 It was a beautiful September morning in New York City as John Maxwell, Tom Atema and I were escorted into the complex known as the United Nations! John had been asked by Campus Crusade’s Christian Embassy, along with several other key ministry groups to be the speaker at the UN’s 2007 International Prayer Breakfast. These groups do a great job of ministering to leaders from all over the world.
This year’s event was hosted by Ugandan UN Ambassador, Francis Butagira. The room hosted between 300 and 400 people. Joining us was Dallas pastor and EQUIP board member, Gerald Brooks, his son-in-law and Ron Johnson. Ron is EQUIP’s partner for ministry in the Persian Speaking World and was strategically used of God to arrange John Maxwell’s visit to the UN.
Delegates from dozens and dozens of countries were there. In fact, I was told between thirty and forty ambassadors were in attendance. Many of those in attendance were representing countries where EQUIP has been training in the last decade.
After formal greetings from Ambassador Francis Butagira and President Srgjan Kerim of Macedonia, John approached the microphone with great ease and a big smile. He spoke on “Questions I Ask Myself as a Leader.” It’s always fun for me to watch John speak, but it was especially interesting for me to watch this unique audience respond to him. Literally, the world was in front of him. John is a gifted communicator, as we all know. But at the UN that day, he was especially gifted! The audience was riveted. I am not kidding when I tell you that even the waiters stopped what they were doing to listen to him!
Here are the three questions of a leader, John presented:
1. Am I genuinely interested in people?
2. Am I taking care of today?
3. Am I taking others to a higher level?
As I am sitting there, I’m saying “Go, John, Go!” My reason for this passion? Well, just think about the audience. It’s the UN! For years, this body has debated troubling issues that have risen because of selfish, maniacal leaders who weren’t genuinely interested in people, ignoring their nation’s pressing problems and not taking their citizens to higher levels; but instead, oppressing them and keeping them down and marginalized.
I think every person who knows and loves John would have been especially proud of him that day at the UN. With a big heart and a calm voice, John told the United Nations that the best kind of leaders will value others and make themselves more valuable to their countrymen!
John’s witness for Christ was strong. His message on leadership was as clear. His advocacy for EQUIP was firmly placed.
The need for the leaders at the United Nations and everywhere, to think beyond themselves and focus more on others than themselves is unprecedented. And once again, this week, EQUIP will be all over the world trying to help leaders discover the value of serving others first!
Dr. John Hull, President/CEO of EQUIP
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