Leadership

Haiti is benefiting from some good national leadership lately.  The president and his prime minister have created a positive atmosphere nationwide.  The big road being built through our area is proof of his 'make it happen' style of leadership.  Schools opened today all over Haiti.  For the last three years the date has been pushed back to October.  This year the president and his team said that there will be no pushing of the date.  It's a big step.  Haitian students are already behind much of the world.  An extra month of vacation doesn't help them catch up to anyone.  

Our church had a two-day seminar on leadership on Friday and Saturday.  Our church council currently has five members.  Two were present for the training.  That's typical Haitian leadership.  People here are eager to occupy that place of leadership, but seldom willing to sacrifice in love and humility...things you need to practice in order to really lead progress.

The seminar was positive.  The pastor defined good leadership.  The problem is that many present are FUTURE leaders.  And much of what we learned together will be used to criticize and weaken the current leaders.  

I've often told people here (and I repeated it at the seminar) that those who never learn to submit with their whole heart to the leadership of others will never be good leaders.  You can't lead without having been a good follower at some point.  
ASAPH soccer tournaments are very much about leadership.  Young men are placed in a hierarchy that requires respect for those both above and below.  It's one way to train people into recognizing and practicing good leadership.  


One interesting point in our pastor's presentation was this:  A mediocre leader repeats truths he has heard; a good leader explains those truths; a super leader demonstrates those truths; and a wonderful leader inspires followers to practice those same truths.  Here's to wonderful leadership in Haiti!  And the USA!