Because of the GLS | Surgeon Discovers He Doesn’t Have to Become a Pastor to Show Jesus’ Love

When Dr. Raydel Miranda joined The Global Leadership Summit (GLS) team in Cuba as a volunteer, he had no idea the impact that was in store for him.

Dr. Miranda is one of Havana’s respected young eye surgeons, and as a passionate follower of Christ and a committed member of New Pines, the GLS host church, he knew serving on the GLS team would be a worthwhile undertaking.

Despite a successful career as a surgeon, Dr. Miranda believed he should apply his leadership gifts toward full time ministry in a local church.

“Last year’s GLS came at a time in my life when I was seeking God’s direction on a major decision,” he recalled. “Ever since I became a Christian as a teenager, I have sensed God’s call on my life. But I didn’t know where that call would take me.

“I thought the best way to serve God would be to quit my profession as a surgeon, go to seminary, and become a pastor. We need to build the Church in Cuba, and with the gifts and abilities God has given me, it seemed this would be the right thing for me to do.”

But everything changed the day he happened to be in the auditorium during the GLS in Havana.

“He heard, ‘Your leadership matters.’ At that moment, I knew God was speaking directly to me.”

Those simple words stirred something deep within him.

“I knew God was saying that my leadership matters in every part of my life. My leadership matters when I volunteer at the church and with the GLS, my leadership matters when I serve my family, and my leadership matters as a surgeon.”

For Dr. Miranda, this new understanding was both simple, and yet profound. “I had never fully realized that God could use me in my role as a doctor. But I began to see that I could have an important influence in the lives of my medical colleagues and even my patients. These people do not know Christ, and I have an opportunity to let them see Jesus in me.

“As a leader in the medical field, I have an opportunity to introduce the love of Christ in ways I could never do as a pastor.”

For Dr. Miranda, this life-changing moment has given him a new understanding and appreciation for what Kingdom leadership is all about.

“I want to be the very best surgeon I can be,” he explained. “I want my colleagues to know that what drives me is my desire to give God glory and to serve the Cuban people. My colleagues need to know the love of Jesus, and God has placed me where I can have an impact.”

Dr. Miranda continues to lead in his church and he continues to lead on the Havana GLS team. And he also leads passionately within the medical community.

Because, as he heard at last year’s GLS, his leadership matters.

And so does yours.

Scott Cochrane serves as the vice president of International at Willow Creek Association. An insightful and genuine leader, he travels the globe mentoring international teams. Prior to joining WCA, he was the executive pastor of Trinity Baptist Church in Kelowna, British Columbia and provided leadership to the WCA Canada.