In 1994 I listened to a message by Bill Hybels entitled: The Legacy of a Leader, in which Bill challenged the congregation to focus on what is important in life from an eternal perspective. In this message he also asked: when is enough…enough and when does saving become hording? It was as if God was speaking only to me.

I had achieved a measure of success leading as Vice President of a large U.S. corporation. The Monday following this service I was negotiating a separation agreement with my employer and searching for a position in ministry. I started at the Willow Creek Association (WCA) in International ministry 16 months later. It was apparent that God had prepared me my whole life for this position through my International career in the marketplace.

I write this note from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia where I recently met with influential church leaders to plan The Leadership Summit. The same hunger I saw for high quality, relevant and God honoring training is present wherever I go. Now at age 66 I cannot thank God enough for leading me to this ministry and using me within a wonderful team of highly dedicated people to expand His Kingdom.

In His Service,

Gary Schwammlein
Executive Vice President, International Ministries