David, Joel, Lischa, Wilita, and Gary in Kinshasa, Congo
There’s something truly special about connecting face-to-face, and our recent trip to the Congo was a powerful reminder of that. For the last five months, I’ve been virtually training the incredible leaders of the Lobiko Initiative via Zoom, but being on the ground, immersed in their world, brought an entirely new dimension to our partnership.
Stepping into their culture and understanding the unique leadership challenges they face firsthand was invaluable. It wasn’t just about delivering training; it was about truly grasping their context, which deepened every interaction and highlighted the profound impact Christian coaching can have. We saw how these leaders, equipped with new skills, can empower their partners and teams to achieve even greater things.
One of the most rewarding parts of the trip was watching the team dive into live coaching practice. The energy in the room was palpable as they embraced real-time feedback, creating a truly rich learning environment. I also introduced them to powerful new tools for self-understanding and relating to others, which sparked incredible insights and personal reflection. It was inspiring to witness their “aha!” moments.
Introducing a coaching model in this cultural context is a significant shift, a true paradigm shift. As Lischa, Joel, and Wilita move into this next phase, seeking wisdom in identifying the right people to invest in and coach, your prayers are deeply appreciated. Their discernment is crucial for the continued success of this initiative.
We were also incredibly blessed to have David Bast join us, sharing his wealth of wisdom and experience, which further enriched the training.
To each of you who has supported the Lobiko Initiative, Gina and I want to express our deepest gratitude. Your generosity isn’t just a donation; it’s a tangible investment that is making a real and lasting impact in an underserved part of the world. The work continues through 2026, and we are so excited to see the continued transformation your support makes possible!
From here, participants will learn how to coach as they practice coaching two leaders they are developing in Congo. Beginning in January 2026, we repeat the training process with a new cohort. The vision is to train Lischa, Joel, and Wilita to begin training others. Ultimately, we would like to see leaders equipped in the church so that Congolese disciples are multiplying disciples.
What aspects of this trip or the Lobiko Initiative are you most curious to learn more about?
Please e-mail any questions you have to Samantha at admin@infocusnet.org.
Enjoy a brief photo recap of our trip to the Congo…
Photos Courtesy of Gina Reinecke
