The annual meetings of YWAM’s Africa Leadership Team began today in Bamako, Mali. Eighteen leaders from around the continent have flown into West Africa over the last couple of days, gathering at a retreat centre just outside the capital. The centre lies on the banks of the River Niger, and provides a peaceful venue for the many hours the team will spend in discussion and prayer over the coming five days.

Kobus van Niekerk, the YWAM Africa Director, began the meetings with a short devotional about the unfathomable nature of God, based on Romans 11:33-36, and the importance of not limiting God to our set ways of thinking.

Reflections by the river Niger

A central theme of the 2009 meeting of YWAM’s Global Leadership Team was the need for senior leaders to move from purely structural leadership and management to more of an eldership role. Kobus explained that the ALT will grapple with this issue over the coming days, encouraging the team not to box the unfathomable God in, nor to think of their own roles in one set way. Please pray for the team as they continue to discuss this subject.

Much of the afternoon was spent in working groups and in detailed discussion about legal requirements leaders need to be aware of.

The ALT also split into small groups for a time of personal feedback on 2009 and prayer. After a time of honesty and vulnerability it was evident that, for many people, 2009 was a very difficult year, with many challenges and stresses: financial, relational and health-wise. Please remember to pray frequently for our leaders. They carry great responsibilities and burdens and need ongoing refreshment and restoration.

Tim Heathcote

Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5