LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE ICMC 2001 TORONTO: "PASSING THE TORCH. "

By Jarrett Odwallo

Jarrett Odwallo and Jane Adhiambo, the leaders of the campus ministry in Nairobi

The Kingdom of God has the highest standards possible and this was made very clear to me during the entire Conference. Fellowships began 2 hours before the actual service. The opening prayers were so powerful and real. Speakers were introduced and appropriately honored. The songs were varied and very uplifting. The entertainment was excellent and the messages were powerfully preached with a demonstration of the Spirit's power. All the disciples "gave their all"!

The discipling groups were especially sobering. Everyone freely opened up and shared their struggles. Though we all came from different parts of the world I practically saw myself in nearly everything others shared and got so much help from the brothers. "1 Peter 5:9.... Because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of suffering ". My own pride was exposed, my lack of imitation, insecurities and independence.

The theme of the Conference was powerfully made clear. God's leadership is trained and ordained. Jon Augustine was blunt in his message 'You are in sin if you are not raising up leaders to take up your place as you rise up." I saw my lack of faith in discipling people to rise up. I had become very content with my low standards. Particularly encouraging were all the great things that God was doing all over the world and to see the disciples that God was using in doing all these. From the great church plantings in Siberia Russia to the ` " Under the Big Tree bible talks" in Central Africa. I am very grateful to all the organizers of the Conference, to all the disciples of Toronto church of Christ. Special thanks to the leaders of Nairobi Christian church for giving me the opportunity to attend the Conference. My eyes were truly opened to the inexpressible and glorious joy of God's modern day movement.