The 5th Global Baptist Peace Conference was held in Cali, Colombia July 15-20, 2019. The previous one was held in Rome, Italy in 2009. A number of our Global Peace Warriors team were there, and some will share some of their thoughts and reflections. Here is from Lance Muteyo (to learn more about Lance Muteyo, click here.)
Conference Reflection by Lance Muteyo
The Cali, Colombia 6th Global Baptist Peace Conference was so special to me in many ways. It was my second peace conference after the Rome 2009 conference; it was my first time to attend a global conference with my wife Christina. It was Christina and I’s first time to attend as newly appointed International Ministries Associate Missionaries. More importantly it was my first time to lead a workshop and to deliver responses and remarks in front of nearly 400 delegates from all over the world. It was special because I got to meet many graduates of the Training of Conflict Transformation Trainers (TCTT).
My utmost gratitude goes to Daniel and Sharon Buttry my mentors who really believe in my work. Through them I have managed to see the world. My greatest moment came when I stood in front of everyone and gave the ten minutes Pan African Peace Network remarks. I taught everyone our slogan; Amani Milele- Peace Forever. It was amazing! I ended my remarks by articulating that I have a dream that one day we as Africans can host a conference of this nature with our own resources giving scholarships to delegates coming from the West.
I came home with lots of lessons. I was really inspired by the discussions around the Colombian Peace Accord. This was an eye opening experience for me. It taught me that dialogue is the key to any form of violence. Conferences of this magnitude are equally important for networking and connections. I met a lot of friends; old and new. We shared notes, contacts and discussed possibilities of doing more. We spoke over breakfasts, lunches, dinners and breaks. All these were rich experiences and learning curves.
The majority of the participants were Spanish speaking people and this gave me an opportunity to learn a little bit of Spanish. We also got time to tour the beautiful city of Cali; tried a few salsa dancing moves and tasted traditional Cali cuisine. I thank the conference organizers who gave me the opportunity to be a leader and learn from others.
Amani Milele (Peace Forever)
Lance Muteyo
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