Dear Friends,

I’m an avid Green Bay Packer fan! However, no sooner had the new NFL season gotten underway when panic settled over Packer Nation! Throughout Wisconsin, cheeseheads were in virtual meltdown due to the Packers’ disappointing start to the season. At 1-2, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers suddenly took to the airwaves and calmly and confidently announced to Packer Nation, “R-E-L-A-X.” His teammates apparently were listening too! Now, after three successive and impressive victories, the Packers are tied for the lead in their division!

According to Webster’s dictionary R-E-L-A-X is derived from a similar word R-E-L-E-A-S-E. More specifically, to release someone implies setting him or her free from cares and concerns, letting them loose, giving them up.

Terry and I happened to be in Uganda when Aaron Rodgers made his now, oft-repeated announcement. It got me thinking—what Aaron Rodgers did for Packer fans everywhere is what BrookLink, to a lesser degree, is attempting to do with the pastors and leaders we equip.

R-E-L-E-A-S-I-N-G leaders to go and do what God has called them to do is what BrookLink is all about! Last month Ugandan Pastor Justus Miwanda and I co-taught a 3-day workshop for 45 men and women who have planted churches throughout Uganda. We took a page from Paul’s playbook (Acts 14:21-23), and encouraged those gathered to evangelize their communities, strengthen the disciples, and plant new churches. At the conclusion of our time together, we did what the Apostle Paul did—we gathered them and, “committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.” (Acts 14:23)

Releasing leaders is all about committing people to the Lord, celebrating their unique giftedness, trusting the Holy Spirit to guide and protect them, and encouraging them to R-E-L-A-X in being who God has called them to be! It’s one of the things I love most about what I do!

During these past five years BrookLink has equipped, empowered, and released over 2600 leaders in 17 countries on five continents because of generous partners like you. Thanks to you, your prayers and your investment in this ministry, men and women are being released to engage in God’s redemptive mission all over the world. Thank you!

Gratefully yours,

PS: Speaking of R-E-L-E-A-S-E, we have now released our newly formatted newsletter and website. Be sure to visit www.brooklink.org and check out our new design. We would love to hear your feedback.

As always, your prayer and financial support is appreciated so much! The new website makes it easy to help us with both. Click on the “Support BrookLink” icon to make a financial contribution or visit the “Connect with Us” section to sign up for updates so we can let you know how to pray for us!