The African continent hosted The Third Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization: Cape Town 2010. The leadership of the African Host Committee, chaired by Archbishop Henry Orombi, and the professionalism of the local committees and teams set the bar very high for whatever country and continent will host Lausanne IV. It was a privilege and a pleasure to work alongside these dedicated men and women who love the Lord and serve him with such diligence, compassion and enthusiasm (and with a sense of joy too!).
When South Africa was chosen as the host for Cape Town 2010, both the Lausanne leadership and African leadership determined that the one of the goals of the Congress would be a long-term impact of the gospel on the Continent.
Michael Cassidy, founder of African Enterprise and chair of the Mission Africa Committee, writes in his Lausanne World Pulse articles that,
“Lausanne III gave African Christians a new sense of pride in not only what our continent has already achieved, but what is still to come. Many believe that in the twenty-first century Africa could become the major fulcrum of world mission, such is the zeal of the Lord’s people across this continent.” Read More from Michael.
Gideon Para-Mallam, outgoing Lausanne International Deputy Director for EPSA (English, Portuguese and Spanish Speaking Africa), reports that many countries,
“. . . have taken steps to ensure that the Lausanne Congress hosted by Africa in Cape Town does not end up as another conference jamboree.” Read More from Gideon.
In addition to impacting the countries of Africa, God has used Cape Town 2010 to affect individuals in Africa. Madukauwa David, a Cape Town 2010 participant from Nigeria, says a friendship made at Cape Town 2010 has led to another dimension of ministry and a change in his home address. He and his wife left Nigeria just last week to begin a prayer ministry in Mozambique. Read More From Madukauwa.
As I read Madukauwa’s story, I was reminded again that we serve a loving God who cares not just for countries and groups of people, but also for each of us individually. Praise God that he is extending the influence of a gathering last year to impact lives like Madukauwa and Jose Madeira, to his glory!
What is God doing in your life and ministry? Please share your stories below.
International Deputy Directors
The Lausanne Movement believes strongly in empowering and equipping Christian leaders in the 12 regions of the world. At the June Lausanne Biennial Leadership Meeting the leadership confirmed the new and returning class of International Deputy Directors (IDDs), under the leadership of Lindsay Brown.
We praise and give God thanks for the leaders he has raised up to serve Lausanne as IDDs. Read More On The IDDs.
World Faiths
On Wednesday of Cape Town 2010, the topic was World Faiths. John Piper (USA) was the Bible expositor on Ephesians 3. John said,
“The crucifixion of the Messiah is not the wisdom of the world. It is not the power of world; to the world it is foolishness and it is weak. But [it] is in reality, power and divine wisdom.”
Watch his Bible exposition here:
- Bible Exposition: Ephesians 3 – John Piper (Part 1 | Part 2)
Download a written Session Summary of this session
Later that morning, leaders focused on Christian witness to other faiths and the cost of that witness. Archbishop Benjamin Kwashi (Nigeria) began his talk with,
“I am convinced that we have a gospel to proclaim. I am convinced that we have a gospel worth living for and a gospel worth dying for.”
He added,
“[This gospel] is more than just preaching; more than just talking. It is not merely an announcement of the fact that salvation will take place one day. The gospel is itself a divine power leading to salvation. It leads to faith and action; to the restoration of lives, of communities, of environments.”
Before sharing his own personal story of the cost of the gospel he stated that,
“Those who carry the message of the gospel will not always be welcomed. There may be intimidation, humiliation, persecution and suffering.”
Watch his powerful presentation here:
- World Faiths: Bearing Witness to Christ’s Love – Benjamin Kwashi
- Download a written Session Summary of this session
As we share the message of the hope of the gospel we must, as Lindsay Brown, Lausanne International Director has said, “bear witness to Jesus Christ and all his teachings in every part of the world, not only geographically but in every sphere of society and in the realm of ideas.” As the day progressed on Wednesday, participants in Multiplexes discussed ideas that impact sharing the gospel everywhere including through church planting, addressing the impact globalization and ministering to and with the Diaspora.
Coming back together for the evening session, Tim Keller (USA) asked the question, “What is God’s Global Urban Mission?” Tim said,
“If you want human life, as it lived in this world, to be shaped at all by Jesus Christ, you have to – we have to – go to the city. . . Three-hundred years ago less than three percent of the world’s population lived in cities. Today it’s over 50% and growing rapidly.”
His challenge was,
“The Church has to be everywhere there’s people, right? But the people are moving into the city faster than the church is. If you love what God loves . . . you’ll love the city. If you want to go where the people are going, you’ve gotta go to the city. And our churches are not going to the city anywhere nearly as fast as the people are.”
Watch his presentation here:
- World Faiths – What is God’s Global Urban Mission? – Tim Keller
- Download a written Session Summary of this session
Thursday at Cape Town 2010 was a “day off” for participants. Tomorrow we’ll learn more about Dr. John Stott and his impact on The Lausanne Movement and read about the volunteer stewards who served leaders onsite so capably and so well.
As always, we welcome your input and comments.
Until tomorrow . . .