The Mandate

The founder of EQUIP, John Maxwell, recently spoke to a group of about 125 friends of this ministry at a special event in California. John’s theme was “Think Wide! Go Deep!” His challenge was simple, but powerful. We must “think wide” as we take Biblical leadership training to every nation. We must “go deep” as we raise up a vanguard of top-level leaders who will become strategic agents of change in their nations.

Dr. Maxwell announced the establishment of the “75 Fund”. Dollars designated for this fund will help keep EQUIP strong in 127 nations where we now serve and help us take Biblical leadership training and resources to the remaining 75 nations as soon as possible.

In order to “go deep” with key leaders around the world, Dr. Maxwell stated that it is the goal of EQUIP to offer global leadership academies, region by region, where in-depth, advanced leadership training will be provided for international leaders with highest potential to impact their countries and cultures for Christ.

Because of the devoted, effective service of our Associate Trainers and ministry partners, hundreds of key leaders around the world are already thinking wide and going deep as they impact their nations with the gospel. We daily thank God for our vanguard of Associate Trainers and country coordinators who are spearheading this mission around the world.

Why is it so urgent that we think wide and go deep to train leaders?

The answer is clear: The Mandate! Yes, our Lord’s Great Commission is the reason.

These are days of extreme uncertainty in our nation and world. Most of us have far more questions than answers. Countless things I do not know, but I do know this: God has not rescinded the Great Commission!

Yes, the mandate remains!

The Great Commission task is unfinished in a world marked by suffering, hatred, violence, spiritual darkness, and economic chaos. Just think about it:

• Billions without the gospel of Christ
• The rise of Islamic influence around the world
• The serious vacuum of servant-leadership in nation after nation
• Nuclear weapons in the hands of brutal tyrants in Iran and North Korea
• At least 500,000 children in forced military service, many as young as 8 years old
• Over one billion people without a clean water supply
• More than 10 million children involved in prostitution, with over a million kids, mostly girls, sold into sex trade each year (many 10-12 years old)
• 200 million children struggling for survival as they live on the streets

At EQUIP, His mandate is our mandate. We are committed to train and resource effective leaders to fulfill the Great Commission in every nation. With our Lord’s mandate as their priority, these international Christian leaders are confronting the critical issues plaguing societies around the world. They are stepping forward to meet the great human needs on our planet.

From nation after nation, we hear a cry for more and better leaders. We can respond to their desperate plea for help only with your help. In these days of economic and political upheaval, there is a tendency to become fearful and to pull back from the bold action that His mandate requires.

Recently, I heard the story of a North Korean pastor who escaped from the brutal tyranny and starvation in his nation. When he announced that God was leading him back to North Korea to share the gospel, his friends warned him repeatedly that he would face sure imprisonment, torture and execution there. He replied, “I will not be controlled by fear, but by faith.” He returned to his homeland, introduced hundreds of his people to Christ, and eventually laid down his life for the sake of the gospel.

May God help all of us respond with faith, not fear, to the opportunity before us to develop Godly leaders to complete our Lord’s mandate. Your prayers and financial generosity are vital to the task. YOU can make a major difference as we go wide to touch every nation and go deep to transform every nation.

Doug Carter
Senior Vice President

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