Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2016

Abstract

From August 3-11, 2016 in Jakarta, Indonesia, over 1000 experienced younger leaders from 150 countries came together for the Lausanne Younger Leaders Gathering. The last one was in Malaysia in 2006. The Younger Leaders Gathering happens once a generation, and the theme for this one was “United in the Great Story.”

Along with the younger leaders, 180 seasoned leaders joined them to serve as their mentors. Connect groups of 5-6 diverse participants with a mentor shared reflections on the Bible studies, told their stories with Life Maps, and prayed for each other. I helped train the mentors and also served as a mentor. Besides my group I met one on one with 36 participants during the 8 day gathering.

It was an extraordinary event highlighted by the final worship service where most wore their national dress, and danced and sang in the aisles at the end of the service. I was keenly aware that this was the church, and God’s mission was in motion. Throughout the week’s presentations, worship services, and conversations, I bore witness to the vitality of God’s movement throughout the world despite massive persecution and social and cultural resistance.

I was privileged and humbled to see what we American Evangelicals sometimes miss.

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