourselves." (Mark 12:28-31.) The logic behind it is very simple and effective: God who has unconditionally embraced us in Jesus has become such a force of motivation, inspiration and empowerment that leads us to embrace each other without hesitation.

This means in practice that followers of Jesus, moved by the compassion and empathy of Jesus, will be the first to unmask and stand up against any form of injustice, dehumanization, abuse, violence, enslavement, exploitation, terrorism, racism, human rights abuse, ethnic and religious nationalism, and poverty - all of them increasingly giving a tragic direction to the 21st century. At the beginning of the year 2010 I would like to invite myself and each one of you to pray the prayer suggested by Richard Stearns, the World Vision US President, in his recent book The Hole in Our Gospel - "Open the eyes of my heart, Lord, to see the world as You see it. Let my heart be broken by the things that break Your heart. Give me the ability to see through our culture and to lead with Your vision, instead of the world's." There are worthy examples in our and recent times to in spire us along the way, such as Bono, Desmond Tutu, Martin Luther King Jr, Mother Teresa.

In essence this is what ROM is all about. This is what following of Jesus of Nazareth is all about too. Or in His own words - "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." (Matthew 25:40.) I hope, regardless whether we attended ROM in the earlier or more recent times, that each one of us will strive in the coming year to serve God's purpose in our generation by becoming more of a leader who is an ambassador of compassion, love, justice, peacemaking, reconciliation.., and advocate for the poor. Let us help each other in the pursuit of God's purpose in the months and years to come.

We think of you, love you and pray for you often, and desire to see you all again soon.
May the Lord give you a New Year filled with hope, many blessings and determination to serve Him and love people well.

On behalf of the ROM Executive Team with love and appreciation

Tihomir and Christine Kukolja
Renewing Our Minds Initiative, Director
byndimed@gmal.com
http://2009rom.blogspot.com/, http://2009rom.blogspot.com/, http://twitter.com/romchallenge

Watch our Christmas and New Year Video Card

ROMCAST: Lisa Sharon Harper, Shalom Talks

Lisa Sharon Harper presents Shalom Talks at ROM Gathering 2009 in Fuzine, Croatia in August 2009. Lisa is a freelance writer, award-winning playwright, poet, public speaker and consultant who specializes in ethnic reconciliation and human rights. Currently She serves as the Executive Director of New York Faith and Justice, a growing movement of churches, organizations and people committed to following Jesus Christ and ending poverty in New York through spiritual formation, education and advocacy.

Africa Youth Leadership Forum

When in summer of 2006 Phillip Ojok from Uganda attended ROM Gathering in Fuzine, Croatia he made a firm commitment to implement the newly gained experience on his African continent. As a consequence African Youth Leadership Forum (AYLF) was born, with a mission to further a new brand of African Leaders - through prayer breakfast movement, weekly dialogue meetings, education and internships. At the heart of AYLF is the dream that the future African leaders would know how to reconcile relationships, speak the truth, see people without labels, and ultimately love each other and those whom they lead. AYLF is a movement of friends based on the principles and leadership qualities of Jesus of Nazareth. Among the AYLF's objectives are - to foster reconciliation, solidarity and unity among young African leaders across all racial, religious and tribal divides, as well as to promote and support a servant leadership model for African leaders. More information about AYLF.

Photo: AYLF leaders attending European Gathering last weekend in Hoddesdon, England - Gabriel Odhiambo Achay (Kenya), Muhamed Varvany (Kenya), Phillip Ojok (Uganda)