Insights from the Global Church

By Luke Midena

The past few months have been unusually full of travel. While it’s been exciting, I’m looking forward to being home with family for the next while. I wanted to share some highlights from one of these recent trips.

I had the privilege of attending the Lausanne Gathering in Korea—a seven-day event with over 5,000 Christians from 220 countries, and thousands more online. Focused on fulfilling the Great Commission, the gathering emphasised collaboration within the global church to make disciples of all nations.

My table discussion group included participants from India, Thailand, Singapore, and South Africa. Photo supplied.

Each day centred around themes inspired by the book of Acts and the challenges facing the global church. Here are a few moments that stood out:

1. The Courage of the Persecuted Church

One day was dedicated to the persecuted church, with moving testimonies from believers who have endured extraordinary trials. We heard from an Indian pastor whose church was burned down; he and his congregation lived in the forest for two years. His words stayed with me: “Persecution is God’s most effective method for advancing the gospel.” An Iranian believer also shared how, after attending the last Lausanne Congress, he was imprisoned for six years, including 18 months in solitary confinement. He joked, “I wonder what they’ll do to me when I get home this time?”

These courageous individuals reminded us:

“Persecution has never killed the church; a compromised gospel will.”

They urged us to pray for their perseverance in the gospel, just as they pray for ours.

Pray that God would help us, in Australia, to overcome the social fears that inhibit our witness and grow in boldness as we follow a crucified and risen Saviour.

Reuniting with friends was a highlight. Photo supplied.

2. Mobilising Christians in Everyday Professions

Another impactful theme was the call to awaken the “99 percent”—Christians not in paid ministry but placed across all spheres of society. These everyday believers, often called the “sleeping giant” of missions, make up the majority of the church. While gathered worship is often prioritised, we can sometimes overlook the need to equip and support Christians as witnesses where God has placed them.

The challenge was clear: How well are we discipling the 99 percent to live out the gospel in every part of life, ready to share the gospel? Embracing this mission means adopting a mindset that always asks, “Who can I serve?”.

The call was clear: God is less concerned with our ability than our availability. Are we equipping the 99 percent to live out the gospel in every part of life, ready to share the gospel? Embracing this mission means adopting a mindset that always asks, “Who can I serve?”

Pray for our efforts to train Christians in everyday jobs. As our 2-year discipleship training for workplace believers concludes, ask God to guide each participant to raise up new generations of disciples.

3. The Nations

Gathering with people from around the world was an unparalleled experience, filled with stories of God’s work that could fill countless biographies. These conversations reminded me of God’s call to his people to participate in his redemptive story, drawing every nation to himself.

One memorable lunch brought me together with leaders from Ukraine, Timor Leste, Egypt, and Jos in northern Nigeria. Their stories illustrated their humble dependence on God’s grace in the face of trials, reminding me of John the Baptist’s words: “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).

Pray that God would grow the hearts of his disciples in Australia to reflect his desire that all nations know him. Please pray also for our rescheduled [South Asia] trip in April 2025. Ask that God would use the delay to build our team and to prepare Jonno and Renu for their long-term move.

It was wonderful to connect with 80 Navigators from around the world, united by a shared mission and vision. Photo supplied.

Please also pray:

In January, we will welcome two university graduates from the US to be trained and work full-time at ANU. Pray that God would connect them with Australian students who hunger and thirst for righteousness, and that he would use them to train lifelong workers for his kingdom through their investment in uni students.

Thanks so much for your prayers.