Compliments of the season to the WEA family across the globe.
Once again we stand on the threshold of the end of one year and the beginning of another, not knowing what it holds in its palm and what it will bring in its wake.
Every new year holds in it the promise of new things as well as the mystery of the unexpected and unanticipated. This was true for WEA in 2024, in which many things happened, planned and unplanned. Through it all, we can testify and as to how the Lord walked with us through the uncertain times of the past year. For some it was personal challenges, for others, it was the result of the uncertainties of the times we are living in. We thank God for his grace and mercy that saw us through.
As we step in 2025, we do so noting the challenges - the spectre of a third world war ignited by the Russian-Ukraine conflict, the sad and expanding conflagration threatening to engulf the Middle East and the world; and then tumultuous American elections ending with the landslide win of Donald Trump and the yet unknown implications of his victory in the USA and the global landscape. The world also experienced 50% of its democracies going through elections with some unexpected outcomes in United Kingdom, France, Germany and numerous others. Besides these unfolding geo-political uncertainties, the world is yet to contend with their economic impact and the yet unknown global effect of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) on global society. There are many prognostications and scenario postulations for 2025. It is unwise to depict certainty around these future postulations but their presence and unfolding impact may portend for a very different and even difficult year ahead.
In a world of complex and unpredictable uncertainty, the Bible paints a picture of kingdom and people that stands on the certain, unshakeable and dependable truth of the word of God and the immovable rock of the Lord Jesus Christ. In Mat 16:13, He said He will build his Church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. While disagreement, disunity and disarray continues to characterize the systems and kingdoms of this world, evangelicals across the world in every locality, community and nation must devote themselves to the building of a body of believers (the church). As the Bible notes,“there are it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none is without significance (1 Cor 14:10)”, “for if the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will prepare for battle (1 Cor 14:8)?”
The church of God is characterized by faith, clear in its identity, united in its diversity, unshaken in its purpose, and unwavering in its devotion to the mission of “fostering unity in Christ, strengthening identity, voice, and platform for Gospel witness and discipleship.” In a sea of uncertainties, the Church must be that rock of refuge that our families, communities and nations can run to. It must be that voice of clarity, truth and certainty in a world confused by a rising cacophony of voices.
The WEA aspires to be the voice of unity, certainty and clarity from the grassroots level all the way up to world platforms. Our Lord Jesus said “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached to all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come (Mat 24:14).” That is why our theme for the 2025 General Assembly is “The Gospel for Everyone by 2033” which will be held from October 27th to 31st 2025, in Seoul, Korea, invigorates the Church to remain true, and distracted from its main mission as the Church - “Have all men and women to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Tim 2:4).” God has no other vehicle to do this than every believer and every believing Church to become an effective means of witness and discipleship at every level of society.
Like all endeavors of Biblical saints and historic revivals, the preaching of the gospel is always accompanied by prayer (Acts 2:42). In 2025, the WEA renews its commitment to pray like never before. All revivals of the past have been revivals of prayer as well as widespread evangelisation. “The Gospel for Everyone by 2033” cannot be achieved without prayer. The WEA has several significant and strategic programs underway that will require the strong accompaniment of prayer. These include the Mapping, Assessing and Recommending (MAR) project, the ongoing Re-imagining WEA Conversations, the search for a new Secretary General and preparations for the General Assembly in Seoul Korea. To this end, a prayer task force has been initiated. A Prayer Mobilization Plan and program will soon be circulated and published on various platforms.
Unity for gospel transformation in 2025 remains significant. This requires the WEA family to rededicate itself to the mission of unity for gospel transformation through networks of individuals, churches and nations engaged in Gospel witness and discipleship.
Praying for a blessed and gospel-impacted New Year for you all.
