IGNITE: From One Yes to a Movement

The celebration of Cru Global Ignite’s 10th anniversary was a moment to look back and remember what God has done. Sam Liuson, head of Ignite in the Philippines and a member of Cru Board of Trustees, was at the first ever Global Ignite Conference in Bali, Indonesia in 2016. He then was encouraged to lead the first Ignite conference in the Philippines. What began in Indonesia in 2016, came to the Philippines in 2017 when Sam wholeheartedly said yes, even without a proposal, a budget, or speakers lined-up. Despite this, Sam faithfully trusted the Lord, and God led him to several Christian business leaders who became the primary speakers to  those in the business community . However, Sam knew that God was not done yet. They cast the vision and challenged the people to give their L.I.F.E. (Leadership, Influence, Finances & Expertise) to the Lord.

The first Ignite conference in the Philippines was held  in Cebu, gathering more than  170 men & women from the business sector . Sam was reminded that God often begins with ordinary people who are willing to say yes to Him. The event was a success! Then, the pandemic came, yet the mission of Ignite was never quarantined. They continued connecting, encouraging one another,  and growing together in the Lord. Even with all of their physical operations coming to a halt, God continued to sustain them and remind them that He remained in control.  Truly, God never abandons what He has started and will make sure that His ministry flourishes.

All of this started with a yes.

Sam did not have all the answers or a detailed plan when he first stepped into the work., What he had was a desire  to be F.A.T –: Faithful, Available, and Teachable. He encouraged his team to do  the same while staying aligned with the purpose God has entrusted to them.

For Sam, Ignite conferences was never meant  to be another event, but an avenue for business people to  encounter Jesus and spark movements of Christian leaders who are willing to say yes to the Great Commission. The conference may  inspire people, but the real measure of its impact is what happens afterwards. Does the gospel continue beyond the event? Do people bring Christ into their workplaces, businesses, and spheres of influence? Do they help others encounter Jesus?

This is why Ignite exists -  to influence corporations and businesses with the gospel. Because while success, wealth, influence, and other  temporal things may offer much, they can never truly satisfy. Only God can.

And perhaps this is what IGNITE has been about from the very beginning: ordinary people saying yes to God, allowing Him to use their L.I.F.E. for His greater purpose.