Liberty’s heart for the nations on display during Global Focus Week

Liberty University is hosting Global Focus Week Sept. 26-30, where students will have the opportunity to grow in their knowledge of needs around the globe while attending events geared toward global education through a biblical lens.

Highlighting the week are special Convocation speakers David Platt on Wednesday and Conrad Mbewe on Friday. Platt is the former International Mission Board president and current lead pastor of McLean Bible Church. Mbewe is pastor of Kabwata Baptist Church in Zambia and the founding Chancellor of the African Christian University in Zambia.

Throughout the week, representatives from over 40 organizations, including Compassion International, Samaritan’s Purse, Africa Freedom Mission, International Mission Board, Greater Europe Mission, Operation Blessing, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, and Send International, will have tables set up at Montview Student Union and the Jerry Falwell Library. Representatives will also be speaking in classes and on the residence halls after Campus Community.

Students can also attend a series of “Perspectives” sessions and additional workshops:

• “Perspectives: Serving Ukraine in Crisis,” 10:30-11:45 a.m. Monday, Sept. 26, Montview Ballroom
  Students will learn how God is working through Samaritan’s Purse and Ukrainian churches as they serve refugees and those remaining in the country amidst the hardship and danger.

• “Perspectives: Reaching the Islamic Community,” 4-5:30 p.m. and 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 27, Office of Equity & Inclusion, second floor of Montview
  Students will enrich their knowledge and understanding of the Muslim culture and faith while also hearing testimonies from cultural experts who have turned to faith in Christ and are now equipping others to live for the kingdom of God.

• “Take Your Career to the Nations,” 1-2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28, Montview Ballroom
  David Platt and Andre Mann, an entrepreneur and investor who is also a member of the Board of Directors at Hope International, will inform students how they can use their professional career to fulfill the Great Commission
• “Global Stories,” 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 29, Montview Ballroom
  Students will hear from peers who have spent a semester around the globe, taking their degrees, passions, and hobbies to the nations.

Global Focus Week will conclude Friday from 9-11 p.m. on the Academic Lawn with “Taste of Nations,” where traditional food from over 20 nations will be served with the assistance of Liberty’s international students and the International Student Center.

Liberty’s global mindset will continue next month when Dr. Dave Brat and the School of Business hosts the CEO Summit on Oct. 5-7 with special guest former President of the Republic of Ghana John Dramani Mahama. He will also be joined by influential African leaders, such as Dr. Cosmas Maduka, Present & CEO of Coscharis; Dr. Stanley Uzochukwu, CEO of Stanel Group; Alfred Adagbedu, CEO of Seaweld Engineering; and Pastor Forson Swanzy, President of Forerunners Generation International. In addition to these Nigerian business leaders, the entire DRC Congo Delegation will be attending with their Prime Minister and Special Assistant to the President. Leadership from 10 African nations will be attending seeking win-win business opportunities with friends in faith and freedom.

Liberty has a rich history of supporting and working with African dignitaries. Last year, the School of Business hosted the Equity for Africa Summit, a three-day conference powered by the Standing for Freedom Center that featured African leaders (either attending in person or through videoconferencing) including the vice president of Nigeria, president of Ghana, former president of Malawi, vice president of Liberia, and other political and economic heads of state. Members of the Congo parliament, the governor of South Sudan, and an ambassador to Rwanda also participated.