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“From ILD to Co-Serve”

When I embarked on my journey with ILD in 2010, it wasn’t just about studying; it was a transformative experience filled with opportunities to meet inspiring servant leaders. These individuals not only taught us about leadership but also motivated us to practice and revel in it. Every encounter with these leaders was like a breath of fresh air, invigorating my passion for leadership.

A few years into the ILD class, I found myself participating in student presentations and observing what they had learned in ILD. That day, several students from 2018 and a few from 2010, including the instructors, were selected for the Co-Serve program in Kazakhstan. Intrigued, I turned to my friend Jamshid Sultanzada for more details. Jamshid painted a vivid picture of Co-Serve, a program established by the remarkable Mr. Marshall Christensen. His mission? To instill the principles of servant leadership in young minds. Marshall’s life story is a testament to dedication, having spent his entire life educating and serving others. His approach was practical and deeply impactful, resonating with students at a profound level.

Inspired by Jamshid’s account, I eagerly submitted my request to join the program in 2019 through ILD Herat. However, fate had other plans. Instead of Co-Serve, I embarked on a Master’s Degree journey at KAFU. Upon arrival, I heard more about Mr. Marshall’s initiative, which left an indelible mark on me. Determined to pursue this path, I intended to follow up with ILD, but then the pandemic struck, and Afghanistan faced unprecedented challenges. Amidst the turmoil, I found myself fleeing to the United States.

In 2023, my persistence paid off. I reached out to ILD in Colorado, and they graciously enrolled me in the Co-Serve program. July 12, 2024, marked a golden milestone in my journey. On this day, I finally participated in Co-Serve, meeting the inspiring Mr. Marshall and his wonderful family. Alongside three fellow Afghans and a diverse group of Co-Serve students, I embarked on an unforgettable adventure.

The first day of the program was nothing short of magical. Mr. Marshall’s speeches were captivating, filled with wisdom about working together, believing in each other, and blessing one another. His words resonated deeply, leaving a lasting impression on all of us. Marshall and Daniel Ballast, the dynamic duo behind Co-Serve, have been nurturing this program for years. Daniel shared the fascinating origin story: in 2004, Marshall created a servant leadership course for students at KAFU. The impact was immediate and profound, sparking discussions about global leadership challenges and embracing new values.

Their collaboration expanded Co-Serve to other countries, and here we were, in July 2024, a diverse group of 22 students in Portland. We have had the privilege of visiting organizations with over 50 years of servant leadership experience. It was a golden opportunity to learn firsthand how these organizations embody servant leadership in their companies, communities, and the people they serve.

Reflecting on this journey, I am immensely grateful for the opportunity. The Co-Serve program has taught me that servant leadership is fundamentally about people, their needs, and fostering deep connections. It’s about valuing each other, lifting each other up, and creating a supportive community. This experience has been nothing short of transformative, and I am excited to carry these lessons forward in my life.

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