OPEN Networks Announces 2007 Meetings in Bangkok and Istanbul
Over the past few weeks I've been exchanging some emails with Patrick Lai of the OPEN Network (recently featured as one of the 22 Business as Mission Catalysts to Watch in 2007).For those of you are not familiar with the OPEN Network, it is a group of about 85 active business as mission or tentmaking practitioners living in the 10/40 window. Most are business owners or are a part of a team that owns a business. According to Patrick, maybe 30% work for an expat or national firm. All have strong evangelism or discipleship or church planting objectives.
The thing that I find most refreshing about the network is its commitment to the practicals. They are very intentional about not getting caught up on the definitions, rather they are intent on discussing how to grow their businesses, it's ministry, and growing as individuals so that "God might be lifted up in and through it all".
One of the key ways that the network is able to stay together is through regular "huddles" meetings. In 2007 there will be 2 OPEN Huddles this year. One in Bangkok, May 24-27, and one in Istanbul, November 8-11.
The strength of the network is that they are all practitioners. It’s a unique fellowship, peer to peer mentoring. No matter they are on the path each person in the network is committed to helping the guy who’s a step behind. They are able to do that because they can relate in a way that few other people can.
I've included some additional information on their meetings below. If you are a practitioner on the front lines of business as mission, I really would encourage you to check out the site and these events.
OPEN Huddle Bangkok, May 24-27
Speakers: Jim Frost an experienced trainer of leaders (including Dick Scoggins), will be teaching on Leading Leaders or Total Leadership. Patrick Lai, small business owner in SE Asia will be bringing the devotions, based out of Nehemiah and sharing his experiences of over 20 years leading businesses and planting churches.
OPEN Huddle Istanbul, November 8-11
Speakers: Dick Scoggins will be teaching on “House Church Planting.” Bill Job, a medium sized business owner in China will be bring the devotions sharing on his experiences of 20 years as a tentmaker. At both Huddles there will be the usual break out groups focusing on our various businesses and how we can network better.
To register for a Huddle, please reply to this email or go to the OPEN website, http://www.opennetworkers.org/
Labels: Business as Mission News and Notes, Events and Conferences
