WASHINGTON DC: Talking with David Boyd - World Leaders are lonely and need friends with no agenda then amazing things can happen

For our nine years as staff in the University of the Nations in Kona Hawaii I was constantly amazed how ordinary people did extraordinary things when they had faith and vision and a deep inner conviction that they could make a difference. I "dropped in" for an overnight stay in Washington DC to see some old friends just to catch up. However I left Washington having been challenged to look at my life and again think about what I am doing. I had to ask myself "Am I doing things because of a calling and sense of destiny? Am I making every minute count? Ask yourself the same thing ... honesty and action about the answer can make a difference.

Having worked with David Boyd and sitting through some really interesting meetings requiring diplomacy I have always felt he should have been an ambassador. I have actually shared this with people before I visited Washington. It is something built into him and I cant quite put my finger on it. All I know is I believe he has been trained and chosen for such a time and job as he describes in the podcast.

Here is an ordinary "bloke" with no country nor organisation behind him working in relationship with other men and women serving leaders from around the world that visit Washington. I got quite a glimpse of what he and others are doing "by walking alongside" world leaders, being their friends and helping them with values. I am convinced they are changing the world ... one friendship at a time.

Some Highlights from David's Podcast:

• David was the chancellor of the University of the Nations Kona Campus
• Set it aside to "walk alongside" political leaders
• Community Development Programs require interaction with government and leaders to bring about systemic change
• From 15 years in Germany then 22 years in Hawaii now moved to Washington DC Why? Because DC is an International Capital
• Every nation on earth is represented in Washington DC - it is easy to engage and interact with government leaders there as well as their own countries
• 30,000 lobbyists in the city - David has no agenda and nothing to sell only something to give and fundamentally it is friendship
• International leaders are lonely
• Not an organisation but part of a network of people in a 180 nations around the world who provide a not for sale service that helps leaders function in their role
• Help leaders address the needs of the poor
• Talks about how to address the needs of the poor
• Discuss how education can help the poor
• Significant work being done in reconciliation of conflict they call it "quiet diplomacy" not representing any country
• Meet regularly with ambassadors to develop safe environment which is unconditionally welcoming and just offers friendship and a place where all can grow relationally
• We talk about an amazing example where they had breakfast together and focused on a thought about judgement.
• Talks about life flowing through relationships and the importance of building trust. It is risky to live vulnerably yet people trust vulnerably
• It is not just about how much knowledge you have but about life integration and how you serve others
• David refers to an example of two leaders who's countries are at war and who met through this friendship approach in a safe environment. The results were world changing and life saving

Please contact us if you would like to discuss anything we have shared in the podcast or have any comments.

Regards
Allan