From the President

A New Administration...

January 20 was an historic moment not only for America but for the world as the Obama administration took office. Following the financial shake up that the west is going through, which has filtered to the rest of the world, everywhere you turn changes are inevitable. Most organizations, religious or secular, have had to make serious adjustments to face the challenges of the new year.

Dawn has faced the future with a brave approach of decentralization. In a changing world, it has become increasingly difficult to operate as a centralized organization when we are in so many parts of the world where the application of the Dawn Vision differs. In order to serve the people of our regions more efficiently, our regional directors have been empowered to respond to local needs directly through programs and services that are regionally born and directed. We believe that this move will help us to create a network that will embrace all the different expressions of the Dawn Vision that have been birthed over the last two decades. In turn, releasing the vision this way will help to expand it beyond what a North American based organization would accomplish.

To accomplish this new direction, it was necessary to make changes on the team and on the board. As of December 2008, I stepped down as President and CEO while Berna Salcedo was appointed to lead the new network as President. Berna will serve in this post while at the same time, leading the Latin American region as Director. My new role is Director for Dawn Africa. John Hunter, who has been on the board from the inception of Dawn, also stepped down as chairman making way for Pastor Dave Sawkins to become the new chairman. To reduce overheads, we have also downsized head office significantly leaving it sufficient capacity to provide the face of the organization here in the US. This entailed a move to new offices and a reorganization of our head office personnel.

We are excited about these changes as it is not just in the political arena but also within our own family that we carry a new hope and anticipation of the future. We are grateful to those of you who have stood with us in the past and trust that you will continue your support as we chart a new path. We would encourage you to watch this space as our new president takes the network forward. It has been my pleasure to serve Dawn International in the last four years. As I take up leadership of the Africa team from here in Orlando, I do so with joy as it is like going back home. Africa, and indeed the whole of the third world, has a big contribution to make in fulfilling the great commission. Pray with us that we will be found faithful.
 
Ngwiza Mnkandla.
Director
Dawn Africa.