He now has 2.1 million palm trees. Wow.

Dr. Suparno Adijanto has been steadily growing his palm oil business for years. With hard work and discipline he’s made quite the contribution to society in his nation of Indonesia. Through his business hundreds upon hundreds are employed and biodiesel is produced as an environmentally friendly alternative to gasoline. Dr. Suparno long ago made the journey from consumption to contribution, but recently he’s taken it to a whole new level.

He’s found time to captain the work of Leadership Development for the continent of Asia. On this recent trip, Alex and I had the privilege of traveling and teaching with him. His wisdom and experience were greatly appreciated by the leaders we trained together.

Dr. Suparno is helping others find their path to being contributors. He recently helped start The Crown Financial Clinic in his home nation of Indonesia. People who are financially sick stop by his “hospital” for triage, diagnosis and treatment.

He has formed a whole team of Leading Stewards Course graduates. They are treating those trying to move from their unhealthy spending patterns towards a “whole-life stewardship” model.

Way to go, doc! I cheer you on as you continue to turn the tide in …

24 days.

I leave the United States today for a 24 day jaunt through Asia. Alex and I will be holding 6 Leading Steward’s Courses over the next 3.5 weeks.

Singapore.

Malaysia.

Indonesia.

Three cities in China. Stay tuned for more updates on how we are raising up leaders to turn consumers into contributors in their nations.

Right now I’m in Colorado Springs, short flight to Denver, longer flight to Portland, much longer flight to Tokyo, medium flight to Singapore.

Here we go.

Every so often I meet people I want to highlight for prayer. Kypyl and Aymee are just such a couple. Attending the Leading Stewards Course in Bulgaria, I discovered that they owned a mortuary company.

Aymee cornered me at one point during the two-day course and asked me for counsel for their business. They are committed to being honest and trustworthy in their business dealings, however their competitors are gaining an edge because of their willingness to cheat.

This couple is a typical example of how hard it is for honest people to make it in business in much of the world. While I couldn’t give any specific advice, my heart went out to these people. Will you join me in praying for them? Pray that they keep their commitments to continue to operate their business honestly, and pray for incredible wisdom-for new strategies and creativity-to help them succeed.

[caption id="attachment_26" align="alignright" width="604" caption="Kypyl and Aymee"][/caption]

..came in contact with Crown over ten years ago through Larry Burkett’s book, Your Finances in Changing Times. Some secondary publisher translated it into Bulgarian in the late 1990’s. With it began his journey toward financial freedom. When he discovered that Crown was officially coming to his nation, he made sure to attend the catalytic event as well as this Leading Stewards Course.

He is just one example of how God is preparing people ahead of time to champion the cause of stewardship. Join me in praying for Bisser as he works through the course over the next ten weeks. Pray that he is able to make an impact in his nation as he seeks to teach others.
[caption id="attachment_27" align="aligncenter" width="604" caption="Bisser and Me"][/caption]

Am sitting in the Leading Stewards Course that Andy and I are leading here in Warsaw. Trying to type instead of sleep…
[caption id="attachment_75" align="aligncenter" width="600" caption="Leading Stewards Course - Poland"][/caption]
Just finished our third night in Poland…this five hour time difference is killing me! This is typical of international travel, but it’s something I haven’t quite gotten use to yet. Two nights ago I slept from 11pm-1am and from 6-10:30am. Last night I slept from 10-1am and 5-6:30. Ouch.

We had to be up early this morning to take the 40 minute metro/walking combo that got us to the place we are holding our training.

Thinking about taking a sleeping pill tonight. I still have some strong ones left from my trip to Turkey…