Hello My friend,
I truly hope that my note here today finds you healthy and doing well.
As you know, I have a fascination with asking questions. And today, I’m writing with a very specific question I have for you.
But before I ask you my question, I would like to share with you a brief story.
Two years ago, my Cru colleagues, Mavango Beach and Daniel Diaka, in French-speaking Africa shared how much they had personally benefited from reading and applying, “Great Leaders ASK Questions: a Fortune 100 List” and “339 Questions Jesus Asked.” But, with their appreciation they also had a request, “Bob, would you please consider having both of these books translated into French, so that they could be read by all those we work with?”
“Of course!” I said. I personally funded the translation costs and last fall, the French translations of both books were released as free eBooks.
Recently, Mavango and Daniel came back to share how very grateful they are for the completed translations.
They also made another request. They shared that during the next year they will have opportunities to train approximately 5,000 French-speaking African leaders and that they would love to be able to put the printed versions of both books into their hands.
So, I started asking them a series of questions (see I practice what I preach).
I asked, “Why printed versions?” Why not just the “eBook versions?”
Their answer was simple, “The majority of African leaders do not yet have access to high-speed internet. Due to the slowness of the connection, distribution of your free eBooks is inaccessible for much of the population. Plus, the majority of leaders do not have personal computers or smartphones that will allow them to read the digital versions of your eBooks.
Books are highly valued. We estimate the average French-speaking leader only has about 25 books. Your books will be highly valued. Distributed during our leadership training sessions they will be received as a very special gift. Not only will they be read, they will be shared with many others!”
Then I asked, “What has motivated you to request these books?”
They answered, “We want to assist in the holistic and personal development of emerging leaders for church growth and the development of African states. Many organizations are experiencing a leadership crisis for their growth. Many countries have a culture with traditional leadership where leaders tell people what to do. We believe that for our emerging leaders, ‘Leading With Questions’ will create communities of visionaries and coaches. Your books will help us create a new leadership style to equip Leaders to develop their staff by asking them questions.”
My next question for them was, “What countries are included in Francophone Africa?”
They responded with the following explanation, “There are 16 Francophone Countries, including 8 in West Francophone Africa (Mali, Togo, RCI, Guinea, Benin, Senegal, Burkina, Niger) and 8 others in Central Francophone Africa (DRC, Congo, Gabon, Angola, Cameroon, Burundi, CAR, Chad).”
Next I asked, “How will the books be distributed?”
Their answer, “The books will be distributed at conferences, coaching training seminars, vision seminars, and academic and theological training seminars. Our desire and focus is the integration of the your books into our leadership development training programs for our staff, for pastors (Biblical Institutes and faculties) and for entrepreneurs.”
Then I wondered, “Can the books be printed there (Africa) and what will it cost?”
Their answer was a resounding, “YES! Excellent quality books can be printed here in Cote D’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)! The cost is $1.25 per book or $2.50 for both books! Total cost for printing 5,000 of both books will be $12,500.”
Finally I asked, “Because of the pandemic are you and all of the Leaders you will be training quarantined?”
Their answer, “Yes we/they are! But this too will pass! We would love to have your books printed now – so that when we are again free to travel and invite leaders to come to our conferences and seminars we will be able give them your books!”
My friend, here now is my question for you. Will you help me?
As much as I would love to cover the costs of printing and distributing these books myself, I’ve concluded that I can only do that with some help.
Would you consider making a special gift to help me equip these French-speaking African leaders with a copy of both books? This a great opportunity for you to make a very tangible impact in the lives of these folks and the communities they lead. Plus, you can be assured that 100% of your donation will go specifically to this project.
Can I count on your help today, My friend? Since it only costs $2.50 to print a single copy of both books, every gift—no matter the size—gives you the opportunity to make a difference!
* In appreciation for your gift of $100 or more, I will be delighted to send you the English printed versions of both “Great Leaders ASK Questions: A Fortune 100 List” and “339 Questions Jesus Asked.” (U.S.A. Addresses only)
+ In appreciation for your gift of $1,000 or more, I will be delighted to do a complimentary, 2-hour, virtual, “Leading With Questions” Zoom Webinar for you and your team!
Thank you in advance for your support!
Your gift is tax-deductible.
Thanks, My friend.
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