The bible tells us, “Where there is no vision, the people perish...” (Proverbs 29:18). I believe we can safely apply this to an organization as well. Were there is no vision, no plans, no preparation, the organization will surely die. The leadership team here believes so strongly in this biblical principal of leadership that this past weekend F2W held a Leadership Retreat in Anderson, SC.

For two days, the Board of Overseers secluded themselves in a local hotel for a time of fellowship, training, and planning F2W’s future. Friday started as a time of fun and fellowship with dinner, games, and spending time together. However, the mood quickly intensified when members were taken on a journey of self reflection. Laughter as we ran through a graveyard in the middle of the night quickly gave way silence as each person was asked to reflect on life, on death, and what they wanted to be written on their tombstone. The night culminated in the taking of the Lord’s Supper. This was without a doubt the most intense and spiritual Lord’s Supper I have ever participated in.

Saturday was divided into three areas. One area was training and devotionals, where we learned about Jesus’ leadership qualities, why we are called to serve, and the greatness of God. The second area was a review of 2006 (a full report with all the stats and info will be released in January of 2007). Finally, Saturday was spent casting vision and planning for 2007 (let me just say, if you think Foot2Water has served people and brought glory to God in 06, you haven’t seen anything yet!).

Humbly, I crawled away from this weekend on my knees. I am in such awe of the awesome God in which I try so hard to serve. And I am in awe in the great men serving at my side; Dan Cunningham, David Norris, and Todd Marett, I love you guys. As it has been said and written, I truly serve in the presence of giants.

Ike Boyette