When I participate in General Conference meetings (at least twice a year) I rejoice in hearing the big numbers that show God’s blessings. East Central Africa Division has baptised more than 900,000 people in just over three years. In Zambia, 133,000 people gave their lives to Jesus and were baptised and 3000 participated in the African Youth Congress in the West African Division recently. What SPD saw in PNG for Christ also demonstrated what God could do in a short time.
However, I also rejoice in the 26 baptised in a new area in Bangladesh (a majority Muslim country). That although church buildings are being closed in China God’s people still meet in homes and disciple their neighbours and friends. That 75 new churches are in various stages of development in the Trans European Division despite the post-Christian secular mindset. That a city in the Middle East which has not seen any significant growth in many years has four new church groups reaching four different people groups. Although two Adventists have been expelled from Israel for being Christian, the church still grows and had six immigrants baptised last month. The numbers are small but God has not abandoned any people group. A small seed can grow into a large tree (Mark 4:31,32). Where God’s kingdom is growing there is impact despite the cultural/religious challenges.
A story from Prague inspired me most. Prague is the capital of Czech Republic where only 13 per cent of people are church-goers—a very secular, post-Christian society similar to Australia and New Zealand. One young man there used social media to connect with people during the COVID pandemic. He shared how Jesus was helping him cope through the pandemic. He shared the hope of Jesus in a practical and relevant way. Other young adults liked it. As life went back to normal the group discovered they had the foundations of a house church. People wanted to be baptised. Safe Point was planted and this new hybrid (online and face-to-face church) has baptised 22 people in the past five years. Eighty people meet together each week—most are seeking God and Christianity. They use social media to share Jesus’ values that are relevant and have worked out how to connect face-to-face with the people who like their content. As one participant said, “It’s a place where you can belong, as you are!” I rejoice in the great numbers of people responding to Jesus in various parts of the world, but I also rejoice in the few who are responding in more challenging areas. God is Lord of all.
