Tatiana Balaban, Moldova Speaks about ROM 2016

For many the 2016 ROM - Renewing Our Minds (ROM) Leadership and Reconciliation Gathering was a life transforming experience. Soon we will tell you more about its transformational impact upon the lives of young leaders from many countries. At this moment, however listen to what Tatiana Balaban from Moldova has to say about her ROM 2016 experience.

ROM Community Response Appeal Follow-up

Refugees at the Serbian - Hungarian border. Photo: Milos Nikolic

Dear Friends,

It is in a good way overwhelming and exciting to watch how this initiative that was born just over a week ago is growing fast and strong. The words of Jesus: "When I was hungry you gave me something to eat..." (Matthew 25:35) are becoming fulfilled through your actions of kindness and generosity. Many of you have at this time put aside a number of other important things to focus for a while on our action "ROM Community Refugee Response".

Since our first ROM Refugee Day of Action in Belgrade, Serbia is only one week away - Friday, 18th September, and since we are addressing the global community of our friends, and since time is of the essence, allow me to follow up on our appeal by sharing a few more hints that might be helpful as you are at this time planning to give or/and get involved:

1. For our friends in Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Romania, Serbia and Montenegro, and UK:

Please, check the names and contact details of your national coordinators, and contact them immediately to see how to pass on your donation to them. It is important that we complete the collection of funds and items in your countries by Tuesday afternoon, 15th September so that the timely transfer of donations may be organized. If you are planning to give a monetary donation remember that no amount is too small or too big. Give what you are able to give. I like the comments of some of you who told me: "ROM has given so much to me and now is the time for me to give something back".

Also, should we need to have a vehicle available to take a group of people or/and donated items from your country to Belgrade, let us and your country coordinators know as soon as possible if you can make your car and yourself available.

2. For our Friends in Other Countries:

The time was too short to organize national coordinators in your countries. We would like you to send your donation immediately, and no later than Tuesday, 15th September, directly to any of the accounts presented at the end of the appeal letter. Please mark it as "Golden Rule Project". If you would like to use some other method of sending us your donation please consult Mihaela Kovacs, Bojan Ruvarac or me first. It is important that the monetary donation you intend to give will reach us in Belgrade by Thursday, 17th September the latest.

3. Four our Friends in the US:

We are impressed and encouraged that since we launched our appeal yesterday among our friends in the US we have already been notified about the first group of donations. Please continue sending your donations by checks or electronically to The Antioch Partners as specified at the end of the appeal letter. Your checks need to be noted as "Forum - Project Golden Rule". Since time is of the essence please send us your donation immediately, or by Tuesday, September 15 the latest. Please also, notify any of our US coordinators by an independent email as soon as you have submitted your donation. 

4. For Those Planning to Come to Belgrade and Serve the Refugees on Friday, 18th September:

We are looking for a dedicated group of friends who are passionate about helping the refugees. If you are planning to come we would need to know you are coming by Monday night, 14th September, in order to organize an accommodation for you in timely manner. We are not able to receive the last minute registrations. If you are coming we are expecting you to arrive to Belgrade on Thursday afternoon, 17th September. As soon as we know who is coming and the exact number we will send you all other arrival and accommodation information.

5. Praying for the ROM Community Refugee Response action and the Day of Action in Belgrade:

Let us also give through prayer, and thus become a big prayer team. This is an important action and our contribution to the softening of the current refugee crisis in Europe that seems to be growing by each new day. Let us pray for a bigger picture too, that the Lord may move the hearts and minds of people of the European governments to find a suitable and humane solution for the hundreds of thousands unfortunate people who are seeking a safe place where they could build their new homes. Let us pray also that the witness of Jesus may shine through our action, however modest it might be if compared with the magnitude of the challenge. And, indeed let us pray for everyone who will come to Belgrade to serve, as well as for those who are already on the streets and in the fields of Serbia, Macedonia and Hungary helping the refugees in many ways.

May I also take this opportunity to thank EUS (IFES) Serbia; Samuil Petrovski, EUS Director, and ADRA Serbia for letting us do this action if partnership with them.

Finally, join our FB ROM Response Prayer Group and see our regular updates about the refugee situations in Serbia.

Love you all. May the Lord bless you abundantly.

Tihomir Kukolja

Renewing our Minds, Director

Forum for Leadership and Reconciliation, Executive Director

+1-281-515-3707

PS: Please visit often the following pages for timely updates too:

http://forumforleadership.blogspot.com/

https://www.facebook.com/forumforleadership

https://www.facebook.com/ambassadorsforbetterworld

ROM 2015 Photo Album

ROM 2015 Photo Album: Renewing Our Minds Gathering 2015 – ROM 2015, August 1 - 16, Fuzine, Croatia. Several outstanding features make this ROM stand out in a special way. The first one was the outstanding quality of the group. This was a very much engaging group. Our small groups demonstrated this well. Although small groups are given 1.30 hours a day on average to meet, they would all meet for two hours, even longer, eagerly discussing the daily themes and questions. The second outstanding feature was the high quality of speakers and engaging nature of presented materials from the very first day to the last. This summer almost 50% of our speaking corpus were ladies. The third outstanding feature was the quality of prayerful support witnessed every day at ROM 2015. A vibrant and sizable prayer group met every day at 7am, before all the other daily activities would start, to pray for the participants and the team, and all daily activities to follow. These few sentences and over 300 pictures presented here (out of 1600 photos) are only beginning to tell the story of ROM 2015. 

Economic Diplomacy and Integrity Forum Moves to Albania

Photos: Ona Eri 

The first EDI - Economic Diplomacy and Integrity Forumin Albania was a big success. Inspired by the long history of EDI Forum in Croatia and a more recent history of EDI seminars in Romania, EDI Albania went about creating a true movement of change. 

80 participants from business, economy, politics, education, law, engineering and other areas of Albanian society joined together to speak about principles of Jesus in business and economy, and how one could follow Jesus in the environment of widespread corruption.  The Forum took lasted for two and a half days in the Hotel Doro City, Tirana; from March 27^th through the 29^th.

The 2015 EDI Albania sought to encourage participants to follow Jesus closely in their businesses and professional lives. Erjona Kulla from Tirana directed EDI Albania in partnership with the Christian Young Entrepreneurs & Professionals Partnership for Integrity, ECPM – European Christian Political Movement, the Wilberforce Foundation, Sotmeria, NeJ Foundation, and the SGP Party of the Netherlands, as well as with Forum for Leadership and Reconciliation from USA.

Participants were encouraged by Jack Fallow, former CEO of UK Gas Force; Lars Rise, ex-MP of Norway; Maria van Oost, SGP General Secretary, and local speakers who gave professional advice and taught from the perspective of Jesus. Participants were eager to discuss the presentation in small groups and workshops. They discussed about how to follow Jesus outside the church walls - in their careers, politics and business. A follow-up meeting is planned for May 22, and then other follow-ups, one every three months.

Justin Kagin, EDI Forum Director

As We Move into the Summer 2014

Ahead of us are two leading Forum programs in Fuzine, Croatia, EDI – Economic Diplomacy and Integrity Forum, 13^th – 27^th July, and ROM – Renewing our Minds Leadership and Reconciliation Gathering, 2^nd – 17^th August, 2014. Let’s be refreshed with the vision and objectives of Forum, ROM and EDI.

Forum for Leadership and Reconciliation is about advancing the Kingdom of God through development of leaders with noble, reconciled and serving characters, in tune with the teachings of and example of the person of Jesus. Forum’s mission is pursued through intentional, holistic, transformative and relational education, training, mentorship and coaching, as well as through development of serving and caring communities, and networking through strategic partnerships. Our vision is about developing leaders transformed by the person of Jesus in a divided world, and our two main initiatives are ROM – Renewing Our Minds and EDI – Economic Diplomacy and Integrity Forum.

Renewing Our Minds (ROM), an international reconciliation and leadership development initiative, with its roots in Southeast Europe (Balkans), has become a worldwide mission. ROM advocates forgiveness, reconciliation, peacemaking, loving one’s neighbor as oneself, integrity and leadership of service. It teaches young leaders how to embrace others and develop lasting friendships despite their religious, national and ethnic differences.  ROM is a mission that challenges paradigms and assumptions, refines the character of young leaders according to the teachings and example of the person of Jesus. For hundreds of young participants from 50 countries ROM has been life defining and life changing. Many alumni have emerged as leaders of influence, and are today making a difference in the political, social, humanitarian and religious arenas of their countries. A vision of ROM is about building communities through transformative leadership.

Economic Diplomacy and Integrity Forum (EDI) is built upon the leadership and peace-building principles of ROM to support the development of young professionals and students in the areas of economics, business and politics. EDI Forum believes that the best way to fight against corruption, greed and unhealthy rivalry between and within nations is to establish an economic and political community informed by the principles and character of Jesus.

Visit this place often during the summer months of 2014 for fresh updates about the progress of EDI in July and ROM in August. More to follow beyond the 2014 summer months.

Forum Video Update March 2014

ROM – Renewing Our Minds initiative is going strong after 15 years of its service to the young leaders of the Balkan region and the world. So are its sister initiative EDI – Economic Diplomacy and Integrity Forum, and our governing organization Forum for Leadership and Reconciliation. Together, for the year 2014 we have planned seven key projects that focus on reconciliation, peace building, and leadership development and mentoring – all of them firmly grounded in the teachings and example of the person of Jesus. Watch this video update to learn more.

Transformational Leadership Seminar in Romania

Photo: Participants attending EDI Transylvania Seminar in Sigishoara, Romania



Economic Diplomacy and Integrity Forum (EDI) is expanding its work and influence under the leadership of Justin Kagin, EDI Director. Mihaela Kovacs, the Forum for Leadership and Reconciliation Representative for Romania is also the Project Director of a new EDI project, EDI Seminar Transylvania that took place last weekend (October 11-13, 2013) in Sigishoara, Romania. EDI Seminar in Romania focused on the themes of transformational leadership in business and politics rooted in the person of Jesus. In this interview Mihaela Kovacs highlights the reasons that made this first EDI seminar in Romania into a very successful project and a blessing to more than 60 participants attending the event. Time: 8.45 min.

MUCH MORE THAN A CONFERENCE

Renewing Our Minds 2013 Gathering in Fuzine, Croatia finished a couple of days ago with the 2013 Southeast European summit of regional representatives. We now begin with the season of reporting on the powerful month of July in Fuzine, with the focus on the two-week long 2013 ROM Gathering of young leaders from 15 countries. This first report was released yesterday by Brett McMichael:                                       

We just finished an intensive two-week peace, reconciliation and leadership conference with young adults from all over the Balkan region.  The conference is called ROM for short or Renewing Our Minds.  We learned about conflict resolution and questioned aspects of our identities.  Looking beyond just our ethnic and national identities, we considered our unique identities as creations of God.  Indeed the principles of Jesus were at the center of all we learned about and did.  So when we dealt with difficult issues such as wars in the region and forgiving those who have harmed us, we saw Jesus as our example to follow.

We also addressed such challenging issues as human trafficking, poverty, racial and gender discrimination, and organized crime. Realizing that we are all equipped with gifts from God to serve others, we were called to action to prevent or at least alleviate the suffering caused by the issues mentioned above.  I spoke to the participants about the Biblical mandate to serve the hungry, sick, orphaned, imprisoned and refugees for example.  Jesus teaches that when we help “the least of these” we are serving Jesus himself. We had plenty of fun too, such as trips to the beach, team building games, hikes in the mountains and songs around the camp fire.  

In addition to peace building the ROM conference also focused on leadership development.  We want these young adults attending ROM Gathering 2013 to assume leadership positions in various fields (political, economic, educational, social etc.) in their respective countries. However it is not just enough to learn leadership skills without having the proper character. Thus being a leader of integrity who is transparent and trustworthy is just as important as having great communication skills.  Again we looked at Jesus as a role model, but also looked at the lives of Abraham Lincoln, Mother Theresa, Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr and William Willberforce. The key is to be a servant leader - one who is humble, but not self-degrading.

Renewing Our Minds is much more than a conference.  Strong, often life-long friendships are forged that transcend national, ethnic, religious, class and other boundaries that divide us.  I am blessed by many friends I have made from previous ROMs and am happy to have gained even more from this year's ROM conference. Now I am relaxing for a couple of days before I serve at another event: a camp for orphans from Bosnia-Herzegovina.  Blessings to all of you.

Brett McMichael, Forum for Leadership and Reconciliation, Executive member

OUR FOCUS AT THIS TIME

Renewing our Minds (ROM) initiative is an international movement of young leaders, with the roots in Southeast Europe (Balkans), that teaches young leaders how to embrace each other and develop lasting friendships despite their religious, national and ethnic differences. For the past fourteen years ROM has been encouraging young Balkan leaders to adopt a new paradigm – one of forgiveness, reconciliation, peacemaking, humanity created in the image of God, loving one’s neighbor as oneself, and leadership of integrity

There are four areas of a continuing strength and vibrancy of the Renewing Our Minds initiative. ROM is foremost a mission that challenges paradigms and assumptions, and refines the characters of young leaders. Then, it is a place where forgiveness and reconciliation are demonstrated realities. Moreover, ROM is a community in progress where loving one’s neighbor and leadership of serving are taught and practiced. Furthermore, it is the environment where all teaching ingredients are anchored in the teachings, example and following of the person of Jesus. All of those together form the life defining impact of the ROM mission.

Our focus at this time is on the 2013 Renewing Our Minds Gathering, a two-week leadership and reconciliation seminar in Fuzine, Croatia, 13^th – 28^th July, 2013. A selected group of fifty young leaders, from 15 countries, representing diverse religious and ethnic backgrounds will attend. Objective: To teach young leaders about forgiveness, reconciliation, understanding of the current issues, and leadership of integrity and service by exposing them to the teachings of Jesus.

Will you partner with us by helping our mission today? Please donate by clicking on the “Donate Now” button. Fill out the form completely. IMPORTANT: On the form under “Please direct my donation to:” select “Project Support”, and under “Select project of your choice” select “Forum for Leadership and Reconciliation”. Thank You!

Meet the FLR Team – Neil and Linda Quist

Neil and Linda Quist from Seattle WA have over the years developed a sincere and profound friendship with the Balkan countries. Neil Quist, who is a board member of the Board of Directors for Forum for Leadership and Reconciliation (FLR), and Linda Quist, Balkan Task Force and Executive Team member of Forum for Leadership and Reconciliation, Seattle WA, explain the reasons for their ongoing and lasting involvement with and commitment to the vision and mission of the Renewing Our Minds (ROM) initiative and the new organization Forum for Leadership and Reconciliation (FLR). Listen also to the webcast Dare to Be the Difference featuring Neil and Linda Quist, Ambassadors of Peace in a Divide World. 

THIS TRIP WAS CRAZY

Photo: Martha S. Weiss, Minela Pervanovic, Bonnie Ray, Adelina Beqiri-Minci and Mihaela Kovacs visiting the main mosque in Prizren, Kosovo.

Martha S. Weiss from Seattle WA, USA wrote this report covering her ROM 2012 Trial of Friendship Southeast Europe one day after a month long Balkan trip was over. Martha was a member of the traveling team of seven who visited Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Bosnia – Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia, Albania and Montenegro in July 2012.

It has been a long, excellent time away from home but just about this time on every trip I'm ready to be home.  Ready to see my family and friends, ready to sleep in my own bed and ready for the life I have in the Seattle area.  

Our ROM - Trail of Friendship journey is officially over. Our last day as a team was yesterday as half of the team headed back to their homes in the US, Serbia and Bosnia - Herzegovina. The four of us will have a debriefing day tomorrow and then I leave on Saturday.  

I have been without Internet or without time but tonight I'm in the ROM office of Hope House in Fuzine, Croatia with internet and time. This is the place where ROM has taken place the past 13 years. It is a very special place. A beautiful, quaint village with a beautiful lake to walk around or boat on. Hope House is a yellow, huge, concrete, renovated building built on a hill above the village. It doesn't sound charming but it is. It's very special being here because the building has been sold so we don't know if ROM will ever be here again, so it's a sentimental visit as well. 

The final part of our trip - following Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo - included Macedonia, Albania and Montenegro.  We went to the cities of Tetovo, Skopje, Ohrid, Tirana, Kotor, Niskisc, Podgorica and lastly Zagreb where our team said good bye. I have to say we had a great team. I was the oldest, of course, four were the same ages as my kids and the other two mid 30's and 50's. We all got along so well, a few little bumps but all in all a great group that complimented each one. We survived long van trips, the 12 hour trip across the Montenegrin mountains, arriving several times into cities way pass midnight and windy, scary roads all with out complaining.  

This trip was crazy.... nothing like I thought it was going to be. The cities, towns, villages were so much prettier than I ever thought. The hills, mountains, countrysides were breathtaking. Meeting with ROM mates was inspirational and encouraging. The stories of how ROM effected their lives, made them the persons they are today or changed them were enlightening and I'm so glad I could hear the stories, travel to nine countries and experience the difference ROM is making.  This trip was also crazy because people were so generous. We were treated to a quaint hotel in the center of Tirana, and a beautiful hotel in Tetovo. Had a special tour up to the hills of Macedonia to a sheep farm and ate homemade cheeses. We had coffee at the Mayors personal summer home on the top of the hill overlooking the city of Tirana. Met with the Mayor and other government officials in other cities along the way. Toured royal palaces. I never expected that and I definitely didn't bring the right clothes for all those meetings.   

Through it all our second to the last day I think was our most memorable. It was the saddest, most moving day for us all. I'm still not sure why were we there for this day nor am I sure what to do with it.  

The ROM mate we came to visit in Podgorica is Sinisa.  Sinisa went to ROM 2005, 2006 and a couple more. Today he is the one person who works with the refugees from Kosovo located in Podgorica, Montenegro.  I can't tell you how many hundreds of people live in these two camps but I can tell you the camps are nothing more than cardboard and wood rooms.  Every once in a while there will be a building or two built by other organizations but all in all it is pure poverty. The housing is something like I saw in the slums of Nairobi. 

The number could be in the thousands and there are two camps. The people who live here fled for their lives from Kosovo in 1992 and even though the Montenegrin government allowed them to come here they seem to have nothing to do with them. The people are Albanian and most of them are Albanian gypsies or Roma people.

The day we were to go to the camp was the day a fire started at 5:30 am. I remember hearing sirens but by the time the fire truck(s) came 90% of the largest of the two camps was burnt to the ground.  Clearly our day with Sinisa was changed.  At noon we drove to the camp. It was very uncomfortable to be there, not knowing what to do, if anything.  It was so sad, people, mostly children were going through the smoldering heaps. To make matters seemingly worse it began to rain and not Seattle rain, a downpour, the first rain in months.  

We eventually ended up at the other camp in a building with one room. This was a church building. Took off our shoes, sat on the furniture this room had while other refugees joined us in a special church service.  I couldn't understand 90% of it but I didn't have to understand I knew these people were pouring out their hearts to God. Sinisa and two other refugees led the singing while others prayed, sang and cried.  By the end of our time the room was packed with 30 - 40 people.  

There was some interpretation during the meeting. I know three of the people there were from the other camp and lost everything they had. One man will be housing in his one room an additional 8 people. It is his wife's uncle and family.  Already in his one room lives 6 people but he says he will do it because God loves him and he will show that love to others.  He doesn't know where the money will come to buy food but he is trusting God. Trusting God, loving God, serving God was what was on their hearts. Sadness, grief and sorrow too but not, "Why?" Not, "Where are you God?" Their faith was inspirational. 

Every trip is life changing, and this one especially.

Martha S. Weiss, Chairwoman, Forum for Leadership and Reconciliation

WELCOME TO ROM REGATHERING OF FRIENDS 2012

Photo: 

Last ROM Regathering of Friends in Ohrid, Macedonia in the autumn of 2006

Dear Family of Friends,

It is with great joy that we invite you to attend the ROM REGATHERING OF FRIENDS 2012 in Ohrid, Naselba Sveti Stefan Macedonia at Hotel Klimetica , 26th September to 1st October 2012.

ROM REGATHERING OF FRIENDS will take place in Ohrid, one of the most historic, picturesque and pleasant towns of Macedonia, next to the Lake Ohrid. The Regathering will start with the afternoon registration and dinner on Wednesday, 26th September, and close with breakfast on Monday morning, 1st October 2012.

If you have not received the letter of invitation and registration form please let us know ASAP by writing to forumforleadership@gmail.com. Please read the entire letter of invitation and registration form coming to you by email.

To help us get everything organized and on time we would ask you to send us the completed form as soon as possible, and no later than Monday, 20th August 2012. If you have any questions concerning the cost, or if you are able to attend only for a part of the Regathering, or if you have any other questions please let us know as soon as possible.

Send your completed REGATHERING REGISTRATION FORM to forumforleadership@gmail.com by 20th August 2012, or earlier.

The leadership team of Forum for Leadership and Reconciliation is looking forward to receiving your registration and seeing you in Ohrid this September.

Love and blessings.

Tihomir Kukolja

Renewing Our Minds, Director

Forum for Leadership and Reconciliation, Executive Director

+1-281-515-3707

Facebook - Let us know that you are coming

EDI Forum This Summer

Economic Diplomacy and Integrity (EDI) is a new initiative designed to support the development of young professionals and students in the areas of economics, business and politics which are based in the life and teachings of Jesus. EDI Forum 2012 will take place in Fuzine, Croatia, 31^st July – 11^th August, 2012. A similar seminar took place in Fuzine, Croatia, in the summer of 2011. Watch this video.

Introducing ROM - Renewing Our Minds

Since 1999, ROM has been encouraging young leaders in Southeast Europe and around the world to adopt a new paradigm – one of forgiveness, reconciliation, peacemaking and humanity, shaped in the image of God. ROM is an intentional community where loving one’s neighbor, and leadership with integrity and service are taught and practiced, and where all teaching is rooted in the person of Jesus Christ. Many who have attended ROM in the past have become leaders of influence in their own countries, or have founded new socially transformative movements and organizations.

ROM is designed as a two or three week transformational gathering to which young leaders from the polarized Balkan region are invited to learn to accept each other and develop lasting friendships, despite their religious, national and ethnic differences. Participants attending ROM often say that a time spent in an intentional community of diverse people, often previously considered enemies, is a life-defining experience. ROM has become a meeting place appreciated by Orthodox Christians, Catholics, Protestants, Muslims, agnostics and atheists. To date, hundreds of young leaders from over 50 countries have attended ROM gathering. That has inspired the creation of numerous other movements, NGOs, organizations and socially transformative groups.

In 2012, the Forum for Leadership and Reconciliation, in partnership with Life Center International, Croatia, is planning the 13^th international ROM Gathering in Fuzine, Croatia.  It is expected that about sixty young leaders from up to 20 countries will take part in a two-week journey of learning and empowerment to become effective leaders equipped to forgive, lead in the process of reconciliation, and make a difference in their communities through sacrificial service and example. The ROM Gathering 2012 has a two-fold purpose: to help build a reconciled, transformed and connected community of leaders with integrity in Southeast Europe, and to mentor young leaders beyond the Balkans in setting new leadership and reconciliation initiatives in other parts of the world. A group of twenty experienced facilitators and speakers will lead the gathering.

Since 1999, ROM’s home has been in Fuzine, Croatia, a charming and friendly town, situated among the mountain peaks, lakes, caves and breathtaking forests of Gorski Kotar, only a short distance from the Adriatic Coast. The Gorski Kotar Region in Croatia has a history of advancing peace and reconciliation. During the wars of the 1990s, Gorski Kotar was the only region in Croatia populated by Croats and Serbs, that was spared the conflict thanks to the deliberate effort of local leaders on both sides to keep the peace and maintain good relationships between the two communities.

Renewing Our Minds 2012 Gathering will take place in Fuzine, Croatia, July 14 – July 29, 2012.

About the Forum for Leadership and Reconciliation

Building Communities Through Transformative Leadership

“Do not conform any longer to the patter of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.“ Romans 12:1.2.

Can a genuine, transforming and long lasting reconciliation take place around the person of Jesus between young leaders from diverse, even opposing ethnic, racial and religious groups? After thirteen years, the Renewing Our Minds ministry has proved that it definitely can.

It All Started in the Balkans in 1999

It all started in 1999 in the picturesque township of Fuzine, in the mountains of Gorski Kotar, at a time when the wounds inflicted by a decade of conflict in the region of former Yugoslavia were still fresh and hurting. A group of young adults involved in the humanitarian and healing ministry of Life Center International (LCI), a faith-based non-governmental organization in Croatia started the international Renewing Our Minds (ROM) initiative.

Over the years the transformative impact of ROM has gone beyond Southeast Europe, and has reached the Middle East, the African continent, the former Soviet Union, the EU, the USA and beyond. Through ROM hundreds of young lives, from over fifty countries, have been directly impacted.  Many ROM alumni have emerged as leaders and are today making a difference in the political, social, humanitarian and religious arenas of their countries.

A number of projects have resulted from ROM, as attendees who have been inspired by its vision, have given it a fresh meaning and application through their own initiatives. One such project is the Economic Diplomacy Seminar (EDS), an annual conference that applies the principles of Jesus to the fields of business, economics and politics. EDS is in its sixth year and has impacted the world of business in the Balkan region and beyond.

ROM and EDS Go To a New Level in 2012

ROM and EDS together formed a new umbrella organization, the Forum for Leadership and Reconciliation (FLR). Formed in November 2011 in the US, FRL is now poised to take the Renewing Our Minds (ROM) and Economic Diplomacy Seminar EDS, now called Economic Diplomacy and Integrity (EDI) to a new level.

FLR builds on the vision of ROM and EDI, to advance the Kingdom of God by nurturing international leaders of noble, forgiving, reconciled and serving hearts, in tune with the person of Jesus. FLR will pursue this mission through holistic, transformative and relational education, training and mentorship; as well as the advancement of caring and serving communities. We believe that God, who has embraced the entire human family in Jesus Christ on the cross, is likewise commissioning his followers to embrace their fellow men and women, friends and enemies across ethnic, national, racial, geographical, cultural, religious and political divides.

This year, the FLR Board of Directors and Executive Team are focused on establishing a firm and sustainable foundation for future growth, and on three key international events that would bring together up to 200 young leaders from 20 countries in the Balkans and around the world. These events are Renewing Our Minds Gathering 2012 in Fuzine, Croatia, July 14 – 29; Economic Diplomacy and Integrity Forum 2012 in Fuzine, Croatia, August 5 – 19; and the ROM 2012 Reunion in Macedonia, September 27 – October 1, 2012.

Tihomir Kukolja

Forum for Leadership and Reconciliation, Executive Director

Renewing Our Minds, Director