Forum Newsletter May 2017

Dear Friends,

As we are fast approaching the summer of 2017 we would like to share a quick reflection on the work of Forum for Leadership and Reconciliation (Forum) at this time.

The work of Forum embraces the governing of the three amazing leadership ministries with global impact, yet anchored in Southeast Europe (Balkans):

ROM – Renewing Our Minds reconciliation and leadership ministry was born in 1999 in Fužine, a picturesque and welcoming village in Croatia, with the vision and mission to help build a new generation of leaders across all lines of division – ethnic, racial, political and religious; and all of it on the platform of the teachings and example of the person of Jesus. Many ROM alumni have emerged as leaders of influence, and are today making a difference in the political, social, humanitarian and religious arenas of their countries. Our vision and mission continues to grow strong - “Developing Ambassadors for a Better World”.

We are less than three months away (August) from our next, two week long international ROM - Renewing Our Minds Leadership and Reconciliation Gathering to be held in Fuzine, Croatia. We are expecting 60 young and selected leaders from at least 15 countries to take part in the ROM 2017 Gathering.

EDI – Economic Diplomacy and Integrity Forum, a powerful leadership ministry for change built upon the vision of ROM, continues to bring together young professionals whose mission is to serve their countries as business people, economists and politicians. Since 2006 EDI has been instrumental in inspiring the birth of several national EDI initiatives in countries like Romania, Albania, Costa Rica and Serbia.

We are only two months away from the next annual EDI – Economic Diplomacy and Integrity Forum planned for two weeks in Fuzine, Croatia at the end of July. We believe that the best way to fight against unhealthy rivalry among and within nations is by pursuing an economic and political community inspired by Jesus’ life and based on His principles. We are expecting 40 young, promising leaders from at least 10 countries to attend EDI 2017 in Croatia.

Golden Rule Project, a more recent project was born with a vision of becoming a practical expression of service of Forum, that embraces the communities of ROM and EDI into visible demonstrations of love and service to various groups of people in need. Since 2015 our focus has been on serving refugees passing through or staying in the Balkans. In 2017 we will continue to serve a group of Iranian Refugees who left their country due to religious persecution. The words of Jesus, “Whatever you did for the least of those, you did for me” are the guiding principles behind the Golden Rule project.

Our Forum ministry, and our ROM, EDI and Golden Rule programs are becoming more precious and needed than ever, at this time of increasing global distress, international tensions, and growing atmosphere of hatred and conflicts. How we wish we were able to do more, or encourage others to do more in peace making by multiplying the practical means of service, training and mentoring? But all of it calls for funds that we do not have, and frankly, it is becoming increasingly more challenging to secure the financial support we need.

With your support however, we will be able to equip at least one hundred young leaders with a new, Jesus centered vision of leadership and peace making. Please, follow the instructions provided in the sidebar and in our online edition of the latest newsletter. If unclear, or if you would like to know more fell free to contact us and we will gladly to respond to you.

As you give this time we would like you to see our need in the light of our rich history almost twenty years old, and always about lifting up the name of Jesus. This long history of service and education has been proven by success, supported by the prayers of many, and made possible only through the sacrificial donations and gifts given by people like you.

And let us remember that the main fruit of our labor are the hundreds of seasoned leaders who are at this time making a profound difference in many countries of the world.

Thank you for your love, partnership and giving.

Tihomir Kukolja, Forum for Leadership and Reconciliation, Executive Director

                                                                                                         

Video: The Prayer of St. Francis

Zachary Schmidt sends his video greeting from Spain to the participants attending the 2016 Regathering in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, and shares his song “The Prayer of St. Francis”. Zachary Schmidt is a talented American artist who served for many years in the leadership teams of the Renewing Our Minds (ROM) and Economic Diplomacy and Integrity (EDI) programs.

Refugees are not Terrorists

This was the first update I sent to a group of friends and partners immediately following the three days of humanitarian action for the Syrian and other refugees in Serbia, organized by the ROM Community Refugee Response team, in partnership with EUS Serbia (IFES Serbia) one week ago. At the time of writing of this update, which was written in one breath, I was flying from Belgrade back to Houston. This was on Tuesday, Sept 22, 2015.

Dear Friends,

For us who came to Serbia to serve the refugees those were three days charged with emotions and dedication. Initially we planned only one day of action, but we had enough material and funds to keep on serving the refugees for three days, first at the Hungarian border and than close the Croatian border near Šid. The later was more powerful because we were serving the incoming rivers of hungry refugees, who were arriving in waves, in one bus after another from the Hungarian border and even more from the Macedonian border. As the buses would arrive the refugees would immediately start walking towards the Croatian border, with only a short stop to pick up whatever they needed to continue on.

My current and rough estimate tells me that in three days we were able to help, one way or another, between 1500 to 2000 refugees. We even used our cars to take up to 100 children and their mothers, and some people who had serious difficulties walking or serious medical problems, and help them with the final two kilometers leading to the very border with Croatia. For all of us in the group this was powerful, moving and overwhelming experience, and we were all filled with inner satisfaction that we were at that time there where we were needed the most.

Soon following the opening of the Croatian border for the refugees, media announced that Croatia closed its border for any incoming traffic from Serbia. While this was true for the official border crossings for a few days, the factual truth is that the border has never become closed for the refugees. Thousands upon thousands of refugees have been streaming across the border from Serbia into Croatia since last Tuesday, without stopping.

At the Hungarian Border near Horgos

The other thing about media is that they tend to focus on the negative side of any unveiling story. The stereotype is that the refugees look like a wild crowd of people who do not respect their surrounding, throw garbage everywhere, often cause problems, and are ready to riot when not let further. Often media are deliberate in presenting them as a nuisance, a future trouble for Europe; even future terrorists.

But what we experienced was something different. The refugees are mostly young people and young families, or early middle-aged families. There are many children among them, and many babies. Many refugees are well educated and they speak good English. We spoke with many of them. They always show gratitude for what is being done for them. They do not mind talking to you and answering your questions. Some even said that it is moving for them to see that Christians love them, while their own people do not want to help them. Many of them are hurting from walking. Many are weak from the days and weeks spent walking and slowly moving forward. Some have been on the road for the past two months. Often we heard them saying: “You are good people, thank you very much”. And giving them a handshake or even a hug was something many appreciated. They certainly do not look as if they are future terrorists sent to terrorize Europe .

Our conclusion is that those people are genuine refugees who left their countries because there was nothing good awaiting them there any more, except certain death, kidnapping and unwanted conscription. Some of them said: "Some people judge because they see us with smart phones in our hands. But what people do not understand is that at home our lives amount to nothing. It is not only ISIS. We have multiple enemies there. If one group does not kill you today, another one will come into your village tomorrow and treat you just as wickedly. And if those do not kill you a week later another group may come and kill you just the same. And they are all equally evil." Those people are emptying Syria and Iraq because they want to find a home in a place where they and their children would be safe. Most of them are from Syria, but there are also the refugees coming out of Iraq, as well as Afghanistan. There are many Kurds among them too, and some Christians too.

The current refugee crisis has placed the enormous amount of pressure on Serbian and Croatian, two countries that to date have given the best example of how the refugees ought be treated. A the same time Serbia and Croatia fear that too many refugees might get stuck in their countries as the winter months are fast approaching, and at the time when some other European countries are refusing to open their doors to the refugees.

Serving the refugees moved us deeply

We need to pray that all the European countries will understand that they have a part to play in accepting the refugees. USA, Canada and Australia need to be generous too. EU should develop a clear policy about it and release the burden of the Serbian and Croatian shoulders, and share the burden in a balanced manner. No country should act arrogantly and determine that the refugees are not their problem. Those refugees are the real people, real men and women, families and children, and we all need to embrace them.

What now? Our action moves on. The refugee crisis in Serbia and Croatia is here to stay at least for a while. At this time we are developing a follow-up strategy. In Serbia we will continue to partner with EUS (IFES) Serbia. In Croatia our partnership will be clearly defined in the next several days. We desire to move on because this is the time when ROM Community needs to lead with their example. Our action in Serbia, and actions that will follow represent well what ROM and our organization Forum for Leadership and Reconciliation stand for: to teach the young leaders that serving the most vulnerable is the best demonstration of leadership. When we are doing that we are serving Jesus, we are being little Jesus' to them.

Thank you friends for your amazing support provided in many ways. It was thanks to you that instead of serving the refugees in Serbia only for a day, as originally planned, we were able to bless them by serving and loving them for three full days.

Tihomir Kukolja, Forum for Leadership and Reconciliation Executive Director

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.

FORUM 2013 SPRING APPEAL

Dear Friends, 

One and a half years ago Renewing Our Minds (ROM) and Economic Diplomacy and Integrity Forum (EDI) formed a new organization, Forum for Leadership and Reconciliation (Forum). Formed in November 2011 in Seattle WA, Forum is now taking the Renewing Our Minds and Economic Diplomacy and Integrity Forum to a new level. 

Forum builds on the fourteen years of ROM experience, as well as on the experience of Life Center International (LCI), the umbrella organization based in Fuzine, Croatia that supervised the work of ROM since 1999. The vision of Forum is, “Developing Leaders Transformed by the Person of Jesus in a Divided World”. Its mission is about advancing the Kingdom of God by nurturing international leaders of noble, forgiving, reconciled and serving hearts, and in harmony with the character of Jesus Christ. Forum pursues its mission through transformative, holistic and relational education, training and mentorship; as well as the advancement of caring and serving communities. 

Over the years the transformative impact of ROM, the heart of the Forum mission, has reached far beyond Southeast Europe (Balkans), where everything started in 1999 in response to the Balkan conflicts engulfing all former Yugoslavian countries at the time; and has since reached the Middle East, the African continent, the former Soviet Union countries, the EU, USA. For 600 young lives, from 50 countries have been directly impacted by ROM programs over the years, the experience was life defining and directing. Many ROM alumni have since emerged as leaders of substance, and are today making a difference in the political, social, humanitarian and religious arenas of their countries. 

In 2013 the Forum Board of Directors is focused on setting a firm and sustainable foundation for future growth of ROM and EDI by finalizing its organizational and serving structure and by setting realistic objectives that will lead us forward in our service. These are our primary program objectives for the current year: 

1. ROM Leadership and Reconciliation Gathering 2013: A two-week reconciliation and leadership seminar, known as ROM Gathering, in Fuzine, Croatia, July 13 – 29, 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 and leadership of integrity and service by exposing them to the teachings of Jesus. 

2. FLR Regional Leadership Summit: A two-day Southeast European Leadership Summit,      July 30 – 31, 2013, in Fuzine, Croatia. A selected group of mature and trusted leaders from the Balkans will meet for a two day planning session leading to the establishment of a team of coordinators who will throughout a year coordinate the spiritual and vocational growth of ROM alumni through coaching and mentoring. 

3. EDI Forum in Romania: Economic Diplomacy and Integrity Forum is planned for September in Cluj-Napoca, Romania.  A group of 30 young leaders form Romania will learn about Jesus principles applied to business, economics, and politics.  

4. ROM Middle-East Project: A start-up ROM Middle-East weekend seminar is planned for December 2013. With a group of ROM alumni from the Middle East, and in partnership with a local organization that focuses on reconciliation, Forum is planning to set a ground work for future ROM projects in the countries of the Middle East. 

All our programs focus on building a new generation of leaders, reconciled and transformed by the person of Jesus. Forum is a new organization, with almost 15 years of experience, and proven programs and projects (ROM, EDI). At this time when the potential for international conflicts escalates by day, and when the leadership informed by the character of Jesus is very much a lacking ingredient in today’s society, we consider our work to be of primary importance. 

The work of Forum depends on the support of churches, foundations, organizations and friends like you who appreciate the value of investing the values of Jesus’ life into the lives of the young leaders of today.  Your generous donation will help meet our objectives for 2013. 

Please, direct your donation to our partners: The Antioch Partners. 

If you are sending your donation by check write ROM or Forum on the memo line and send to:            

The Antioch Partners

7132 Portland Avenue, Suite 138

Richfield, MN   55423.

If you would like to donate online, click on DONATE NOW and fill out the form completely. IMPORTANT: On the form under "Please direct your donation to:" select "Project Support", and under "Select project of your choice" select "Forum for Leadership and Reconciliation".

We will gladly answer all your questions. Thank you for your generous donation.  You are making a difference in the world we live in. For more info write to forumforleadership@gmail.com  

We are looking forward to hearing from you soon. 

Love and blessings. 

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

Tihomir Kukolja, Renewing Our Minds, Director

Forum – Transforming Leaders in a Divided World

One and a half years ago Renewing Our Minds (ROM) and Economic Diplomacy and Integrity Forum (EDI) formed a new organization, Forum for Leadership and Reconciliation (Forum).  Forum is now taking the Renewing Our Minds and Economic Diplomacy and Integrity Forum to a new level. It builds on the fourteen years of ROM experience. Martha S. Weiss, Chairwoman of Forum talks about her experience with ROM and some of the reasons Forum came into existence to support the future growth of ROM and EDI. Forum for Leadership and Reconciliation is about developing leaders transformed by the person of Jesus in a divided world. 

Welcome to Economic Diplomacy and Integrity Forum

Photo: Boriana Staykova from Sofia, Bulgaria speaks at EDI 2012 in Fuzine, Croatia.

Justin Kagin, EDI Forum Director, writes about successfully completed Economic Diplomacy and Integrity Forum seminar this August held in Fuzine, Croatia

Welcome to EDI! This is what I felt God wanted me to say not only at the beginning but to the participants at the final banquet, the last night of the Economic Diplomacy and Integrity Forum. Welcome to the EDI/EDS/ROM Jesus loving community!  At that moment, I did not feel that it was just the end of an incredible 12 days but rather the beginning of a network of deep friendships and followers of Jesus. 

Already participants of EDI can reconnect at the end of September in Ohrid, Macedonia at the ROM Regathering which will include not only Renewing our Mind (ROM) alumni but Economic Diplomacy Seminar (EDS – a predecessor to EDI), past participants as well.   Additionally, one of our speakers, Leo van Doesburg, Eastern European Representative for the European Christian Political Movement (ECPM), has invited participants to join in ECPM events as well.  Not to mention student groups in Serbia (Evanđeosko Udruženje Studenata -  EUS), prayer and relational gatherings around the region, and invitations by the many speakers and leadership that are passionate to be mentors and resources to the participants throughout their lives. So, I am excited and happy to say that the care and passion for Jesus and his principles will not stop when EDI finished but only just began.

Overall, I am extremely impressed and thankful for the quality of the leadership team and speakers, and their dedication to each other and the participants. Truly there was an atmosphere of love and respect that permeated the gathering, touched the participants and made EDI successful. I am equally impressed by the attentive and engaging participants that did not sit passively by but actively engaged in lectures, small groups, workshops and individual discussions to get the most out of their experience. 

The Economic Diplomacy and Integrity Forum

During EDI around 30 people gathered to engage in an intense, but also enjoyable, series of lectures, small groups, workshops and activities where the speakers and leadership poured not just their wisdom and knowledge but their entire lives into their time at EDI.  EDI was truly a relational gathering where not one of the speakers or leaders came without leaving their imprint on the participants. 

Leo van Doesburg helped start EDI by explaining the history behind Economic Diplomacy in Europe and some key features that would provide a foundation for the days ahead.  Justin Kagin complemented this by introducing Jesus as the best economist in his lecture “the Love Economy.”  He explained how Jesus taught key principles, like paying taxes even to corrupt governments, not charging interest to the poor, giving freely, and loving one another, that when applied can actually benefit the economies of our nations.  After a series of group games to get to know each other better and a relaxing boat ride in the cool beauty of Fuzine lake, EDI launched into the Trinity Forum with moderator and speaker Jack Fallow, Founder and Director of the Center for Organizational Effectiveness. Readings from Ayn Rand, Tolstoy, Greek and Hebrew literature among others, explored different approaches to life and challenged participants to lead meaningful lives and lives of integrity.  Normally reserved for top-level CEOs and politicians, EDI had the honor and benefit of having this curriculum for our young leaders.

This first part of the forum also included insightful principles for leaders to follow by Samuilo Petrovski, Director of EUS.  He explained how good character and humility are central to leadership and that Jesus exemplified leadership. Samuilo later led a workshop on applying these principles to your life while Jack led a parallel workshop on business complexity.  Jack also gave insights into examples of people choosing an abundant life where Religion, Science, and Art interact in their lives to produce amazing outcomes.  Boriana Staikova, working on anti-corruption in the Bulgarian Government, talked to the participants about the complexities surrounding corruption; its definition and examples of how it happens in practice.  She challenged us to think about the ways in which we personally might be tempted to be corrupt and how we might fight it.

Some of the speakers enriched EDI by bringing their families with them.  Robert Maricak, Business Investor and Executives' Consultant, brought his wife, Karmela, and two kids.  In the second week of EDI, Robert and Karmela spoke on the difficulties and joys of managing a career and a family.  How together they complemented each other and contributed to a successful enterprise without succumbing to corruption or tax evasion.  Robert elaborated on these experiences speaking of the different forms of corruption in Croatia and how through listening to God he was able to overcome them.  Dražen Glavaš, founder of ET!K-Education, Training and Kommunication, brought Jodi and his three sons and he contributed by speaking to participants on their goals and aspirations. He challenged them to think about things that make their heart hurt, their passions and dreams.  His “Love Revolution” lectures were some of the many seeds that he helped plant during EDI. Finally, Tihomir Kukolja, director of ROM, came with his wife Christine and their son.  He taught on the importance of following Jesus and not religion as an idol.

EDI was further enriched by Mihaela Kovacs, Founder and Director of Fundatia Baraca Sighisoara, who introduced problems in the region in gender and ethnic discrimination.  In the evening, through drama, she led a practical demonstration of the effects and negative feelings generated by prejudice.  It caused many of us to think on what we might be doing to propagate this and how we might fight against it.  As a complement to these lectures, Eunice Dugalescu, General Project Assistant for ECPM, spoke about the human dignity movement in Europe and around the world and which applied many of the principles of Jesus to politics.  She talked about the advocacy of the movement and the promotion of the concept of human dignity in protecting life from inception to natural death.  Finally, Justin spoke this second week on Jesus and banking and Leo spoke on the vision for the future of the EU (which complemented an earlier parliament game he simulated with participants) and the role model of Nehemiah in carrying out one’s vision.  Having these lectures toward the end provided a sufficient platform for the participants to think and plan their own visions.

After participating throughout EDI, listening to lectures, expressing their stories through interviews, engaging in small groups, and giving us their music, drama and even martial arts talents, participants were asked to give presentations of their own visions to fight corruption in society using Jesus’s principles.  They were excellent and we are confident that many of these visions will be born out.  We are also especially grateful for the participants that volunteered to aid in many aspects of the forum; from putting up decorations, to music, to engaging with speakers during their time at EDI.  Hristina Runceva, a teaching assistant at the Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje and a participant, particularly contributed in that she taught a well-received workshop on economics and conflict resolution.

Overall a successful and fulfilled EDI, to which everyone contributed and hopefully enjoyed.  The seeds for better nations are planted and watered and growing, and I say again at the end here to everyone involved, Welcome to EDI!

Justin Kagin, Director, Economic Diplomacy and Integrity Forum 2012

                                      

REFLECTIONS ON 2012 ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY AND INTEGRITY FORUM

Justin Kagin, Economic Diplomacy and Integrity Forum Director, and the EDI 2012 team members Leo van Doesburg, Mihaela Kovacs, and Christian and Eunice Vatran, reflect on the Economic Diplomacy and Integrity Forum 2012 that was completed on Saturday, August 11, 2012 in Fuzine, Croatia.

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.

International Programs in 2012

ROM - Renewing Our Minds Gathering 2012

Investing in a New Generation of Leaders

Fuzine, Croatia, July 13 – 29, 2012

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 educational community where loving one’s neighbor, and integrity of leadership and service are taught and practiced, anchored in the example of Jesus Christ. This summer, 60 participants from nearly 20 countries will attend the ROM Gathering 2012; from the Balkans, Eastern Europe, Africa, the EU and the USA. Many young leaders who attended past ROM gatherings have since become leaders of influence in their own countries, or founders of new socially-engaged movements or organizations. The ROM Gathering 2012 has a two-fold purpose – to build a reconciled, transformed and connected community of leaders in Southeast Europe, and to train leaders in establishing new ROM projects in other parts of the world.

EDI - Economic Diplomacy and Integrity Forum 2012

Building an Economic and Business Community On the Principles of Jesus

Fuzine, Croatia, August 5 – 19, 2012

Economic Diplomacy and Integrity (EDI) Forum is a program designed to support the development of young professionals and students in the areas of economics, business and politics, based on the life and teachings of Jesus. EDI builds on the rich experience of ROM, and since 2006 has hosted over 200 participants. This summer, forty young business leaders from 15 countries will learn how to develop new business plans and projects, build professional networks, become successful leaders in their countries, and ways to practically apply the principles of Jesus to economics, business and politics. EDI Forum 2012 program will include ten professional lecturers, small groups let by experienced facilitators, workshops, field trips and more.

ROM/EDI Reunion 2012

Serving God’s Purpose in Our Generation

Ohrid, Macedonia, September 27 – October 1, 2012

The SE European ROM/EDI Reunion builds on the tradition of past ROM reunions designed to connect and engage multiple generations of ROM and EDI participants for the purpose of follow-up, and mutual sharing and learning. Since their first encounter with ROM and EDI, many alumni have become experienced leaders with influence, and they are now ready to share their experiences by encouraging and engaging others in new ways of serving their communities. This is also the time for a renewed spiritual emphasis on the person of Jesus Christ, his teachings and example. In the past, such events were held in Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo and Macedonia. This autumn we are expecting 100 young leaders from throughout the Balkans, Eastern Europe and beyond, to come to Ohrid, Macedonia for this strategic cross-generational ROM and EDI gathering.

Follow us for more information about each of those amazing gatherings soon. For more information you may write to info@learecforum.org

ROM and EDI Go To a New Level in 2012

ROM and EDI Go to a New Level in 2012

Dear Friend of Renewing Our Minds (ROM),

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 13 – 29; Economic Diplomacy and Integrity Forum 2012 in Fuzine, Croatia, August 5 – 19; and the ROM/EDI 2012 Reunion in Macedonia, September 27 – October 1, 2012.

Would You Consider Making a Financial Investment

We have everything in place to succeed in 2012.  The Forum for Leadership and Development revitalized the ministry of ROM and EDI, through a committed and engaged Board of Directors and Executive Team, an experienced regional task team, discerning advisors and the prayers of many friends. Equally important is the financial support of friends who believe in this work. Remember that most of the young leaders attending and serving in the FLR programs are from countries and regions with little or no financial means to cover the cost of their participation.

Would you consider making a financial investment to help raise needed funds to support these programs?

Thank you for your consideration and partnering with us in this important international initiative of leadership and reconciliation.

Love and Blessings.

Tihomir Kukolja

Forum for Leadership and Reconciliation, Executive Director

Renewing Our Minds, Director

PO Box 423

Bothell, WA 98041, USA

+1-281-515-3707, leadershipforum@learecforum.org

All donations for ROM and EDI should be sent to  –

The Antioch Partners,

7132 Portland Ave, Suite 136,

Richfield, MN 55423.

Phones 713-490-9571

www.theantiochpartners.org