Janine and Gerry’s love story spans over three and a half decades, filled with laughter, love, and the joy of building a blended family. With three sons and a daughter of their own, plus the added blessing of four daughters-in-law and sons-in-law, their home resonates with the harmonious melody of family bonds.

Despite the physical distance separating them from their five grandchildren scattered across Sydney, London, and Johannesburg, Janine and Gerry find solace and happiness in their yearly reunions, cherishing every precious moment spent together. Their home in Durban is a hub of warmth and hospitality, welcoming not only human visitors but also their beloved fur babies – Wednesday, the wise old black pug, and Norton, the newest addition, an English bulldog with a heart as big as his droopy cheeks.

Reflecting on their journey together, Janine and Gerry find strength in their enduring love and the unwavering support they provide each other through life’s ups and downs. Their story is not just one of marriage but of building a legacy of love and family that stretches across continents and generations.

Gerry’s journey from the marketplace to ministry, intertwined with Janine’s steadfast support and faith, paints a picture of divine intervention and purpose. With a background as a Director of sales, marketing, and product development, Gerry’s life took a transformative turn when he encountered the grace of God during a business trip to Saudi Arabia in 1995. Janine’s prayers for his salvation bore fruit as Gerry experienced a profound encounter with God in the solitude of a hotel room, setting him on a path of spiritual awakening and service.

Their shared commitment to faith led them to serve wholeheartedly in their local Baptist church, where they found themselves being prepared for a greater calling. The call to ministry became evident, and their journey led them to the Willow Creek Association (WCA) of South Africa in 2003, with Gerry assuming the role of CEO and Janine taking on the responsibilities of Event Manager.

Their vision extended beyond the confines of their local church as they pioneered the Global Leadership Summit (GLS) in South Africa in 2005. What began as a modest endeavor grew exponentially under their guidance, with the GLS becoming a cornerstone event for thousands across the nation. By 2010, their efforts had blossomed, with a dedicated team of eight staff orchestrating the Summit’s expansion. Now, with just the two of them, the GLS continues to grow with 40 sites, hosting over 8,000 guests in 2023 and the support of an army of 1,000 volunteers across the country.

In 2017, their journey took another significant turn as WCA SA transitioned to become Global Leadership Network (GLN) SA, marking a new chapter in their service. Gerry’s appointment as Regional Director of GLS Southern Africa further solidified their commitment to leadership development and empowerment.

For over two decades, Janine and Gerry have dedicated their lives to serving the mission of GLN SA, witnessing its growth and impact firsthand. Their unwavering dedication and faithfulness have made GLN SA one of the enduring pillars of leadership development in the region, a testament to their shared vision and God’s guiding hand in their journey.

The growth and impact of GLS South Africa are truly remarkable, reflecting Janine and Gerry’s dedication and God’s provision every step of the way. With GLS sites established across the nation, they’ve created a platform for leadership development that reaches far and wide.

Janine and Gerry’s leadership continues to propel GLS South Africa forward, making a tangible difference in the lives of leaders across the nation. Their commitment to excellence and innovation ensures that GLS remains at the forefront of leadership development in South Africa for years to come.

The expansion of GLS South Africa with new sites is an exciting development, signalling both growth and adaptability within the organization. These additions reflect Janine and Gerry’s commitment to meeting the leadership development needs of diverse communities across the nation.

In terms of attendance, their goals represent a significant 20% growth which demonstrates their confidence in the value proposition of GLS and their dedication to serving an ever-expanding audience of leaders hungry for growth and development.

Janine and Gerry’s strategic vision and unwavering dedication position GLN South Africa for continued success and impact in the years to come. As they press forward towards these goals, they remain steadfast in their commitment to transforming lives and communities through the power of inspired leadership.

As Regional Director, Gerry plays a pivotal role in overseeing the operations and strategic direction of the Global Leadership Summit (GLS) in several countries within the Southern Africa region. These countries include

Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, Swaziland (Eswatini), DRC, Angola, Malawi, Mauritius, Madagascar, Rwanda, Uganda, & Tanzania.

In this leadership capacity, Gerry is responsible for ensuring the effective implementation of GLS’s mission and programs, fostering collaboration and partnerships with local churches, organizations, and leaders, and driving growth and impact across the region. His role involves leadership development, resource allocation, and building networks to empower leaders and catalyze positive change in their communities.

Expanding the scope to GLS Southern Africa, Gerry’s leadership encompasses a vast and diverse region comprising 15 countries. With a combined population of 453 million people, this region represents a tapestry of cultures, languages, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

One notable aspect of this population is the significant youth demographic, with approximately 50% of the population falling into the Next Gen category. This demographic insight underscores the importance and potential impact of Next Gen GLS events, providing a platform for young leaders to be equipped, empowered, and inspired to lead with integrity and vision.

These highlights from various GLS countries showcase the impactful reach and significance of the Global Leadership Summit:

1. Malawi (2023): The attendance of the President of Malawi at the GLS underscores the recognition and importance of leadership development in the country. Janine and Chris Ordway’s encounter with the President reflects the summit’s ability to attract and engage influential leaders at the highest levels of government.
2. Swaziland (2021): The presence of four Cabinet Ministers at the GLS demonstrates the summit’s relevance and appeal to key decision-makers in the government. The prayer offered for the Minister of Finance, who was facing persecution and attacks, highlights the supportive and spiritual environment fostered at the summit, where leaders find encouragement and strength amidst challenges.
3. Uganda (2019): The initiative “Ambassadors for Integrity” in Uganda showcases the summit’s impact beyond individual events, inspiring tangible action and societal change. The collaboration between whistleblowers and anti-corruption agencies exemplifies the summit’s role in promoting ethical leadership and accountability in governance.
4. Mozambique (2021): The initiative to hold the Global Leadership Summit (GLS) inside a refugee camp is a testament to the resilience and determination of both the organizers and the displaced community. With approximately 1 million people displaced due to conflict and instability, providing leadership development opportunities within the camp is crucial for empowering individuals to rebuild their lives and communities.The decision to repeat this initiative in the current year reflects the ongoing commitment to supporting the displaced population and fostering hope in the midst of adversity. However, the GLS team’s desire to document and share this inspiring story is hindered by the dangerous conditions in the region. The presence of ISIS infiltration in the northern part of Mozambique adds an additional layer of risk and complexity, making it unsafe for the team to film on location.Despite these challenges, the impact of the GLS within the refugee camp speaks volumes about the transformative power of leadership development, even in the most challenging circumstances. While the story may remain untold for now, the resilience and determination of both the organizers and participants continue to shine as a beacon of hope amidst uncertainty and hardship.

These highlights not only illustrate the diverse ways in which the GLS influences leaders and communities but also emphasize its role in fostering integrity, resilience, and positive transformation on both national and grassroots levels.