Reflection: Baptist World Alliance - World Youth Conference

For over a year, a small group of students and adults have been planning to attend the BWA World Youth Conference in Singapore and a cultural immersion experience in Thailand. As I write this article, the group is preparing to travel back to Raleigh after two weeks of traveling half way around the world.

Here are just a few things that struck me during this amazing trip. First, we have an amazing family of Baptist brothers and sisters around the world. The BWA conference reminded me how big our God is! We serve the same God who is caring for the congregation in the Nagaland of Myramar who are struggling to find a voice among fellow tribes and against an oppressive government. We worship the same God of Germany, Australia, Japan and all over the world. We have like-minded Baptists who are reaching their communities in their unique ways for God's kingdom. I was amazed by their strong faith in difficult areas of the world. Singing "How Great Is Our God" in several different languages during worship was a powerful reminder of God's love for all people!

Second, while in Thailand, I was struck by the darkness of Bangkok. There was a sense of spiritual darkness as I visited temples and other parts of the city. The sense of desiring for the truth was overwhelming but the people are trying to earn God's favor through gifts and actions in the temples. The pele were friendly and gracious but seemed to lack the joy I experience as a person filled with God's grace.

Third, the message of the gospel is powerful for generations. Our tour guide in Chiang Mai was a faithful follower of Christ because of the work of missionaries 125 years ago. Her family has passed on their faith in Christ through the generations in a land dominated by Buddhism. It was a beautiful story of God's kingdom advancing in the world from generation to generation.

There is so much more I could share from this amazing trip. We serve a great God! Pray continually for those around the world as they endure and suffer the persecution of governments and culture around them. Pray for our missionaries who carry the message of love and grace of Christ. May God's kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.

- Andy

*Pictures to come soon!