In 1974, Skittles were first released; the Rubik’s Cube was invented; Richard Nixon resigned as President. It was also the year when evangelist, Billy Graham, and theologian, John Stott, embraced together to initiate the first Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization. I knew about Skittles and the Rubic’s Cube and had some recollection of Nixon’s resignation. At the age of 14, I knew nothing of Lausanne.
Fifty years later, with over 40 years in urban missions experience, I am now well-informed of Lausanne’s impact on world evangelization. This is only the fourth conference in the history of Lausanne, and it will take place in Seoul, South Korea. The vision of the movement is four-fold: 1) the gospel for every person, 2) disciple-making churches for every people and place, 3) Christ-like leaders for every church and sector, and 4) Kingdom Impact in every sphere of society. This aligns beautifully with World Impact as a Christian Missions Organization “from and for” the poor: 1) our mission to equip urban leaders to reach their cities with the gospel, 2) our vision for a healthy (disciple-making) church in every community of poverty, 3) to equip Christ-like leaders for the church through our Church Based Seminary program, and 4) that we would, Transform Communities Together for Kingdom Impact.
To be able to attend, one has to be nominated and accepted. I am thrilled and humbled that the Lord has opened the door for me to be one of 560 North America representatives as a virtual participant. As a selected virtual participant, I will engage with the Lausanne Congress in a one-year, curated, personal, and interactive cohort with other world missions representatives, to focus on and give input to the four focuses of the movement. For such a time as this, please join with me and the other representatives and churches around the world in the Spirit’s next steps for the Church to advance the Gospel and expand the Kingdom leading to churches being planted for the fame of His name.
“…not of those who shrink back…” Hebrews 10:39
Bob and Susan Engel