Christmas Metaphor

The first thing I noticed as I entered the Refugee Camp in Slavonski Brod, Croatia less than three weeks ago was a big Christmas tree shining in the middle of the camp. It was a sign of hope in a place through which thousands of the world homeless journey, day and night on their way to a hopefully better place and better future. 

The second thing that made me think about the birth of Jesus every day in the refugee camp were the two shelters our ROM team was building. We were told that they would be used as the nursing places for the refugee mothers with babies during the cold and wet winter months. In a way they would be to the refugee mothers and refugee babies what the sheltering manger was to Mary and the baby Jesus on the cold and uninviting night in Bethlehem the night Jesus was born. 

The third thing that made me reflect on Christmas was the picture of constant movement of refugees - families with children, young and old alike, through the camp and onto the trains ready to take the refugees further, to Slovenia, Austria, Germany. They made me think of how Joseph, Mary and Jesus were forced to run away from their country after Herod had decided to kill the child. In alike manner those refugees are continuing to run for their lives away from their homelands in which the blood-thirsty warlords are seeking to destroy their lives.

And the forth thing that reflected the spirit of Christmas were the volunteers, full of enthusiasm, serving and blessing the refugees with the gifts of warm clothes, hats, gloves, jackets, shoes, food and hot tea in the way the shepherds and the wise men of the East blessed the new born Jesus with their presence and gifts. 

Yes, there is much that links the birth of Jesus with the fate of the millions of refugees and immigrants. In fact, singing “Silent Night, Holy Night” passionately at this time and indulging in many Christmas gifts without noticing or caring about the global movement of the millions of the world homeless will make us hypocritical followers of Jesus, who might be good Christians according to the standards of the popular and convenient Christianity, but are profoundly disconnected with the heart of Jesus.

The same Jesus whom we romantically adore as a helpless baby later in His life said quite seriously, “Whatever you did for the list of those you did for me”. He meant a business because He said He would judge us on the basis of what we do about it.

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. 

Meet the Team – Justin Kagin

Justin Kagin, a young American Jew, believes that Jesus Christ does not belong to Christians alone, but that Jesus is for the Jews, Muslims and others too. Justin believes that Jesus is above any organization, institution, movement, concept, ideology and religion. Justin Kagin is an executive member of Forum for Leadership and Reconciliation (FLR) and the executive and program director of Economic Diplomacy and Integrity Forum (EDI). In this video Justin shares his story of how he became a follower of Jesus. Audio version.

WE NEED MORE OF ROM

Photo: Roma camp Konik 1 in Podgorica, Montenegro was lost in fire on Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Marko Stupar, a member of the ROM Trial of Friendship 2012 team, shares his experiences from the trip in July.

Bojan Ruvarac and I joined the ROM 2012 Trail of Friendship trip in a small place in Montenegro on 14^th of July 2012. I am glad I was able to join the second half of the trip and witness great things that many Romates are doing in the region. Among many great experiences I would like to single out  the two that impacted me the most.

First one happened in Kosovo.

Kosovo has been a place of conflict between Serbs and Albanians for the last 30 years, but the last 10 years have been the toughest. Still, as I write this, there are minor conflicts going on and people there don’t live in complete peace.

This was my first visit to this region ever.

As a Serb visiting this part of Balkans, it wasn’t easy for me. The first time I attended a Renewing our Minds Gathering (ROM) was in 2006. This was the time when I got rid of many prejudices towards Albanians. But to take a big step such as visiting Kosovo in person was a challenge nevertheless.

I thought that people would not be friendly towards me and that I will have to face some uncomfortable situations. But what I experience there was completely different! People were amazingly friendly to all of us in the traveling group, especially to Bojan and me. They wanted to talk to us, to treat us; they even refused to talk in English but talked in Serbian all the time. I experienced different Kosovo then the one I see in the news all the time.

Also, I felt huge power of the ROM community and importance of the program. Even thought I had a great time there, I know that there are still many people on both sides who hate each other and that is why I think that ROM is necessary in this region. We need more peacemakers, reconcilers and leaders who are willing to stand firm, not for nationalistic views but as peace builders.

Second powerful experience took place in Montenegro. 

We visited Sinisa Nadazdin and his work with a Roma community. At that very day when we were visiting Podgorica, on Tuesday 25^th July, one of the two big refugee camps - populated by Roma families for the past thirteen years - burned to the ground. Most of the families lost everything they had however little that was.

But still, a group of Roma believer in Jesus gathered in a small church this afternoon to pray and worship the Lord. This was a worship I’ve never experience in my life before. There was a great presence of joy, humility, mixed with grief in that room. They were praising the Lord even though some lost everything they had, or someone close to them lost everything.

It made me think about how self-focused I am often. I had to go all the way to Podgorica to see that there are people in a dire need who nevertheless have courage to trust in Jesus.

It made me also more mindful about a Roma community not far away from me in Novi Sad that lives too in very poor conditions. I would like to help those people somehow. Maybe the first step will be to collect some clothes for them.

Many other great things happened on this trip, but one thing comes out clearly. ROM has a great influence in the region and many who have attended ROM gatherings in the past are now doing great things of service in their communities because they were touched by the spirit of Jesus at ROM.

So my conclusion is very simple. We need more of ROM, and we need to send as many young leaders as possible to ROM gatherings and events so that they can become equipped to change their communities.

Marko Stupar, Novi Sad, Serbia

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.

Join us in Seattle WA

Dear Friends in and close to Seattle WA,

Renewing Our Minds (ROM) and Economic Diplomacy Seminar (EDS) together formed a new umbrella organization, the Forum for Leadership and Reconciliation (FLR). Formed in November 2011 in Seattle WA, FLR 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, to advance the Kingdom of God by nurturing international leaders of noble, forgiving, reconciled and serving hearts, and in harmony with the person of Jesus. FLR will pursue its mission through holistic, transformative and relational education, training and mentorship; as well as the advancement of caring and serving communities.

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. Those events are Renewing Our Minds Gathering 2012, Economic Diplomacy and Integrity Forum 2012 in Fuzine, Croatia, and ROM/EDI Reunion 2012 in Ohrid, Macedonia.

Join us for the inspiring time of sharing the Balkan stories of conflict, reconciliation and faith, as well as to hear about the FLR vision and objectives for 2012 and beyond. The event is organized and sponsored by Balkan Task Force Seattle, and will take place at the University Presbyterian Church, Calvin Room, 4540 15th Avenue NE, Seattle WA 98105, on Sunday March 18, 2012, 6.00 pm – 7.30 pm. The speakers will be Tihomir Kukolja, Renewing Our Minds (ROM) and FLR Executive Director, and the members of the FLR Board of Directors and Executive Team.

Welcome. Invite your friends.

Tihomir Kukolja

Forum for Leadership and Reconciliation Executive Director

Renewing Our Minds (ROM) Director

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