TODAY’S STUDENTS MAKE ME CONFIDENT OF TOMORROW…
For some 10 years now I have had the privilege of being a key note speaker in an amazing event called Student Leadership University (www.studentleadership.net). My friend Jay Strack started it some 14 years ago and has equipped the lives of thousands of young people who are leaders of both tomorrow…AND TODAY.
The process starts in Orlando in year one when the students gather in Orlando to learn the base of leadership in off-the-chart creative means such as experiencing behind the scenes of Universal, and staying over night in the shark tunnel of . There they learn how to deal with the sharks (difficult and attacking people of life). In addition they learn how they are wired tempermentally and what that means as they deal with people wired the same way as they are, as well as those who don’t.
In the second year they go to Washington DC where I have the privilege of challenging these amazing young leaders in “Leading From the Inside Out” and–something I really love–speaking on the Christian heritage of our nation. And what an honor to do that in our nation’s capital. What a back drop for showing these great young leaders the rich foundation from which they have come! And during the week in Washington these young leaders meet Congressional leaders, national Christian leaders, and thought leaders of America. Amazingly they see the amazing sights of Washington DC, and its amazing monuments from a totally new perspective. The hand print of God on this nation’s foundation begins to take shape in their heart and soul. The prices our forefathers paid becomes appreciated in a fresh and deep ways, like never before.
And as I watch these oung men and women, dressed as if they were going to a major job interview, I see the hope of tomorrow. They are deep thinkers, wanting to understand the principles that make for both an effective and powerful life and a free and powerful country. Their questions deal with the core moral issues of our world. Easy answers are not what they desir…but substance and truth.
It is an honor to be associated with them, and to have the privilege of encouraging them in their journey to be everuthing God wants them to be. I feel confident they will make their total life one of impact. And that is one of the reasons Cheryl and I named our ministry Total Life Impact.
July 18th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
You’re an amazing speaker, and a great encouragement, and I’m sure the 500 some people at SLU 201 week 2 thought so also. You were one of my favorite speakers, thankyou for spending your valuable time on us, I surely appreciate it
July 20th, 2008 at 8:10 pm
Bob,
First of all I want you to know it was an honor to be under your leadership training this past week in Washington DC. I fill I am allowing God to use me more due to some quotes, your personal story, and life tools you shared. Two things that keep coming to mind and to my heart are, “God loves you just where you are, but He loves you to much to keep you there,” and “everybody is a somebody.” These two statements have changed me and challenged me deeply with my walk. I am excited to see the journey God will lead me if I make myself available.
So, thank you for coming to Washington and sharing your story and your skills to give a 32 year old Texas gal a charge to get serious with God, know scripture, share my story, and be more of a leader in my area of influence. It was an honor to eat dinner with you at the head table the first night too. I enjoyed watching you interact with us.
Pray for me, pray for clarity. I am ready.
Kara Prater
July 21st, 2008 at 10:07 am
Ryan and Kara
One of the highlights of my year is speaking for Student Leadership University. I LOVE IT! You guys are a ball to share the experience with. And it is an honor to speak on the Christian Heritage of our nation and Leading From the Inside Out.
Thank you for taking time to be an encouragement to me…and to share the Washington DC experience with me. I trust that it will make an ongoing difference in your life as you get back home and into the settled routines of daily living.
Remember OUR DECISIONS LEAD TO OUR DESTINIES!
July 22nd, 2008 at 7:38 pm
Dear Bob,
Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to spend time with the students at SLU 201! I loved your story and it really inspired me. I keep thinking that God can use anyone, and he is just waiting on me to answer his call. SLU changed my life in a dramatic way!! It opened up so many doors in my life, and gave me the confidence I needed! I am so blessed that you were apart of 201 experience, and I can’t wait to see how God is going to use me!
Thanks,
Brittany
July 22nd, 2008 at 7:48 pm
Brittany
I can’t wait to hear about what God does in your life! Please let me know. You hit the nail square on the head…what He is waiting for is for us to answer His call. As wel talked aobut there, if it first a call to Himself for a personal ongoing relationship through Christ. And then it is a call to an incredible journey as to where He will plant us to be used by Him to impact the world.
Thanks for letting me be a part of your SLU Washington DC experience. It was a blast. And be sure to circle around and let me know what God is doing!
July 26th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
Thank you so much for speaking at SLU 201! You are a real inspriation.
I am only 15 but have experienced many troubles in life. My mother was drug addicted and unwed when she became pregnant with me and my brother. Until the age of 5 I lived with her and learned to cook (microwave) and clean for myself and my brother. At the age of 5 we were removed from the home and placed in a foster home. This new house had 10 kids and abusive parents. We were in this home for 3 and a half years before we were placed back with our mother. She no longer did drugs but she drank often and relyed on various boyfriends. Less than a year later we were removed from the home when she was given the choice to keep a petifile boyfriend or us. We were placed with our grandparents for a week and then with our aunt and uncle. We have been with them for 5 years now and I am just now facing several of the fears I picked up over the years. My aunt and uncle introduced me to Christ and I am learning more and more that he was always with me. Your story reminded me that I can not live in my past, I must grab my future. Thank you for glorifying God through telling your work. Please pray for me as I continue to search out the future God has for me. I know that with Him on my side I can not lose.
July 26th, 2008 at 7:58 pm
Rosie
What a brave young lady you must be! I am amazed by your resiliance and strength. God has given you great capacity to help so many out of the hurt through which you have walked. Read the first few verses of 2 Corinthians 1 and see that God comforts us in our pain…so that we in turn might comfort others. He doesn’t waste anything.
I pray that God blesses you every step of the way and goes before you and behind you. Hold to Isaiah 43: 1-3 and let me know if I can be of any further encouragement to you along the way.
God bless you Rosie!!!!
July 27th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Thanks! Those verses in Isaiah are my favorite verses I have had them memorized for 3 years now! I need some prayer support right now please. My uncle and I are planning on going on a mission trip to Haiti next summer and can’t wait to see how God will use us. However money is really tight right now and we have to raise $3,000. I know that God will provide, but he loves it when we ask for help! Thanks for all your prayers!