Embracing Our Sacred Calling: Catalysts for Justice and Ambassadors of Love

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Luke 4:18-19 (ESV)

In these unprecedented times of war, famine, and displacement of millions, Jesus beckons us to embrace our sacred calling and purpose. We are entrusted with the transformative power of the gospel of Jesus Christ, a message that offers hope, healing, and liberation to those in despair. Our mandate is clear: to be catalysts for justice, agents of change, and ambassadors of God’s boundless love to the broken and marginalized. Now is the time to embrace this divine commission fervently and compassionately, knowing that our efforts are not in vain. Every act of kindness, every word of encouragement, and every gesture of solidarity matter in the kingdom-building work we are privileged to be a part of. In the face of adversity and challenges, we are called to be witnesses to all nations of the world, bringing light to the darkest corners and extending grace to the most vulnerable among us. For it is in our obedience to this calling that we truly reflect the heart of our Savior.

The year 2023 underscored the enduring nature of large-scale conflicts and wars, with millions of people affected by violence, displacement, and humanitarian crises. Ukraine continues to face a dire need for humanitarian aid, with approximately 14.6 million people requiring multisectoral assistance in the region due to the war with Russia on its eastern border. The humanitarian crisis and the death toll in the Gaza Strip and in Israel due to the Israel–Hamas war have touched the Alliance family worldwide, especially those of Palestinian or Jewish heritage. The Sahel region of Africa is facing a dire humanitarian crisis, with almost four million internally displaced persons (IDPs) who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, violence, and instability across Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. In Myanmar, widespread political unrest and violence following the 2021 military coup have led to persecution of pastors and church leaders, with the military confiscating many properties and buildings. Amidst these turmoil and ongoing challenges, pastors and leaders of the Alliance Church steadfastly uphold the message of Christ while providing essential aid to communities affected by conflict and persecution. The Alliance churches in these regions continue to minister to the needy and proclaim the gospel of Jesus, in partnership with other national Alliance churches and Christian organizations. Mobilization and support from the Alliance networks across North America, Europe and Asia have proven indispensable, enabling our Alliance family in these regions to persevere and sustain vital ministry efforts amidst adversity.

Despite the formidable challenges outlined above, national Alliance churches have remained steadfast in their commitment to proclaiming Christ. By fostering partnerships with other churches and sharing both human and material resources, Alliance churches can significantly enhance their effectiveness in fulfilling their mission. This commitment aligns precisely with the primary objective of the Alliance World Fellowship: to facilitate collaboration among its member national churches as they collectively pursue the fulfillment of the Great Commission.

The cohesion within the global Alliance family is strengthening, particularly evident in the reinforcement of the Alliance DNA among pastors and leaders. Thousands of pastors across the five AWF regions are actively participating in seminars and online courses to deepen their comprehension of Alliance theology and history. Understanding and embodying the Alliance DNA has historically been pivotal in addressing challenges of the past, and it remains crucial for us to do the same today.

Furthermore, collaboration among national churches in missionary endeavors and relief and development projects is on the rise. God has generously bestowed resources, gifts, and talents upon our global Alliance family, urging us to steward them faithfully. Presently, 24 national Alliance churches are joining forces to send missionaries to unreached people groups, while 35 others are pooling their efforts on relief and development initiatives. Through this collective endeavor, the resources entrusted to us by God multiply manifold.

Working alongside a dedicated group of individuals committed to the AWF’s purpose and mission has been both a blessing and a joy. As we face unprecedented challenges posed by war and pandemic, let us fervently pray for continual sanctification and empowerment by the Spirit of Christ, enabling us to advance the Kingdom of God and overcome the forces of this world.

Finally, may the words of Luke 4:18-19 ignite a fire within us, propelling us forward with renewed zeal and purpose. Let us go forth boldly, knowing that we are empowered by the Spirit to be vessels of God’s mercy and instruments of His peace. Together, let us continue to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, bringing liberation and transformation to all who we encounter.