{"id":45619,"date":"2025-03-31T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-03-31T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ifesworld.org\/?post_type=prayerline&#038;p=45619"},"modified":"2025-03-31T19:55:55","modified_gmt":"2025-03-31T18:55:55","slug":"shaped-for-service","status":"publish","type":"prayerline","link":"https:\/\/ifesworld.org\/en\/prayerline\/shaped-for-service\/","title":{"rendered":"Shaped for Service"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block block-core-html\">\n<iframe title=\"Shaped for Service\" allowtransparency=\"true\" height=\"150\" width=\"100%\" style=\"border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;\" scrolling=\"no\" data-name=\"pb-iframe-player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.podbean.com\/player-v2\/?i=ewc3q-18696cb-pb&#038;from=pb6admin&#038;share=1&#038;download=1&#038;rtl=0&#038;fonts=Arial&#038;skin=8bbb4e&#038;font-color=000000&#038;logo_link=episode_page&#038;btn-skin=654771\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block block-core-paragraph\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Four years ago, he would not have thought it possible.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block block-core-paragraph\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Landing was accepted to study at the University of The Gambia\u2019s School of Business and Public Administration in 2021. But, due to his family\u2019s financial constraints, he was unsure about enrolling. Landing was raised in a Christian home in this Muslim majority nation. But he admits that he was \u201cjust a churchgoer\u201d.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block block-core-paragraph\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yet, this year, he will not only graduate, but he will also enter the marketplace as a leader who is passionate about serving Christ.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block block-core-heading wp-elements-e60d067a30df8f1c45ad3be243b52009\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-epsa-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e60d067a30df8f1c45ad3be243b52009\"><strong>Taking Shape<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block block-core-paragraph\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Landing\u2019s transformation began when the IFES national movement, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/profile.php\/?id=100087976191357\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">FES-Gambia<\/a>, offered him a year\u2019s scholarship.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block block-core-paragraph\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201c<\/em><em>It wasn\u2019t just \u2018financial assistance\u2019 \u2013 it was a foundation. It meant I could pursue my dreams and focus on my studies without the worry and stress of finding funds<\/em><em>. <\/em><em>And FES<\/em><em> <\/em><em>exposed me to a deeper understanding of the gospel, which meant I found a personal connection with God<\/em><em>.\u201d<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block block-core-paragraph\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Having become actively engaged in Bible studies, prayer meetings, and evangelism, Landing was offered opportunities to serve and lead.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block block-core-heading wp-elements-de888cd7f56304179f6db504516fbfbb\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-epsa-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-de888cd7f56304179f6db504516fbfbb\"><strong>Formed by Scripture<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block block-core-paragraph\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Last year, he attended training for staff and 16 student leaders from across the 11 campuses where FES ministers. A key component was hearing what God\u2019s Word had to say about leadership.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block block-core-paragraph\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Julien Bisenty Mendy, FES General Secretary, notes that many in their context see leadership as a position rather than a responsibility, with accountability and integrity often lacking. He led a session in 1 Timothy 3:1-13.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block block-core-paragraph\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201c<\/em><em>I wanted them to re-evaluate<\/em><em> <\/em><em>their personal lives<\/em><em> and see that l<\/em><em>eadership cannot be separated from a leader\u2019s lifestyle or conduct<\/em><em>, <\/em><em>from the state of their home, or the way they are perceived in the community<\/em><em>.\u201d&nbsp;<\/em><em>&nbsp;<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block block-core-paragraph\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Exploration of the text was followed by questions for personal reflection, like \u201cWhich of the attributes do you need to improve on?\u201d and \u201cWhat are unbelievers saying about your life?\u201d. Landing mentions its impact:&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block block-core-paragraph\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201c<\/em><em>I learned that true leadership is about guiding others through actions, not just words. This passage inspired me to uphold honesty, patience, and accountability in my personal, academic, and professional life. Ultimately, leadership is a calling that requires humility, wisdom, and a commitment to serving others.<\/em><em>\u201d&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block block-core-heading wp-elements-066cf8fd4a3562324aaf4d8bf18fdb5f\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-epsa-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-066cf8fd4a3562324aaf4d8bf18fdb5f\"><strong>Fit for Service<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block block-core-paragraph\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition to guidance from Scripture, FES students receive training on leadership skills and benefit from one-to-one mentoring (Julien meets monthly with the president of each campus FES group). Students can also volunteer in the FES office, where Landing has been serving as Admin and Finance Officer.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block block-core-paragraph\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cThat role has equipped me with essential skills in administration, financial management, and teamwork.<\/em><em> <\/em><em>And I\u2019ve understood the value of responsibility, integrity, and servant leadership.<\/em><em>\u201d&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block block-core-paragraph\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Today, four years on, Landing\u2019s future looks bright \u2013 as does the future of his country:&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block block-core-paragraph\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cAs I continue my journey, I<\/em><em>\u2019<\/em><em>m committed to using the knowledge, skills, and faith I\u2019ve gained to serve and inspire others.\u201d<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block block-core-heading wp-elements-445de93c80fc81fcce5d0ec5a618a969\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-epsa-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-445de93c80fc81fcce5d0ec5a618a969\"><strong>Pray<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block block-core-list\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><div class=\"wp-block block-core-list-item\">\n<li>Give thanks for Landing and FES-Gambia, for the way God has shaped him through the ministry. Pray for him and other FES student leaders \u2013 that the Spirit will continue to form Christ\u2019s character in them.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/div><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block block-core-list\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><div class=\"wp-block block-core-list-item\">\n<li>Pray for leadership initiatives across IFES \u2013 that good engagement with Scripture, practical training, and authentic mentoring will form leaders of integrity for campus, church, and society.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/div><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block block-core-list\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><div class=\"wp-block block-core-list-item\">\n<li>Ask that many supporters, staff, and students will joyfully and generously participate in <a href=\"https:\/\/ifesworld.org\/en\/global-giving-day-2025\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Global Giving Day<\/a> on Wednesday (2 April) so that more leaders in every region may be shaped for service.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/div><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block block-core-paragraph\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Help shape more servant-hearted leaders like Landing through <em>Global Giving Day \u2013 The Work of His Hands<\/em>. <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/ifesworld.org\/en\/global-giving-day-2025\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Find out more<\/strong><\/a><strong> or <a href=\"https:\/\/ifesworld.org\/en\/give\/?switch_language=en&amp;source=25CCGGDLP&amp;destination=IN000_PLEAD\">give here<\/a>.<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block block-core-paragraph\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block block-core-paragraph\">\n<p class=\"has-white-dark-background-color has-background wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Meet another leader from The Gambia who\u2019s been shaped by FES and IFES. <\/strong>Lawrence Gomez, IFES Associate Regional Secretary for English- and Portuguese-speaking Africa (EPSA), served in FES-Gambia, worked in the finance sector, and now oversees the western part of the IFES EPSA region. You can listen to him share his leadership journey in this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=audHXKpg7mg&amp;t=551s\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Raising Godly Leaders<\/em> webinar<\/a>.\u202f<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"featured_media":45622,"template":"","area":[456,516],"theme":[],"class_list":["post-45619","prayerline","type-prayerline","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","area-epsa","area-gambia"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Shaped for Service &#183; IFES Prayerline<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Four years ago, he would not have thought it possible.&nbsp; Landing was accepted to study at the University of The Gambia\u2019s School of Business and Public\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/ifesworld.org\/en\/prayerline\/shaped-for-service\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Shaped for Service &#183; IFES Prayerline\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Four years ago, he would not have thought it possible.&nbsp; Landing was accepted to study at the University of The Gambia\u2019s School of Business and Public\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/ifesworld.org\/en\/prayerline\/shaped-for-service\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"IFES\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-03-31T18:55:55+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/ifesworld.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Final-year-students-Conference-use-as-banner.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1080\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"810\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"4 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/ifesworld.org\/en\/prayerline\/shaped-for-service\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/ifesworld.org\/en\/prayerline\/shaped-for-service\/\",\"name\":\"Shaped for Service &#183; IFES Prayerline\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/ifesworld.org\/es\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/ifesworld.org\/en\/prayerline\/shaped-for-service\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/ifesworld.org\/en\/prayerline\/shaped-for-service\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/ifesworld.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Final-year-students-Conference-use-as-banner.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-03-31T07:00:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-03-31T18:55:55+00:00\",\"description\":\"Four years ago, he would not have thought it possible.&nbsp; Landing was accepted to study at the University of The Gambia\u2019s School of Business and Public\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/ifesworld.org\/en\/prayerline\/shaped-for-service\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/ifesworld.org\/en\/prayerline\/shaped-for-service\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/ifesworld.org\/en\/prayerline\/shaped-for-service\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/ifesworld.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Final-year-students-Conference-use-as-banner.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/ifesworld.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Final-year-students-Conference-use-as-banner.jpg\",\"width\":1080,\"height\":810},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/ifesworld.org\/en\/prayerline\/shaped-for-service\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/ifesworld.org\/en\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Prayerline\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/ifesworld.org\/en\/prayerline\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Shaped for Service\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/ifesworld.org\/es\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/ifesworld.org\/es\/\",\"name\":\"IFES\",\"description\":\"A movement of students sharing and living out the good news of Jesus Christ. 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