• “But genuine collaboration that has a greater impact is when we say, 'Who is starting something? How can I come and collaborate with them so that I can become a blessing?'”

    Samir Deokuliar

  • “Churches, communities, and working together with science and evidence can produce solutions that can overcome even some of these worst adversities.”

    Lucie Cluver, OBE

  • “The work is huge. The city is huge. However good a church or a nonprofit is, doing it alone will just not work. No one can do it alone.”

    Samir Deokuliar

  • “Why does collaboration matter? Because God's mission is too vast for any one church or organisation to do alone. Why are networks needed? Because complex problems demand interconnected solutions and the strength of interrelationships.”

    Menchit Wong

Together for Children: For over 30 years, Viva has been inspiring and equipping collaborative action around the world, because we know that working together has a greater impact in the lives of children at risk.  

This interactive conference was an opportunity to learn about how our model of supporting networks brings lasting change to children. 

  • Why are networks so effective? And how does one start? 

  • How Viva can support you in your city or community.  

  • The benefits of working together, as shared by leaders of Viva’s partner networks around the world.  

This page includes the presentations that opened and closed the Cutting Edge conference.

  1. Phil Green, Chief Executive of Viva, introduces Viva’s emphasis on collaboration through its model of inspiring networks of churches and organisations to form, equipping them to run active programmes that impact children, and connecting them together globally.

  2. Samir Deokuliar, a coach, author and pastor, giving a keynote address on ‘Why churches, non-profits and businesses working together matters.’

  3. Lucie Cluver, OBE, giving a keynote address on ‘21st-century children: Complex challenges, networked solutions.’

  4. Menchit Wong, from the Lausanne Movement, giving an epilogue based on the Biblical book of Nehemiah.

Video Presentations

Based on his experiences in the city of Delhi, India, Samir Deokuliar shares reasons why churches, nonprofits, and businesses working together actually matters.

Professor Lucie Cluver of the Universities of Oxford and Cape Town highlights the growing challenges facing children in the 21st century, and how churches and communities, working together with science and evidence, can produce solutions that can overcome even the worst adversities.

Based on the book of Nehemiah, Menchitt Wong reflects on how collaboration works best when guided by three principles: ecosystem stewardship, radical generosity, and covenantal trust.

Speaker Presentations

  • Phil Green

    His introductory video presentation as a PDF.

    Click Here

  • Samir Deokuliar

    The Presentation as a PDF.

    Click Here

  • Lucie Cluver OBE

    The Presentation as a PDF.

    Read Bio

  • Menchit Wong

    The Presentation as a PDF.

    Click Here

Further reading / additional resources

  • Lausanne Children-at-Risk Issues Network

    Web page about the Lausanne Movement children-at-risk issues network.

    Click Here

  • Samir Deokuliar website

    More about Samir Deokuliar and his leadership coaching.

    Click Here

Reflect

  • Question 1

    What stands out to you in what Samir says about the cross-sector collaboration being promoted in India?

  • Question 2

    Lucie mentions that there have been big changes in how people are thinking about children since the start of the 21st century - can you see these in practice in your community or context?

  • Question 3

    How would you define these terms that Menchit Wong uses: ecosystem stewardship, radical generosity, and covenantal trust?

Take Action

  • How could you practically help more people see that everyone benefits and the ecosystem thrives when all parts are nourished and served, not acting in isolation or competition?

  • Could you have a part to play in being together for children - sharing about the benefits of collaborative approaches with others, praying, giving financially or volunteering in a network setting? Talk to us today! (hello@viva.org)

Speakers

  • Phil Green

    Viva Chief Executive and Co-catalyst, Lausanne Movement’s Children at Risk Issue Network

  • Samir Deokuliar

    Pastor, Coach, TV Host, Author, City Movement Catalyst

  • Lucie Cluver OBE

    Professor of Child and Family Social Work, University of Oxford, and University of Cape Town

  • Menchit Wong

    A member of the Lausanne Movement’s international board since 2017

What I have learned…