In a culture saturated with global leaders I was reminded of a leadesrhip principle foundational at its core.  Leadesrhip is influence.  But our conversation this morning with Ron Jones from Immanueal Baptist Bible in Springfield, VA peeled back the layers of this seemingly simple leadership anchor.  As we were talking about what it's like to lead global leaders Ron cut right to the heart of the issue and reminded us that regardless of who we lead, "It takes time to build trust and confidence.  When we make tough decisions on weak relationships we get in trouble."  Leadership is influence.  Influence is relationship.  And relationship is trust.  We had a blast learning from Ron Jones this morning!

Bethany Hoang (from IJM) and her husband Anthony opened up their home and invited us to dinner tonight.  We've turned their peaceful home into the Hoang Hostel...and we've been treated like kings!  If you want to see a couple pouring out their lives for the sake of Christ and His Bride around the world look no further, Bethany and Anthony are amazing.  Tomorrow morning Justin and I are headed to spend the morning with Bethany and her team at IJM.

PICTURES (from yesterday & today with a shot of my favorite place in Washington D.C.! :))
(TOP, L-R: Lincoln Memorial, with Joshua Symonette. BOTTOM, L-R: Ron Jones, Bethany & Anthony Hoang)

More soon from the Catalyst National Tour in Washington D.C.!