Secrets of the World Changers
          For almost 20 years, Jeff Myers has been equipping Christians to disciple, mentor and teach growing leaders to develop their influence for God. This year, he and a speaking team from Passing the Baton International will present “Secrets of the World Changers,” a two-day event where students will be taught how to bring about change in a world that desperately needs to become a better place. 

          As you look into the lives of leaders who have had significant influence in the world, it may surprise you to discover that they were ordinary people used by God to accomplish extraordinary things. Facing great obstacles, they broke through personal and societal barriers and lived out their God-given gifts. The program will talk about how they did it! Organizers want to see the next generation of young people realize the eternal impact they can have by discovering their God-inspired purpose. 

          Small-group breakout sessions, team-building initiatives and video clips will draw the students into the information that could change how they think and live. As a result of a strategic planning process, students will be coached through practical steps to create clearly stated goals, strategies and action steps for their lives. 

          Some of the key ideas presented will include how to expand your influence by living out servant leadership, methods to overcome stress and achieve balance in everyday circumstances, and innovative ways to conquer challenges faced in the pursuit of becoming a world-changer.

The GOAT Program
          For the past 12 years, the GOAT Program has been teaching kids three important life skills: goal setting, problem solving and time management. These skills not taught in the school system will help them succeed now and throughout their lives. 

          At the 2009 Convention, the GOAT Program will lead a teen track for kids 13 and up. The twoday event will give them tools, tips and techniques to develop their goals, create a written achievable plan, navigate the forces that cause failure, and manage time and tasks to completion. 

          GOAT represents many things. First, it takes the characteristics of a goat (persistence, toughness, butting things out of the way, climbing over obstacles) to be successful in life. GOAT is an acronym for Goals, Objectives, Actions and Timelines. It is also an acronym for a phrase of encouragement: “Go On And Try,” as well for what every kid represents: the Greatest Of All Treasures. And, after all, a kid is also a young goat. 

          Why use imagery? Our kids are exposed to images daily that represent companies and products that are trying to change buying behavior. Most kids can tell you what the big yellow “M” stands for, or what company the gecko represents, or what product the apple represents. Unfortunately, many images represent products that present negative influences in an alluring way. 

          The GOAT Program uses this same science to create images that result in successful behavior change in our kids. It teaches a systematic approach to success, building self-esteem and higher self-confidence along the way. For more information, visit www.thegoatprogram.com.