A one day conference on “Setting the Pace and Finishing the Race “ was held on Saturday,21 February 2009 at the Full Gospel Assembly, Kuala Lumpur. The Conference attracted a total of 300 participants and many rededicated their lives to God at the end of the Conference to run and finish the Race of Life on a victorious note.

The first speaker, Mr Michael Tan, Executive Vice- President, Eagles Communications, spoke on the 7 marks of effective Leaders. He said the leader must first of all have a Long term record of effectiveness. Examples of such leaders are Billy Graham, Rick Warren and Mother Teresa. Secondly the leader must have his Egos surrendered to Christ. In other words, the self life must be subservient to the Master.

The leader must also be Approachable, Devoted to his family, Excellent in service, Reflective of Godly character and Shares his knowledge and possessions with others.

The second speaker, Mr Lim Peng Soon, Principal Consultant with Meta, spoke on “Keeping Pace in a Race” and showed a short video clip on the record breaking 4-minute mile run by Roger Bannister in the year 1954. He said that Roger was able to run below 4 minute because there were other runners who set the pace and help him to eventually finish the race as the winner. In the same way, there would be other runners in life who will help us to finish the race as the pace is set. Mr Lim also talked about the various traits and behaviors of effective leaders.

The final speaker was Mr John Ng, President of Meta, which provides consultation services to top international corporations. He had the house in stitches as he gave various examples to bring home the importance of resolving conflict and finishing the race of life. He said that a good leader must be God –centered and must have the calling, competence and character to serve. However along the journey of life, he will experience conflict with those who are close to him – family members, colleagues and friends. Thus there is a need to manage the conflict wisely.

He said there are 5 As of Managing Differences –

1.	Acknowledge that we are different
2.	Accept the strengths and weaknesses of those around us
3.	Affirm their strengths and weaknesses
4.	Accommodate them
5.	Applaud them when they do well.

With reference to 2 Timothy 2:2, he said that all leaders must have the following to finish the race:

1.	Heart for God – there must be passion to know God intimately and obey Him.
2.	Heart of Integrity-no corrupt thoughts or actions be present in our relationships with others.
3.	Heart for fruitfulness –leaders must be able to disciple others so that His Kingdom would be extended.
4.	Heart for the Word – leaders must be strongly grounded in the Word of God
5.	Heart for Purity – leaders must be men of high morality and if they stumble they must ask for God’s forgiveness.
6.	Heart for people – leaders must love the people that they are ministering to.

The conference ended with many making fresh commitments to run and finish the race .They are aware that there will be obstacles along the way but if they keep their eyes towards God Almighty, He will surely carry them through the finishing line to receive the prize.