Missional Insights from East Asia: Seth Kim on Mobilizing the Next Generation, Contextualisation, and Uniting the Church for Global Mission

How is God moving in East Asia? 

 

📖 Summary:

In this episode of the podcast, Seth Kim, a Lausanne Regional Director for East Asia, shares strategic insights on how churches are reaching their cities, cultures, and nations through innovative mission. From mobilizing youth and developing leaders, to contextualizing the gospel and fostering collaboration, Seth paints a powerful picture of what it looks like to pursue the Great Commission in a rapidly changing region.

🙏 Call to Action:

Be encouraged—and challenged—by how God is moving in East Asia. Subscribe to the Lausanne Movement Podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend or mission leader. Visit lausanne.org to learn how you can partner with the global church in this generation.

📚 Links & Resources

• Arise Asia – Official Website - https://www.ariseasia.org/
• Lausanne Movement – East Asia - https://lausanne.org/network/east-asia
• Lausanne’s State of the Great Commission report - https://lausanne.org/report/east-asia

Guest Bio:

Seth was born in Seoul and lives in Asia and the USA. He has been awarded degrees from the University of Illinois, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. As a pastor, speaker, leadership educator, church planter, mobilizer, and spiritual trainer, Seth is passionate about the next generation, church planting, missions, and leadership to see lives and the world transformed.

He and his wife founded Harvest Mission Community Church (HMCC) in 1996. He is currently the lead pastor of HMCC in Hong Kong. Seth travels extensively working with churches and organizations to train and equip young people to catalyze gospel movements in global cities.

Seth is the co-founder and vice-president of Arise Asia. He is also on leadership teams of Church Planting and Multiplication (CPX), Movement Day, and the NXT Move Global.

We’d love your feedback to help us to improve this podcast. Thank you!

Episode Transcript

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We just won't be able to compete, and I don't think we should compete. 3 00:00:06,204.9999999999 --> 00:00:26,483.782789589 So we need to offer something that's completely different, that's supernatural, there's so much potential to be able to preach the gospel and especially to the young people as there's eight universities here in Hong Kong, official universities recognized by the government, and we're on six of them there's a real desire to experience and encounter God. 4 00:00:26,640.881189061 --> 00:00:31,260.88118906 we had about 37 nations represented throughout Asia. 5 00:00:31,541.53017099 --> 00:00:32,651.53017099 people gathered together. 6 00:00:32,651.53017099 --> 00:00:34,751.530170989 And God met us in a very powerful way. 7 00:00:37,403.354719159 --> 00:00:45,893.354719159 A very warm welcome to the Lausanne Movement Podcast for those who have a passion to accelerate global mission together. 8 00:00:46,373.354719159 --> 00:00:54,803.354719159 My name is Jason Watson, and today I'm joined by Seth Kim, a Lausanne Regional Director for East Asia and co-founder of Arise Asia. 9 00:00:55,667.900173705 --> 00:00:59,657.900173705 In today's conversation, we talk about what God is doing across East Asia. 10 00:00:59,927.900173705 --> 00:01:23,624.263810068 From a rising spiritual hunger among students to church planning efforts, and the growing need for unity of the church in East Asia for global mission, Seth brings deep insights into how the next generation is being mobilized to go where the gospel has not yet been heard, and why now is a critical moment for the church in East Asia to respond to God's call. 11 00:01:23,969.718355523 --> 00:01:32,879.718355523 Whether you're leading a local church involved in global mission or simply seeking to understand how God is moving across the world, this episode is for you. 12 00:01:33,54.722498143 --> 00:01:39,774.722498143 So go ahead, grab your headphones and let's dive into today's conversation with Seth Kim. 13 00:01:42,579.75465255 --> 00:01:44,729.75465255 Well, Seth Kim, welcome to the podcast. 14 00:01:45,606.33411854 --> 00:01:46,456.33411854 Thank you Jason. 15 00:01:46,606.33411854 --> 00:01:49,66.33411854 I really appreciate all that you're doing with the podcast. 16 00:01:49,66.33411854 --> 00:01:51,466.33411854 Listen to a couple of them and it's been awesome. 17 00:01:51,776.33411854 --> 00:01:52,676.33411854 Thank you so much. 18 00:01:52,886.33411854 --> 00:01:54,686.33411854 I'm really keen for this interview. 19 00:01:54,776.33411854 --> 00:01:58,466.33411854 Uh, you are a fresh regional director for East Asia. 20 00:01:58,466.33411854 --> 00:02:08,359.02253782 Just a couple of months in the role, and I'm really interested in hearing your perspectives on, east Asia and how, How you see the gospel moving in your region. 21 00:02:08,689.02253782 --> 00:02:14,689.02253782 You're also the co-founder of Rise Asia, which is trying to lead student led movements and towards mission. 22 00:02:14,689.02253782 --> 00:02:24,769.02253782 And so I'm, I'm really interested, I'm keen to hear all about that, but before we begin, could you just take a moment just to share a bit about yourself, what ministries you're involved in. 23 00:02:24,769.02253782 --> 00:02:30,649.02253782 You're involved in quite a few, and how you came to form a passion for Jesus and his kingdom. 24 00:02:30,940.38617418 --> 00:02:41,710.38617418 Yeah, well, I mean, I was born in Korea and then moved to the States when I was young, and I think that really shaped me a lot in terms of my bicultural ness. 25 00:02:42,160.38617418 --> 00:02:47,830.38617418 And I struggled a lot with my identity and my Korean and my American. 26 00:02:48,310.38617418 --> 00:02:54,940.38617418 But later on I just realized how that was more advantageous, being able to relate to people from all different cultures. 27 00:02:55,360.38617418 --> 00:02:59,770.38617418 One, one thing is that our, our family, we weren't believers at all, so I came to know the Lord. 28 00:03:00,265.38617418 --> 00:03:09,296.74599264 At a specific time in my life where I was getting in trouble with the law and doing all these crazy things, my parents thought that I'm gonna be in jail before I turn 15. 29 00:03:09,296.74599264 --> 00:03:14,126.74599264 So they decided to send me to a retreat, and that's where I heard the gospel for the very first time. 30 00:03:14,516.74599264 --> 00:03:16,16.74599264 And that really impacted my life. 31 00:03:16,16.74599264 --> 00:03:19,466.74599264 But I think just lack of discipleship, I kind of drifted away. 32 00:03:19,916.74599264 --> 00:03:25,886.74599264 Came to a point where I really rededicated my life to Christ and began to live my life for him. 33 00:03:25,976.74599264 --> 00:03:34,256.74599264 Went off to college and that really began to shape my worldview even more as I was part of a church plant my fourth year, senior year. 34 00:03:34,916.74599264 --> 00:03:42,356.74599264 And through that experience, that's where God put out deep love for the local church and, and that's where I found and. 35 00:03:43,451.74599264 --> 00:03:46,661.74599264 Got married, not, not during college, but after college. 36 00:03:46,691.74599264 --> 00:03:52,361.74599264 I went to seminary and afterwards got married and then started a church in 1996. 37 00:03:52,361.74599264 --> 00:03:57,551.74599264 So a while back when I was still wide-eyed and didn't know what I was doing. 38 00:03:57,911.74599264 --> 00:04:02,321.74599264 So I always tell people, if you want to ask about church planning, I'll tell you all the things not to do. 39 00:04:02,891.74599264 --> 00:04:05,51.74599264 So that was quite an experience starting the church. 40 00:04:05,51.74599264 --> 00:04:08,531.74599264 And uh, yeah, we just saw a lot of the young people just coming out. 41 00:04:08,531.74599264 --> 00:04:15,971.74599264 To our church and many of them came to know the Lord got discipled trained up, and then we saw them going to their countries, back to their countries. 42 00:04:16,481.74599264 --> 00:04:22,391.74599264 And through that, uh, we just started seeing the possibilities of planting churches all over the world. 43 00:04:22,451.74599264 --> 00:04:22,721.74599264 So. 44 00:04:23,546.74599264 --> 00:04:33,11.74599264 It's a little bit of, my background and I'm involved with, just various different ministries whenever it deals with next generation missions and church planning. 45 00:04:33,11.74599264 --> 00:04:37,931.74599264 I usually like to gravitate towards those people and those people who have a heart for those things. 46 00:04:37,931.74599264 --> 00:04:38,801.74599264 So, yeah. 47 00:04:39,956.74599264 --> 00:04:40,496.74599264 Wonderful. 48 00:04:40,526.74599264 --> 00:04:45,296.74599264 No, thank you for sharing a bit about, what has led you up to this point in time. 49 00:04:45,627.47161622 --> 00:04:47,577.47161622 it really helps to inform the conversation. 50 00:04:47,577.47161622 --> 00:04:54,989.35884042 I mean, you mentioned, at the start that, that it, that you've kind of seen that experience of being evolved, you know, being born and solved. 51 00:04:55,469.35884042 --> 00:04:59,279.35884042 Moving to the US now, working and engaging with people around Asia. 52 00:04:59,669.35884042 --> 00:05:01,919.35884042 I mean that, that really informs your perspective. 53 00:05:02,279.35884042 --> 00:05:12,519.35884042 Right? And so I'd be curious to hear from you how your perspective has been shaped and the way that you understand the church and you're saying young people and mission today, just from, that global experience and exposure. 54 00:05:12,837.72618736 --> 00:05:25,827.72618736 I would definitely say like even just Christianity of how I experienced it in the States and then coming out to Asia, even though Jesus is central, I think just the way it's expressed, it's a little bit different. 55 00:05:26,133.65455494 --> 00:05:29,350.32122161 one of the things that I came to the realization, very quickly is that. 56 00:05:30,685.32122161 --> 00:05:39,355.32122161 When I was in the States, a lot of it was on the individual where guilt and things like that where we try to preach where the gospel can, uh, touch their hearts. 57 00:05:39,745.32122161 --> 00:05:47,335.32122161 But in Asia, I realized that you really had to address a lot on the performance and the works orientedness that comes through this. 58 00:05:47,335.32122161 --> 00:05:52,435.32122161 The culture of being in Asia, uh, as well as just the mindset is a little bit more community. 59 00:05:53,0.32122161 --> 00:05:56,450.32122161 So if you do something wrong, you affect the whole community, that kind of mindset. 60 00:05:56,450.32122161 --> 00:06:01,580.32122161 And so the way I share the gospel, it's a little bit different depending on the context. 61 00:06:01,580.32122161 --> 00:06:06,140.32122161 So that kind of shaped my a little bit of how I minister and even the worldview. 62 00:06:06,140.32122161 --> 00:06:11,60.32122161 I would definitely say that there are pros and cons to both cultures and just trying to. 63 00:06:11,315.32122161 --> 00:06:17,315.32122161 Gather some of the good things from both and trying to use that to help people experience more of who Jesus is. 64 00:06:17,675.32122161 --> 00:06:23,465.32122161 And so those are some of the experiences that I kind of, uh, came across coming to even here in Hong Kong. 65 00:06:23,495.32122161 --> 00:06:27,5.32122161 It's been about 10 years now since we've been living here. 66 00:06:27,560.32122161 --> 00:06:28,430.32122161 This whole area. 67 00:06:28,430.32122161 --> 00:06:47,690.32122161 I think there's so many poten, so much potential to be able to preach the gospel and especially to the young people as we're, there's eight universities here in Hong Kong, uh, official universities recognized by the government, and we're on six of them trying to reach out to the young people there, and they're so hungry for. 68 00:06:48,295.32122161 --> 00:06:48,775.32122161 Jesus. 69 00:06:48,775.32122161 --> 00:06:52,345.32122161 And there's a real desire to experience and encounter God. 70 00:06:52,705.32122161 --> 00:06:59,215.32122161 And that's why I think this is a, a tremendous moment in history, uh, to make an impact to the next generation. 71 00:06:59,685.30936347 --> 00:07:13,408.65455494 Seth, would you mind, you know, I, I've been curious about this for a while because we often hear the distinction between, especially the, the individualistic kind of, mentality of the West to more the communal elements of Africa and Asia. 72 00:07:13,665.32122161 --> 00:07:16,80.32122161 you mentioned how that informs the way that you preach the gospel. 73 00:07:16,80.32122161 --> 00:07:26,925.02643703 Could you gimme an example of a way that you would present the gospel to someone in, say, north America, to how you would present the gospel to someone that is in Asia? Yeah, that's good. 74 00:07:26,970.02643703 --> 00:07:29,385.02643703 I, I, I would say to someone in North America. 75 00:07:29,638.14203571 --> 00:07:42,178.14203571 lot of times when I do preach the gospel, it's really about how your relationship with Jesus and you have sinned against God and because of that your broken fellowship and that that's why we need Jesus to forgive us. 76 00:07:42,178.14203571 --> 00:07:47,8.14203571 And so it's almost, in some sense it just geared towards that individual. 77 00:07:47,518.14203571 --> 00:07:54,448.14203571 But in Asia what we try to do is try to focus a lot more on the whole creation story from the beginning. 78 00:07:54,688.14203571 --> 00:07:56,188.14203571 'cause there, there are a lot of people here. 79 00:07:56,833.14203571 --> 00:07:59,588.6069531 Who don't have any background, with Christianity. 80 00:08:00,8.6069531 --> 00:08:04,118.6069531 And so really starting from the whole creation of what God intended, what it was supposed to be. 81 00:08:04,603.6069531 --> 00:08:10,358.6069531 And, and one other thing about Asia is that they, there's a high emphasis on being harmonious. 82 00:08:10,958.6069531 --> 00:08:14,828.6069531 And so this harmony being able to live together in harmony. 83 00:08:15,128.6069531 --> 00:08:17,23.6069531 And so from there that we have, because. 84 00:08:17,613.6069531 --> 00:08:33,123.6069531 We have, uh, rebelled against God and living for ourselves and the things that we're chasing after because of that, we've broken that harmony or that fellowship with God, and then talking about how even within the community that we are to seek God together. 85 00:08:33,483.6069531 --> 00:08:36,483.6069531 And so as we share more from the angle of. 86 00:08:36,668.6069531 --> 00:08:44,978.6069531 The relational aspect with others and with God, then we could say, Jesus Christ, you know, the Son of God came to reconcile us. 87 00:08:44,978.6069531 --> 00:08:50,528.6069531 And so that reconciliation is a really huge message because it's more relational as base. 88 00:08:50,528.6069531 --> 00:08:52,208.6069531 So that's kind of how I try to share. 89 00:08:52,208.6069531 --> 00:08:58,238.6069531 So it's more of that relational aspect, but this side over here is more of just us and God and being right with God. 90 00:08:58,778.6069531 --> 00:08:59,258.6069531 Wow. 91 00:08:59,385.27361977 --> 00:09:01,935.27361977 Yeah, I mean that, that's really, that's really helpful. 92 00:09:01,965.27361977 --> 00:09:08,588.6069531 Uh, you know, the one, the one question I have, connected to that is we speaking a lot about discipleship in the Lizanne circles. 93 00:09:08,618.6069531 --> 00:09:15,878.6069531 Uh, through the listening reports, they identified that most regions, uh, identified discipleship as a major issue. 94 00:09:16,358.6069531 --> 00:09:25,296.54430631 And, and I'd be curious, You, you mentioned that in Asia there's a need for communal relationship and the gospels even preach that. 95 00:09:25,536.54430631 --> 00:09:31,656.54430631 Do you find that the, the need for discipleship or the challenges of discipleship are different in both those spaces as well? I. 96 00:09:32,142.38899201 --> 00:09:37,362.38899201 Yeah, I, I think this is a major issue in the church overall, the global church. 97 00:09:37,812.38899201 --> 00:09:44,232.38899201 I think one disservice that we did was we really separated evangelism and discipleship to two separate things. 98 00:09:44,742.38899201 --> 00:09:49,362.38899201 Uh, one of the privileges that I had was to be able to, uh, spend some time with Dr. 99 00:09:49,362.38899201 --> 00:09:50,292.38899201 Coleman, Robert E. 100 00:09:50,292.38899201 --> 00:09:50,547.38899201 Coleman. 101 00:09:51,337.38899201 --> 00:10:04,177.38899201 And, uh, I was part of his discipleship class, and one thing that he really emphasized is that we haven't really done evangelism until that person that we bring to Christ is able to then bring another person into a relationship with Christ. 102 00:10:04,417.38899201 --> 00:10:14,407.38899201 And so this whole circle thing where you share the gospel, but then you're discipling them and walking with them, training them so that they can share Christ with others. 103 00:10:14,407.38899201 --> 00:10:19,417.38899201 So that whole process, I, I, I think that we have Dichotomized and this is why. 104 00:10:19,662.38899201 --> 00:10:24,612.38899201 There's a huge gap, and so we're just trying to emphasize the importance of just. 105 00:10:25,617.38899201 --> 00:10:38,62.45700137 Walking with Jesus, being with him, being like him, and through that, as we are in relationship with people, that we're able to then share our lives that Christ has changed us, this gospel message. 106 00:10:38,182.45700137 --> 00:10:43,492.45700137 And through that relationally, we're in some sense discipling them as we're. 107 00:10:43,692.45700137 --> 00:10:45,672.45700137 Walking with them, doing life together. 108 00:10:45,672.45700137 --> 00:10:49,2.45700137 So in, in our church, we've been emphasizing a lot on life. 109 00:10:49,2.45700137 --> 00:10:49,512.45700137 On life. 110 00:10:49,542.45700137 --> 00:10:49,632.45700137 Mm-hmm. 111 00:10:49,872.45700137 --> 00:10:52,662.45700137 Because that's how Jesus did it, and that's how we ought to do it. 112 00:10:52,662.45700137 --> 00:10:57,732.45700137 And that's why with many of the young people here, uh, they live on, you know, near campus. 113 00:10:57,732.45700137 --> 00:11:02,952.45700137 So there's close proximity and we've been trying to encourage some of the leaders and some of our members. 114 00:11:03,212.45700137 --> 00:11:05,372.45700137 Do life online, do things together. 115 00:11:05,372.45700137 --> 00:11:16,292.45700137 And as they see that you're different, uh, that's what's gonna cause them to wonder, you know, what is it about you? And so it really is not just sharing the gospel and that's it, but doing life online. 116 00:11:16,292.45700137 --> 00:11:18,782.45700137 And through that process, people will come to know Christ. 117 00:11:18,907.81862017 --> 00:11:19,327.81862017 Yeah, no. 118 00:11:19,327.81862017 --> 00:11:37,977.82900289 I've been reflecting a lot on, on some of the soul statements, and part of what the Soul Statement spoke about was that the Great Commission, and often we use the Great Commission and we hear the great commission being used, for mission, right? And so you read Matthew chapter 28, 18 to 20 and you see, you'll say, you know, guide us, call us to go. 119 00:11:38,682.82900289 --> 00:11:40,482.82900289 And we focus on that word go. 120 00:11:40,919.76505098 --> 00:11:43,949.76505098 but, but actually we are called to go and make disciples. 121 00:11:44,249.76505098 --> 00:11:46,43.09838431 And, I've been really challenged by that. 122 00:11:46,144.54575349 --> 00:11:51,694.54575349 cause God hasn't called us to go and make churches for instance, although that is part of the Great commission. 123 00:11:51,694.54575349 --> 00:11:53,314.54575349 It's part of making disciples. 124 00:11:53,314.54575349 --> 00:11:54,724.54575349 Churches play a huge role in that. 125 00:11:55,138.40082849 --> 00:11:57,333.40082849 he hasn't called us to, you know, go and. 126 00:11:57,798.40082849 --> 00:12:03,858.40082849 Do X, Y, and Z ministries call us to go make disciples and our ministries fall into that great commission element. 127 00:12:03,888.40082849 --> 00:12:03,978.40082849 Mm-hmm. 128 00:12:04,218.40082849 --> 00:12:09,463.40082849 And so anyway, I, I don't want us to derail that conversation, but I feel like it's, uh, really No, that's good. 129 00:12:09,693.40082849 --> 00:12:09,983.40082849 Yeah. 130 00:12:10,38.40082849 --> 00:12:11,688.40082849 Really speaks into what, what you're saying. 131 00:12:11,928.40082849 --> 00:12:13,548.40082849 So let's, let's talk about East Asia. 132 00:12:13,590.50472215 --> 00:12:21,835.51127771 I realize that, uh, when we talking about a, a large region, it can be become really difficult for for us to, to talk about it in general terms. 133 00:12:21,835.51127771 --> 00:12:21,985.51127771 And so. 134 00:12:22,480.51127771 --> 00:12:34,420.51127771 Recognizing that upfront, but could you give us a snapshot of the region from, uh, 30,000 feet when we're talking about East Asia, what are we talking about and what is the state of the church in general, in your region? Yeah. 135 00:12:35,602.79721488 --> 00:12:45,712.79721488 I, you know, when I talk to the other, uh, regional directors, you know, they share about how hard the region is, but I'm like, east Asia is the hardest, you know, it's not easy. 136 00:12:45,712.79721488 --> 00:12:53,2.79721488 It's made up of, uh, eight different, I guess, areas or nations, but depending on how you look at it. 137 00:12:53,272.79721488 --> 00:12:59,697.00525687 But as you know, there's Japan, North Korea, South Korea, China, Mongolia, and then Taiwan. 138 00:12:59,787.00525687 --> 00:13:03,687.00525687 And then you have Hong Kong and Macau as a special administrative region. 139 00:13:04,17.00525687 --> 00:13:10,377.00525687 So in this eight area, I think the hardest part is we're looking at, I think, uh, 1.67, 140 00:13:10,377.00525687 --> 00:13:11,217.00525687 almost 1.7 141 00:13:11,217.00525687 --> 00:13:12,982.00525687 billion people. 142 00:13:13,287.00525687 --> 00:13:13,347.00525687 Wow. 143 00:13:13,617.00525687 --> 00:13:17,487.00525687 Which makes up 21% of the population of the world. 144 00:13:18,57.00525687 --> 00:13:18,687.00525687 And. 145 00:13:19,62.00525687 --> 00:13:26,742.00525687 The part that's difficult is that it's, we're talking about the language issue is hard and in some areas, you know, they just speak English. 146 00:13:26,742.00525687 --> 00:13:32,922.00525687 In some areas of of the world, they just speak like one particular language and everyone kind of rallies around that. 147 00:13:32,922.00525687 --> 00:13:37,152.00525687 But in a East Asia, uh, the language is a huge problem. 148 00:13:37,152.00525687 --> 00:13:39,972.00525687 So even trying to bring people together, it's not easy. 149 00:13:40,482.00525687 --> 00:13:41,112.00525687 And. 150 00:13:41,772.00525687 --> 00:13:45,132.00525687 As you know, the political situation makes it very, very difficult. 151 00:13:45,462.00525687 --> 00:13:50,712.00525687 And so sometimes just being able to bring people from different places together is also very hard. 152 00:13:50,712.00525687 --> 00:13:55,354.98949913 And, some of the most unreached peoples are in, uh, east Asia. 153 00:13:55,354.98949913 --> 00:14:06,634.98949913 So that's something that we really want to be in prayer for, as you know, such as Buddhism, folk, folk, religion, and Taoism, and all these other different religions that make it very difficult for. 154 00:14:07,294.98949913 --> 00:14:12,424.98949913 Christianity to go forward, and so something that we're looking at in the bigger picture is. 155 00:14:12,934.98949913 --> 00:14:28,774.98949913 How do we get the churches in East Asia, uh, connected in such a way that we can begin to not, first of all, pray over this area, but then also think about ways that we can network together so that we can actually reach particular regions and countries. 156 00:14:28,774.98949913 --> 00:14:29,944.98949913 And so that's something that I. 157 00:14:30,389.98949913 --> 00:14:40,199.98949913 I've been kind of thinking through, praying through as a RD and, uh, talk, talking and communicating with some of the people who are on the ground, but in the midst of all the different challenges. 158 00:14:40,199.98949913 --> 00:14:46,518.56724539 I think it's a really exciting area and region of the world as you know, that, many of the. 159 00:14:46,742.01268898 --> 00:14:58,892.01268898 Developments, uh, whether it's social economic developments, and so that's causing a greater sense of the emptiness when they're chasing after the things of this world, and they reach that pinnacle and they realize that it doesn't satisfy. 160 00:14:59,282.01268898 --> 00:15:05,192.01268898 So there's a renewed sense of hunger and a desire for maybe there's something transcendent, something that's greater. 161 00:15:05,672.01268898 --> 00:15:12,512.01268898 Uh, something else, I don't know if you've heard, but many of the East Asian countries, the birth rate is below. 162 00:15:13,76.71872402 --> 00:15:16,766.71872402 the average level where to replace even those who are passing away. 163 00:15:16,766.71872402 --> 00:15:22,256.71872402 So some of these countries are gonna be extinct if they don't really start having babies and things. 164 00:15:22,256.71872402 --> 00:15:28,436.71872402 So, you know, that's really causing a lot of worry in whether it's government or other places. 165 00:15:28,436.71872402 --> 00:15:37,196.71872402 But we really see that the generation that are coming up, there's a greater spiritual hunger and a desire that. 166 00:15:37,886.71872402 --> 00:15:44,936.71872402 A lot of people have said they haven't seen before, and we're seeing these pockets of revivals, pockets of people who are coming together to pray. 167 00:15:45,176.71872402 --> 00:15:50,936.71872402 So I feel like it's a global culture, as you know, and it's just feeding off each other. 168 00:15:50,936.71872402 --> 00:15:58,16.71872402 And many of them are hearing about what God is doing around the world, and that is sparking a greater spiritual interest and a hunger. 169 00:15:58,16.71872402 --> 00:16:05,426.71872402 So I think all the different religions and different things that people have been worshiping, all the idols in their lives are kind of. 170 00:16:05,876.71872402 --> 00:16:09,26.71872402 Collapsing and they're realizing that there must be something more. 171 00:16:09,26.71872402 --> 00:16:15,386.71872402 And that's why when they hear the gospel message, many of them are very, very open to hearing and studying the Bible. 172 00:16:15,476.71872402 --> 00:16:18,716.71872402 And prayer and worship is a huge part of it. 173 00:16:18,746.71872402 --> 00:16:22,496.71872402 'cause it's that experience, that encounter that they're having. 174 00:16:22,496.71872402 --> 00:16:25,706.71872402 So that's something that we're definitely seeing here in East Asia. 175 00:16:26,48.91302177 --> 00:16:27,68.91302177 Thank you, Seth. 176 00:16:27,68.91302177 --> 00:16:39,998.91302177 I think you've like, really painted a great picture of the spiritual climate in your region, and you've mentioned a few of the trends that you're seeing in your travels as you've, you know, connected with different Christian leaders across your region. 177 00:16:40,295.2011148 --> 00:16:48,365.2011148 what is it that's exciting them? Uh, so, you know, like what, what is it that's really spurring them on? And then what are you finding that is discouraging them? Hmm. 178 00:16:48,593.5267678 --> 00:17:03,29.8884443 I think when we travel around and go to some of these places in East Asia, I think what's exciting people is that the next generation, because many of them are actually, like I mentioned earlier, they're excited for spiritual things and there's greater hunger. 179 00:17:03,89.8884443 --> 00:17:08,309.8884443 And so we're seeing that some of these Christian leaders are saying, Hey, we gotta reach the next generation. 180 00:17:08,759.8884443 --> 00:17:14,519.8884443 And I think there's new opportunities to actually go and do missions and so many of them are. 181 00:17:15,74.8884443 --> 00:17:19,394.8884443 Kind of blowing the clearing call to say, Hey, let's go and do missions. 182 00:17:19,514.8884443 --> 00:17:21,14.8884443 And that's something that we're seeing. 183 00:17:21,374.8884443 --> 00:17:38,54.8884443 I think the discouraging sometimes is that the lack of unity, and especially among some of the younger leaders, I think they struggle through 'cause they feel like it's very difficult to kind of have sometimes positions of authority or being brought to the table, as you know, uh, in East Asia. 184 00:17:38,819.8884443 --> 00:17:43,619.8884443 Hierarchical leadership is very strong and for, for all the good and bad. 185 00:17:43,619.8884443 --> 00:17:52,829.8884443 But I, I think oftentimes, uh, many of the younger leaders that I feel like are emerging that can be brought to the table and be a part of some of the decision making. 186 00:17:53,189.8884443 --> 00:17:58,529.8884443 Uh, some places they don't have that opportunity, and because of that, they just feel stuck. 187 00:17:59,39.8884443 --> 00:18:07,292.5960063 And it's just, then it begins to, what's the best way to put it? I, I think so those who have been in power for a long time, you know, they kind of. 188 00:18:07,787.5960063 --> 00:18:12,167.5960063 Continue to move things in a certain direction, but many of these young leaders, they're excited. 189 00:18:12,167.5960063 --> 00:18:13,697.5960063 They want to see something that's different. 190 00:18:14,57.5960063 --> 00:18:27,47.5960063 So I'm, I'm just trying to encourage them, you know, sometimes even though you're in this kind of situation, you have to be able to work with people who are older, who are younger, who are your peers, and we're praying for Unity. 191 00:18:27,47.5960063 --> 00:18:34,757.5960063 That's something that we're really asking God to do from each of the different countries, that there will be a spirit of unity working together for the great commission. 192 00:18:35,402.5960063 --> 00:18:47,829.7290596 I, I'm wondering what is, what is the untold story of what God is doing in your region? Well, the untold story is that there's a lot of people who are faithful and they're really serving the Lord in this area. 193 00:18:48,219.7290596 --> 00:19:02,19.7290596 You know, as you know, China is one big part of it, and there is a movement of God amongst the Chinese churches that are actually mobilizing together so they could bring the gospel out to back to Jerusalem as. 194 00:19:02,369.7290596 --> 00:19:04,859.7290596 You probably heard a lot of the back to Jerusalem movement. 195 00:19:05,279.7290596 --> 00:19:16,589.7290596 And so there are people even in the midst of persecution and difficulties in a particular country that they are really excited about taking this gospel to places where there is no gospel. 196 00:19:16,919.7290596 --> 00:19:20,129.7290596 And that's why I think those kinds of stories we don't hear often. 197 00:19:20,429.7290596 --> 00:19:26,759.7290596 Uh, some of them it's more like underground, but as we're interacting with people, God is doing something and even within. 198 00:19:27,134.7290596 --> 00:19:34,154.7290596 Some of the countries that are a little bit more free in East East Asia, it's the next generation where they're growing that passion for missions. 199 00:19:34,454.7290596 --> 00:19:47,864.7290596 And so we're seeing that across some of the more of the developed areas of East Asia, that many of these young people are now wanting to take this call to go where there's no gospel and they're answering that call and they're part of something that God is doing. 200 00:19:47,864.7290596 --> 00:19:50,864.7290596 So we see that, and that's really encouraging for us. 201 00:19:52,224.7290596 --> 00:19:53,364.7290596 In this area. 202 00:19:54,174.7290596 --> 00:19:54,354.7290596 Yeah. 203 00:19:54,354.7290596 --> 00:19:59,34.7290596 So to mean a, a large part of where I want us to go next is, is into the next generation. 204 00:19:59,34.7290596 --> 00:20:08,424.7290596 You mentioned them quite a few times up until this point, uh, but you are also very involved in church planting, and I'd be curious before we transition and speak to next generation. 205 00:20:08,726.5606844 --> 00:20:12,247.8149251 there's a lot of movement of church planning, especially within the United States. 206 00:20:12,277.8792184 --> 00:20:16,27.8792184 it's, you know, we, we see pockets of it, even in my own country, South Africa. 207 00:20:16,27.8792184 --> 00:20:17,917.8792184 And we, we see it all over the place. 208 00:20:18,217.8792184 --> 00:20:19,147.8792184 A large part of. 209 00:20:19,627.8792184 --> 00:20:23,437.8792184 Our church planting initiatives are initiatives that have come in from the states. 210 00:20:23,437.8792184 --> 00:20:31,807.8792184 I'm now talking as a South African, and it's like about adapting, you know, the, the models and the methods from the US into our own context. 211 00:20:32,227.8792184 --> 00:20:47,286.0610366 I'd be curious to hear from you as, as you are helping church planters and as a church planter yourself, what, how, what does church balancing look like within your own context compared to the context that you came from? From the us? Great question. 212 00:20:47,766.0610366 --> 00:20:51,396.0610366 I, I think, let me just first start off and just say. 213 00:20:52,146.0610366 --> 00:20:55,386.0610366 I think Jesus can use any model, you know it. 214 00:20:55,386.0610366 --> 00:20:58,56.0610366 And sometimes we get so fixated on the model. 215 00:20:58,61.0610366 --> 00:20:58,351.0610366 Mm-hmm. 216 00:20:58,431.0610366 --> 00:21:02,196.0610366 And the best practice of that, that we lose sight of the key essences. 217 00:21:02,196.0610366 --> 00:21:08,111.0610366 Just bringing the gospel, bringing Jesus to different areas and living life in such a way that it will, I. 218 00:21:08,361.0610366 --> 00:21:11,331.0610366 Uh, sparked the interest of those who don't have the gospel. 219 00:21:11,331.0610366 --> 00:21:26,103.8724684 And so, uh, I know there's wide range of different types of churches, how to do churches, and because I'm a believer that we need all different types, I don't know if there's one that works the best in one particular context over another. 220 00:21:26,378.8724684 --> 00:21:31,268.8724684 But I would definitely say you gotta understand your surrounding and your context that you're in. 221 00:21:31,538.8724684 --> 00:21:34,178.8724684 We can't have like a mega church in China. 222 00:21:34,298.8724684 --> 00:21:36,938.8724684 Uh, you know, especially if you're gonna do it underground. 223 00:21:37,418.8724684 --> 00:21:40,538.8724684 Uh, and so in, in, in many ways it's gonna be. 224 00:21:41,43.8724684 --> 00:21:46,203.8724684 Really dictated by the specific area that you're in and the people that you're trying to reach. 225 00:21:46,563.8724684 --> 00:22:00,513.8724684 So now more than ever, this whole idea of a micro church, what does that look like? Like for instance, even here in Hong Kong, even though we have like the small group system, in many ways I've been telling our leaders you are like an actual church. 226 00:22:00,573.8724684 --> 00:22:09,183.8724684 A micro church because you guys meet once a week and you practice all the things that we see of the one another's and you know, and it goes. 227 00:22:10,83.8724684 --> 00:22:19,473.8724684 So the other side, if, if you think about it, there's some countries here, even in East Asia where you can't be a pastor without the title and the degrees and all that, but. 228 00:22:20,118.8724684 --> 00:22:36,438.8724684 Now we're looking at some of the situation we're in, and so we're saying, Hey, maybe you don't need all the titles and as long as you're committed, you love Jesus and you've been trained, uh, through a local church and you understand the heartbeat of the local church, that you can actually go and plant churches there. 229 00:22:36,438.8724684 --> 00:22:41,958.8724684 So we've been emphasizing there's gonna be all different types in in an urban setting, in an urban church. 230 00:22:42,3.8724684 --> 00:22:51,243.8724684 It's gonna look totally different from someone that's rural and how it's gonna be done, but it just seems like now more of the urban churches are taking the forefront. 231 00:22:51,723.8724684 --> 00:22:58,293.8724684 And how do you create that kind of church, a community that will enable people to experience Christ in their. 232 00:22:58,418.8724684 --> 00:22:59,828.8724684 Practicing the one anothers. 233 00:22:59,828.8724684 --> 00:23:19,118.8724684 And so I feel like one thing that I will encourage people is that when we go back to the acts two model, uh, it's not that we have to do it exactly that way, but there's some elements and traits that I feel like are needed for every church, depending on size, context, whatever it is, if we can practice some of those one anothers there. 234 00:23:19,428.8724684 --> 00:23:26,748.8724684 And at least have some good leadership and training that that could be one way to actually reach our region. 235 00:23:26,748.8724684 --> 00:23:33,168.8724684 So get into the urban centers as well as some of the other places throughout East Asia that don't have the gospel. 236 00:23:33,375.5391351 --> 00:23:33,555.5391351 Yeah. 237 00:23:33,555.5391351 --> 00:23:38,175.5391351 So I mean, one of the, the passions that both of us share is a passion for the next generation. 238 00:23:38,535.5391351 --> 00:23:44,565.5391351 And a lot of your work is, is focused on mobilizing the next generation for, for God's global mission. 239 00:23:45,45.5391351 --> 00:23:53,861.0040525 And, and so I'm curious, you know, as, as I've engaged with, with people on this podcast, I've had some who are very discouraged about what's happening among the next generation. 240 00:23:53,861.0040525 --> 00:23:58,211.0040525 And some people are very excited and passionate about what God is doing. 241 00:23:58,626.0040525 --> 00:24:03,576.0040525 let's focus on, on the negative side first, because I feel like there is an element to that. 242 00:24:03,876.0040525 --> 00:24:19,236.0040525 What is your perspective as you engage with people who are just disheartened, ministry leaders who are just disheartened among, among about their young people, about them disengaging from church and not being involved in mission? What are we, so let's put the focus on us and not on the next generation. 243 00:24:19,236.0040525 --> 00:24:19,326.0040525 Sure. 244 00:24:19,326.0040525 --> 00:24:33,164.3373858 What are we getting wrong when we are thinking about the Gen Z and the Gen Alpha group? usually tell the older folks like myself, I always say, we've forgotten what it felt like to be a young person at one time in our lives. 245 00:24:33,674.3373858 --> 00:24:40,994.3373858 And you know, the thing that really speaks to a lot of the next generation is a lot of things that spoke to us when we were younger. 246 00:24:41,174.3373858 --> 00:24:50,144.3373858 You know, this idea of this unconditional love, uh, being in community, uh, experiencing something that's different from what the world preaches. 247 00:24:50,609.3373858 --> 00:25:03,59.3373858 I think that's one of the, uh, issues that I've seen over the years is that sometimes we want to be so much like the church, or excuse me, like the world because we feel like the, the next generation are getting pulled into the world. 248 00:25:03,569.3373858 --> 00:25:10,49.3373858 But I would say that's a really not the wisest way to approach it, because we won't be able to compete with the world. 249 00:25:10,109.3373858 --> 00:25:13,169.3373858 You know, when you think about the entertainment and everything that's going on. 250 00:25:13,374.3373858 --> 00:25:16,314.3373858 We just won't be able to compete, and I don't think we should compete. 251 00:25:16,434.3373858 --> 00:25:27,504.3373858 So we need to offer something that's completely different, that's supernatural, uh, in, in a way that they can say, this is really a move of God, that it's transcendent this sense of awe. 252 00:25:28,784.3373858 --> 00:25:35,924.3373858 Wonder, and I really feel like we need to bring that sense of mystery back that you cannot get from this world. 253 00:25:35,924.3373858 --> 00:25:42,884.3373858 And as you know, with AI and all the deep fakes and all that kind of stuff, like it's gonna be harder to know what's real. 254 00:25:42,884.3373858 --> 00:25:42,944.3373858 I. 255 00:25:43,214.3373858 --> 00:25:50,714.3373858 What's authentic, and that's why I've been trying to emphasize a lot to those who are a little bit older trying to reach out to the younger generation. 256 00:25:51,104.3373858 --> 00:25:56,84.3373858 They are really looking for something that's authentic and something that's real and we have it. 257 00:25:56,84.3373858 --> 00:26:06,614.3373858 And so we don't have to try to candy code it in any way, but as long as we are actually living for Christ, giving them the truth, uh, the whole truth, right? So. 258 00:26:06,739.3373858 --> 00:26:11,449.3373858 We like to kind of only tell the nice things, but just yeah, challenge them in such a way. 259 00:26:11,479.3373858 --> 00:26:31,561.127188 And that's something that I've been having conversations with people is that we, as pastors or leaders, we have been so content with so little because if our young people are coming out to our meetings every single week and they're setting up the chairs involved in the worship, ministry, then we're like, oh, this is great. 260 00:26:31,736.127188 --> 00:26:35,786.127188 But they really want to live for something that's greater than themselves. 261 00:26:35,786.127188 --> 00:26:40,286.127188 That's why you see so many of these young people living for like these causes. 262 00:26:40,676.127188 --> 00:26:49,406.127188 And so if we have the greatest cause to share a go and make disciples of all nations, then if we can challenge them to lay down their life. 263 00:26:49,796.127188 --> 00:26:51,686.127188 For something that's greater than anything else. 264 00:26:51,686.127188 --> 00:27:02,576.127188 And we always use that parable about that greatest, uh, treasure, that the pearl of great price, that you are willing to sell everything and to buy that land to obtain it. 265 00:27:02,786.127188 --> 00:27:09,536.127188 If we have this great treasure, then we are willing to lay everything down and to be able to share that with other people. 266 00:27:09,776.127188 --> 00:27:10,976.127188 So that's one thing that I've been. 267 00:27:11,841.127188 --> 00:27:21,741.127188 We, we at, you know, the different ministries I'm a part of, just really trying to encourage the, um, different pastors and leaders to challenge the next generation. 268 00:27:22,11.127188 --> 00:27:27,651.127188 Don't settle for the lower things, but challenge them with the hard message, and many of them will respond. 269 00:27:28,333.1484036 --> 00:27:28,453.1484036 Yeah. 270 00:27:28,453.1484036 --> 00:27:35,5.9011161 So Seth, I, you know, I'm now applying this to, to my own context, right? So we, we have planted a church. 271 00:27:35,35.9011161 --> 00:27:38,226.2025132 My church has planted a church to reach, students within our city. 272 00:27:38,226.2025132 --> 00:27:40,446.2025132 So university students, and I think I. 273 00:27:41,231.2025132 --> 00:27:48,641.2025132 What's been beautiful to see is our church has been able to reach, effectively, begin to reach students and they've come to know Jesus. 274 00:27:48,641.2025132 --> 00:27:57,101.2025132 They've come to find a home in, in our church, and I think they, they began, they began to experience authentic Christian community and a love for the church. 275 00:27:57,521.2025132 --> 00:28:04,901.2025132 Uh, but what I was sharing with you a little bit earlier, before we be click, we click the record button, is that I don't know if we've done well in. 276 00:28:05,931.2025132 --> 00:28:08,91.2025132 Inspiring them towards God's mission. 277 00:28:08,91.2025132 --> 00:28:12,201.2025132 So they've grown for love for God's church, but not necessarily his mission. 278 00:28:12,291.2025132 --> 00:28:22,971.2025132 And so how can we, what advice would you have for churches like mine who are drawing students in, uh, and we are seeing multiplication there, but not necessarily mobilization. 279 00:28:23,271.2025132 --> 00:28:29,50.4496462 What advice would you have for us? Just say, just get involved with global missions. 280 00:28:29,470.4496462 --> 00:28:46,900.4496462 I, I think the beautiful thing about this generation is that they are global citizens and so they know exactly what's happening in another part of the world, and when they see the different needs, uh, for, for example, a good case, uh, to explain that is what, what happened in Myanmar, you know, in Thailand with the earthquake. 281 00:28:47,410.4496462 --> 00:28:50,470.4496462 And so because everyone gets the news instantly. 282 00:28:50,905.4496462 --> 00:29:12,235.4496462 These young people are globally connected, and so if they can really see the gospel, it's not just proclamation, but it's also demonstration that the gospel can reach people in different places, whether they are in suffering or difficulties, or even if they're prospering, but then there's an emptiness in their hearts if we can challenge them to get involved with global missions. 283 00:29:12,450.4496462 --> 00:29:22,830.4496462 I really believe that it's gonna go beyond just a youth group or, you know, a, a worship conference or a discipleship thing, but to be a part of something that God is doing globally. 284 00:29:23,135.4496462 --> 00:29:30,210.4496462 I, I think this next generation can be reached and many of them are gonna be used for the glory of God as they participate in God's mission. 285 00:29:30,593.8549151 --> 00:29:30,923.8549151 Great. 286 00:29:30,923.8549151 --> 00:29:38,543.8549151 Yeah, and I think we're gonna talk a little bit more about this now because one of your passions is student volunteer movements and, and it's what you're doing with Arise Asia. 287 00:29:38,873.8549151 --> 00:29:49,253.8549151 So could you explain to us, just get, maybe give us a brief description of what a student volunteer movement is and what it would take to see a fresh movement like this today. 288 00:29:50,18.8549151 --> 00:29:54,998.8549151 Yeah, I mean, I, I've studied this quite a bit and it's something that I'm very passionate about. 289 00:29:54,998.8549151 --> 00:30:02,105.9991435 Back in 1886, group of 251 students gathered together in Mount Herman, uh, to study the Bible. 290 00:30:02,105.9991435 --> 00:30:05,165.9991435 And that last week they decided to dedicate it to world Missions. 291 00:30:05,795.9991435 --> 00:30:10,685.9991435 And when DL Moody was there, and he challenged the people to give their lives to missions. 292 00:30:11,50.9991435 --> 00:30:22,240.9991435 100 of them gave their lives for cross-cultural missions, and their model was world evangelization in our generation, and so they took that gospel and they went to different places. 293 00:30:22,240.9991435 --> 00:30:33,760.9991435 That's why I always share with people in Asia that we have to be grateful for that movement because out of that movement, we have the gospel here in Asia, in Africa, and many other places. 294 00:30:34,90.9991435 --> 00:30:34,990.9991435 Around the world. 295 00:30:35,230.9991435 --> 00:30:45,700.9991435 And so in that movement, by the time that it ended or on the decline, they sent over 20,000 young missionaries, uh, to different parts of the world. 296 00:30:46,210.9991435 --> 00:30:53,260.9991435 And so that's why I really feel like God is doing something that's powerful, that's very similar to what we're seeing. 297 00:30:53,515.9991435 --> 00:31:09,355.9991435 Back then in history is that a young group of people, uh, really desire hunger for God and wanting to experience God, but also understanding the importance of taking this great message of the gospel and bringing it to places where they have yet to hear the gospel message. 298 00:31:09,715.9991435 --> 00:31:11,455.9991435 So that's something that we. 299 00:31:11,650.9991435 --> 00:31:19,60.9991435 Really believe in, and we think that God is doing something here in Asia and that's how the whole Arise Asia got started. 300 00:31:19,60.9991435 --> 00:31:28,480.9991435 And some of you might know David Rowe and he and I, we were in a cafe in, uh, Starbucks back in 19, uh, what is it, 2019. 301 00:31:28,960.9991435 --> 00:31:33,670.9991435 And we were just talking about missions and we realized that many of these missionaries. 302 00:31:34,125.9991435 --> 00:31:37,575.9991435 All had the common thread of the Urbana student admissions conference. 303 00:31:38,85.9991435 --> 00:31:44,895.9991435 And so we were like saying, why don't we have anything like that in Asia? And then in 2022 we had this, uh. 304 00:31:45,275.9991435 --> 00:31:49,265.9991435 Asia World Congress gathering here, uh, in Bangkok. 305 00:31:49,655.9991435 --> 00:31:59,585.9991435 And when we brought all the different leaders together, uh, that's when David shared about the possibility of doing missions with the young people and seeing a movement there. 306 00:31:59,975.9991435 --> 00:32:05,555.9991435 And then in 20 20, 20 22, towards the end of that year. 307 00:32:06,180.9991435 --> 00:32:14,70.9991435 We found out that there were two Chinese churches, persecuted churches that gave 50,000 USD to start this movement. 308 00:32:14,70.9991435 --> 00:32:16,920.9991435 And they said, David, you know, we, we need to start this. 309 00:32:17,280.9991435 --> 00:32:22,620.9991435 And so with that, in December, uh, we just formed the smaller teams and we said, Hey, let's. 310 00:32:22,620.9991435 --> 00:32:26,125.9991435 Do this conference in 2023 in July. 311 00:32:26,125.9991435 --> 00:32:37,945.9991435 So we only had about seven months to actually plan this together, but we started gathering people together and they, they were also excited about what God was doing and they wanted to see this for this next generation. 312 00:32:37,945.9991435 --> 00:32:47,335.9991435 So that's kind of a little bit of how Rise Asia got started and how we are trying to see another fresh expression of the student volunteer movement. 313 00:32:47,335.9991435 --> 00:32:49,225.9991435 So our hope and prayer is that after. 314 00:32:49,395.9991435 --> 00:32:54,435.9991435 20 years that we can challenge 1 million young people to go where there's no gospel. 315 00:32:54,795.9991435 --> 00:33:02,385.9991435 And to also see at least a hundred thousand young people who will give their lives for full-time cross-cultural missions. 316 00:33:03,185.9991435 --> 00:33:11,615.9991435 That's our prayer, that's our hope and prayer, and it's a beautiful vision and, uh, I truly hope and pray that that would become a reality coming out of Asia. 317 00:33:12,155.9991435 --> 00:33:15,485.9991435 Uh, so you hosted your first gathering in 2023. 318 00:33:15,935.9991435 --> 00:33:31,760.9991435 Uh, can you tell me about the impact that you guys have had so far and it's now you two years out from that gathering? I'd be interesting to hear, you know, what has happened since then? Yeah, well, the first gathering in July, 2023, it was very historic. 319 00:33:31,760.9991435 --> 00:33:36,770.9991435 It's 'cause we had about 37 nations represented throughout Asia. 320 00:33:37,160.9991435 --> 00:33:39,980.9991435 And then we had about 1800 people gathered together. 321 00:33:39,980.9991435 --> 00:33:42,80.9991435 And God met us in a very powerful way. 322 00:33:42,80.9991435 --> 00:33:43,520.9991435 We had, uh, Dr. 323 00:33:43,850.9991435 --> 00:33:51,890.9991435 Nan and, uh, one of the students who experienced the Asbury revival to come and share and just, you could just feel this, the sense of. 324 00:33:52,250.9991435 --> 00:33:56,720.9991435 The unity of the spirit that we would long for something like that here in Asia. 325 00:33:57,140.9991435 --> 00:34:09,530.9991435 And so as many of these students got excited for Jesus and God's mission, they went back to their countries and as they went back to their countries, they were talking to their leaders and say, we need to bring this arise movement into our country. 326 00:34:09,770.9991435 --> 00:34:13,40.9991435 And so that's kind of like how it began to spread even further. 327 00:34:13,310.9991435 --> 00:34:16,520.9991435 And as we contacted many of these different leaders, uh, from. 328 00:34:16,815.9991435 --> 00:34:26,655.9991435 Whether it's different denominations, different alliances, we will then visit some of these countries, meet with the top leaders and you know, we'll share the vision, what God did. 329 00:34:26,775.9991435 --> 00:34:30,525.9991435 And so then they said, yes, we would love to see this kind of movement in our country. 330 00:34:30,735.9991435 --> 00:34:36,615.9991435 And we really try to make sure that all the different denominations, all the different groups come together to work together. 331 00:34:36,975.9991435 --> 00:34:41,325.9991435 And it's not an easy task 'cause you know, we all have our differences, but we can. 332 00:34:41,800.9991435 --> 00:34:46,30.9991435 Unite together under the banner of Jesus and to do his mission. 333 00:34:46,450.9991435 --> 00:34:49,960.9991435 And so we've, uh, so far we've been in nine countries now. 334 00:34:49,990.9991435 --> 00:34:56,320.9991435 We had about, uh, 20 some different, uh, events in different cities, uh, throughout these countries. 335 00:34:56,680.9991435 --> 00:35:07,420.9991435 And we're looking ahead into the future and we're gonna see a lot more countries and a lot more CI cities being reached with the gospel of Jesus and just challenging the young people to give their lives. 336 00:35:07,420.9991435 --> 00:35:08,110.9991435 And that's our hope. 337 00:35:08,350.9991435 --> 00:35:14,680.9991435 I think that is our lane to really be able to challenge the next generation to go where there's no gospel. 338 00:35:15,70.9991435 --> 00:35:27,250.9991435 And so what we're seeing, as I mentioned in most of our conferences, about 15 to 20% of those who are attending our conferences actually do respond to go where there's no gospel. 339 00:35:27,550.9991435 --> 00:35:29,440.9991435 So that's exciting as we think about that. 340 00:35:29,620.9991435 --> 00:35:30,850.9991435 And we also tell them, Hey. 341 00:35:31,540.9991435 --> 00:35:46,870.9991435 You, you don't have to go thousands and thousands of kilometers or miles away because even in recently we went to Bangladesh, and even in Bangladesh we're looking at like over 90 some percent are Muslims and there's different tribal groups. 342 00:35:46,870.9991435 --> 00:35:49,570.9991435 There's different languages even within Bangladesh. 343 00:35:49,570.9991435 --> 00:35:51,65.9991435 And so we said you, you don't have to go. 344 00:35:51,465.9991435 --> 00:35:54,315.9991435 Outside of your country, you can even go to your own country. 345 00:35:54,315.9991435 --> 00:35:56,355.9991435 It's gonna be a cross-cultural experience. 346 00:35:56,775.9991435 --> 00:36:04,485.9991435 And to be able to bring the gospel boldly to some of these places where right now Bangladesh is not reached with the gospel of Jesus. 347 00:36:04,485.9991435 --> 00:36:06,195.9991435 So that's something that we're challenging people. 348 00:36:06,195.9991435 --> 00:36:15,315.9991435 And then also, once again, we're challenging people to get outside of your country, outside of your culture, to enter into a a different culture and to share the gospel where there's no gospel. 349 00:36:15,585.9991435 --> 00:36:21,105.9991435 So that's why we're looking ahead and even when we think about places like Japan, one of the most unreached places. 350 00:36:21,460.9991435 --> 00:36:33,310.9991435 But once again, in many of the different islands and different parts of Japan, uh, you know, someone from Japan can go to those areas and it's gonna be cross-cultural in that sense to share the gospel. 351 00:36:33,310.9991435 --> 00:36:35,320.9991435 So we're excited for what God is doing. 352 00:36:35,800.9991435 --> 00:36:37,900.9991435 Even when we went to Nepal, it was the same way. 353 00:36:37,900.9991435 --> 00:36:49,240.9991435 Just a young generation going, coming from all 77 districts coming together and hearing the gospel being challenged about God's missions and moving forward. 354 00:36:49,240.9991435 --> 00:36:50,410.9991435 So that's something that we've been. 355 00:36:50,795.9991435 --> 00:36:53,165.9991435 Praying about, and we're seeing God do that. 356 00:36:53,165.9991435 --> 00:36:55,337.7639466 So all glory and praise to him. 357 00:36:55,415.9991435 --> 00:36:55,595.9991435 Yeah. 358 00:36:56,70.4062204 --> 00:36:56,580.4062204 Oh man. 359 00:36:56,580.4062204 --> 00:37:03,660.4062204 It's just so beautiful to hear how the gospel is spreading among your region and inspiring the next generation. 360 00:37:04,31.1531898 --> 00:37:13,660.3541667 you know, as you were just sharing about how, how the movement is growing, it, it made me wonder how, The obstacles that you are facing and how you're overcoming them. 361 00:37:13,660.3541667 --> 00:37:18,10.3541667 Because as you mentioned a little bit earlier, you have, that problem of, of authority within Asia. 362 00:37:18,40.3541667 --> 00:37:19,990.3541667 Well, it's not actually no problem, it's just part of the culture. 363 00:37:20,320.3541667 --> 00:37:36,135.8212455 But when it comes to a movement spreading, how are you overcoming and how are you inspiring other leaders to become a part of, this movement? Yeah, I mean, there's many challenges and we're just trying to navigate it through as best as we can. 364 00:37:36,520.8212455 --> 00:37:41,890.8212455 Even as we enter into one country, it's different in the next country of some of the challenges. 365 00:37:41,890.8212455 --> 00:37:47,466.3922598 So I think one of them is just really being able to bring the different groups together, for various reasons. 366 00:37:47,466.3922598 --> 00:37:56,886.3922598 There's always a division, uh, in the bigger body of Christ, and we're trying to focus it really on the next generation and bring the gospel where there's no gospel. 367 00:37:56,886.3922598 --> 00:37:59,526.3922598 That's something that I feel like we could all unite under. 368 00:37:59,796.3922598 --> 00:38:01,476.3922598 So as we bring that message. 369 00:38:01,501.3922598 --> 00:38:08,221.3922598 One of the things that we have been doing is bringing people from the different denominations and different alliances to the table together. 370 00:38:08,611.3922598 --> 00:38:16,321.3922598 So when David and I, we traveled to different places, we try to have a meeting with all the top leaders of that, spiritual leaders of that country. 371 00:38:16,621.3922598 --> 00:38:21,931.3922598 We have a gathering with just pastors and some of the alumni who went to Arise Asia 2023. 372 00:38:22,351.3922598 --> 00:38:29,671.3922598 But as we have these different meetings, we share the vision and we try to encourage them if this is something that God desires, that we need to come. 373 00:38:29,731.3922598 --> 00:38:35,11.3922598 Together and to do this as the one church in that particular country. 374 00:38:35,11.3922598 --> 00:38:40,621.3922598 Not all these different churches, but we're coming together as the one church, the expression in that country. 375 00:38:40,621.3922598 --> 00:38:44,851.3922598 So that's one thing that we've been seeing that we have to keep on emphasizing. 376 00:38:44,881.3922598 --> 00:38:48,31.3922598 Another one is that, and, and for. 377 00:38:48,301.3922598 --> 00:38:50,461.3922598 I think this just happens with any movement. 378 00:38:50,641.3922598 --> 00:39:01,321.3922598 It is kind of, uh, sometimes people's like, well, we've been doing this, you know, why do we need something from the outside coming in? Or some of them might feel threatened that we're gonna take over what they're doing. 379 00:39:01,321.3922598 --> 00:39:03,361.3922598 And we always tell them, that's not our desire. 380 00:39:03,841.3922598 --> 00:39:08,311.3922598 And we make it very clear that whatever you're doing continue to do. 381 00:39:08,341.3922598 --> 00:39:10,976.3922598 In fact, one phrase that we've been using a lot. 382 00:39:11,526.3922598 --> 00:39:16,416.3922598 For Arise to Asia is that it's locally rooted and globally connected. 383 00:39:16,746.3922598 --> 00:39:25,596.3922598 So whenever we go to a country there, there's a lot of missions or there's a lot of youth reaching out to the next generation and we're like, that's awesome. 384 00:39:25,596.3922598 --> 00:39:26,706.3922598 Keep on doing that. 385 00:39:27,6.3922598 --> 00:39:30,906.3922598 But one thing that arise to Asia does is that we actually connect. 386 00:39:31,476.3922598 --> 00:39:44,346.3922598 The whole different youth movements together because of the global connections that we have, whether it's through Anne, whether it's through WEA, uh, whether it's a e, a, all these different alliances. 387 00:39:44,346.3922598 --> 00:39:50,136.3922598 We have some of those leaders working with us, and so we're just trying to say that, Hey, we can help. 388 00:39:50,351.3922598 --> 00:40:05,691.8921109 Connect all the movements globally together, but please continue to do what you're doing 'cause it's locally rooted and for us, a rise to Asia as we have gone to different places around the world, we've been trying to, give them a greater sense of ownership. 389 00:40:06,436.8921109 --> 00:40:07,156.8921109 We don't own it. 390 00:40:07,156.8921109 --> 00:40:08,476.8921109 I mean, it's God's movement. 391 00:40:08,476.8921109 --> 00:40:09,316.8921109 It's God's thing. 392 00:40:09,316.8921109 --> 00:40:10,696.8921109 So we're just saying that here. 393 00:40:10,786.8921109 --> 00:40:22,516.8921109 This is kind of what we were trying to emphasize, and if you want to take this, own it and then move forward and to raise up the next generation in your country to share the gospel where there's no gospel, then we're just like. 394 00:40:22,726.8921109 --> 00:40:24,196.8921109 That's a win for us. 395 00:40:24,256.8921109 --> 00:40:28,396.8921109 So that's something that we've been trying to help people to see that we're not here to compete. 396 00:40:28,786.8921109 --> 00:40:38,356.8921109 We're not here to, you know, uh, take your members in any way, but really what we're trying to do is see a movement of God that's locally rooted and then globally connected. 397 00:40:38,356.8921109 --> 00:40:42,586.8921109 So those are some things that we realize that it's a challenge that we have to work through, but a lot of it is. 398 00:40:42,786.8921109 --> 00:40:44,526.8921109 It can be worked out through relationships. 399 00:40:44,916.8921109 --> 00:40:47,46.8921109 'cause people have to trust us, you know? Mm-hmm. 400 00:40:47,286.8921109 --> 00:40:53,46.8921109 And if they, they don't trust you or there's a mistrust, then it's really easy to be a little bit more protective. 401 00:40:53,46.8921109 --> 00:41:02,76.8921109 And so, as they see our lives and we work together, share and even be able to have them come to the table and let them lead it, and we're just here to serve. 402 00:41:02,316.8921109 --> 00:41:04,956.8921109 Uh, we, we have seen some good fruits come out of that. 403 00:41:05,235.3087004 --> 00:41:08,565.3087004 I've really appreciated the advice that you've given, uh, on various levels. 404 00:41:08,565.3087004 --> 00:41:16,605.3087004 I mean, you've given advice to, to those of us who are involved in local churches and try to inspire some movement among our young people towards mission. 405 00:41:16,605.3087004 --> 00:41:23,329.248421 You, you've now mentioned, different pieces of advice that I'm, I'm absorbing here of like how to connect, across nations. 406 00:41:23,359.248421 --> 00:41:27,541.2366771 Uh, I like that idea of, being globally connected and how you guys are offering that. 407 00:41:28,141.2366771 --> 00:41:30,271.2366771 But if, if you had to sit down in a room. 408 00:41:30,711.2366771 --> 00:41:39,150.2841481 Full of young people, what advice would you give to young leaders? What message would you want them to hear? don't live for yourself. 409 00:41:40,80.2841481 --> 00:41:41,940.2841481 Live for Jesus and His kingdom. 410 00:41:42,630.2841481 --> 00:41:51,270.2841481 And when you lay down your life for the greatest treasure in this world, uh, you will see tremendous fruit. 411 00:41:51,870.2841481 --> 00:41:56,640.2841481 You know, we've been taking that passage in the Book of John where he talks about, unless a carnal wheat. 412 00:41:57,405.2841481 --> 00:41:58,965.2841481 Falls to the ground and dies. 413 00:41:59,655.2841481 --> 00:42:04,695.2841481 It just becomes one seed, but when it dies, that it will produce many fruit. 414 00:42:05,355.2841481 --> 00:42:18,735.2841481 And so live your life for something that's greater than yourself and as you sacrifice your life, and you're, sometimes, I, I mean, I'm, we're pretty direct with, uh, you're a little petty dreams, but live for something that's greater than yourself. 415 00:42:18,945.2841481 --> 00:42:22,755.2841481 And, and when you are standing in front of Jesus. 416 00:42:23,475.2841481 --> 00:42:27,45.2841481 We worship him, everything's gonna pale in comparison. 417 00:42:27,45.2841481 --> 00:42:34,5.2841481 So live for that dream to see every single tongue, tribe, and nation gathered together around the throne worshiping Jesus. 418 00:42:34,125.2841481 --> 00:42:36,465.2841481 That's the greatest thing we could ever live for here on this earth. 419 00:42:36,885.2841481 --> 00:42:43,425.2841481 So that's what I would try to encourage some of the young people to do, to live for not themselves, but for Jesus' kingdom and something greater. 420 00:42:43,425.2841481 --> 00:42:43,485.2841481 Wow. 421 00:42:43,824.0914875 --> 00:42:44,364.0914875 thanks Seth. 422 00:42:44,364.0914875 --> 00:42:45,624.0914875 I really appreciate that. 423 00:42:45,654.0914875 --> 00:42:53,313.1434413 And, I'm sure that there are gonna be many, leaders, young people, church leaders, hopefully, who are hearing what you're saying and they're saying they're thinking to themself. 424 00:42:53,313.1434413 --> 00:42:55,547.285332 I, I need a, wanna connect with Seth though. 425 00:42:55,547.285332 --> 00:43:02,507.285332 I wanna learn more about Arise Asia or figure out how can be involved in the East Asia region with Luon. 426 00:43:03,137.285332 --> 00:43:14,837.285332 Uh, what are some ways that people can connect with you online and find out a little bit more about what you're doing? I, I mean, best way is just to go on our website, uh, arise asia.org, 427 00:43:15,257.285332 --> 00:43:22,217.285332 and all my socials are just Seth s Kim, and you could just follow me through those avenues there. 428 00:43:23,102.285332 --> 00:43:23,642.285332 Wonderful. 429 00:43:23,672.285332 --> 00:43:27,422.285332 I wanna make sure to put that in the show notes for those who are listening. 430 00:43:27,752.285332 --> 00:43:38,163.3474694 And, would love for us to, as we close off the podcast, to pray for East Asia and the work that's happening in the Kingdom, how the Kingdom of God is moving out in your region. 431 00:43:38,853.3474694 --> 00:44:03,993.3474694 What are some pray points that you can list for those who are listening? How can people pray for you and how can they support the church in your region? I, I, I think the first thing is for the sense of unity, uh, in the different countries that we're kind of reaching out to in East Asia and unity amongst the church body of Christ, so they could see the greater vision, pray for the next generation in each of these countries in. 432 00:44:05,48.3474694 --> 00:44:05,828.3474694 East Asia. 433 00:44:06,38.3474694 --> 00:44:20,228.3474694 Pray that the next generation will really take this message to the call of laying down their lives to go where there's no gospel and just pray for a rise Asia that we, we believe that God is bringing forth this movement to unite. 434 00:44:20,313.3474694 --> 00:44:24,93.3474694 People together to challenge young people to go with their own gospel. 435 00:44:24,93.3474694 --> 00:44:26,373.3474694 So, uh, we really want to see a movement. 436 00:44:26,523.3474694 --> 00:44:27,903.3474694 Uh, it's a movement of God. 437 00:44:27,903.3474694 --> 00:44:34,833.3474694 It's not what we're doing, but it's what God is doing and we wanna see him continue to reach as many people as possible with the gospel message. 438 00:44:34,833.3474694 --> 00:44:36,963.3474694 So if we could pray for those things, that would be great. 439 00:44:37,386.6808027 --> 00:44:37,896.6808027 Wonderful. 440 00:44:37,896.6808027 --> 00:44:38,166.6808027 Yeah. 441 00:44:38,166.6808027 --> 00:44:40,746.6808027 I would love for us to pray together just before we close off. 442 00:44:40,746.6808027 --> 00:44:49,610.0141361 But before we do that, do you have any final thoughts that you would like to leave with our listeners? I mean, if there's any final thought, I would say, you know, it's worth it. 443 00:44:49,880.0141361 --> 00:45:00,920.0141361 Uh, I know some of us who are serving the Lord in different contexts, it might be difficult or this is a difficult season, but if I could just encourage you, is that it is, it is worth it. 444 00:45:00,920.0141361 --> 00:45:02,840.0141361 And especially as we reach the next generation. 445 00:45:03,500.0141361 --> 00:45:05,180.0141361 We're actually planting seeds. 446 00:45:05,210.0141361 --> 00:45:18,980.0141361 And as we plant these seeds into their hearts, we're gonna see fruits will come forth, uh, later on, maybe not in our lifetime, but when we go to heaven, we're gonna see all these things that we have done for the glory of God, and it's gonna be fruitful. 447 00:45:18,980.0141361 --> 00:45:20,0.0141361 So hang in there. 448 00:45:20,0.0141361 --> 00:45:20,780.0141361 Don't give up. 449 00:45:21,140.0141361 --> 00:45:24,440.0141361 Continue to seek after the Lord and His kingdom, and he will do great things. 450 00:45:25,475.0141361 --> 00:45:26,555.0141361 Really strong word. 451 00:45:26,555.0141361 --> 00:45:28,835.0141361 And I I appreciate that myself. 452 00:45:28,895.0141361 --> 00:45:29,585.0141361 It's worth it. 453 00:45:30,125.0141361 --> 00:45:33,485.0141361 Uh, so Seth, could you, could you close us off in prayer? Yes. 454 00:45:33,725.0141361 --> 00:45:34,535.0141361 Let's pray together. 455 00:45:34,865.0141361 --> 00:45:35,105.0141361 Only. 456 00:45:35,105.0141361 --> 00:45:36,515.0141361 Father, thank you so much. 457 00:45:36,515.0141361 --> 00:45:36,785.0141361 Just for. 458 00:45:38,990.0141361 --> 00:45:42,290.0141361 The gospel that has spoken to our hearts. 459 00:45:42,800.0141361 --> 00:45:45,20.0141361 And Lord, we were lost and you found us. 460 00:45:45,20.0141361 --> 00:45:45,710.0141361 Thank you Lord. 461 00:45:45,710.0141361 --> 00:45:53,180.0141361 And because of that outta gratitude, may we go forth in a heart of sacrifice and a willingness and a surrender. 462 00:45:53,545.0141361 --> 00:45:58,225.0141361 To go wherever you want us to go and to do whatever you want us to do for your namesake. 463 00:45:58,525.0141361 --> 00:46:01,855.0141361 So we do pray for this incredible region of East Asia. 464 00:46:02,155.0141361 --> 00:46:09,355.0141361 We're praying for the billions of people who do not know you in this area, that they will come to know you in a personal way. 465 00:46:09,355.0141361 --> 00:46:10,855.0141361 We pray for all the workers and. 466 00:46:10,985.0141361 --> 00:46:13,775.0141361 People who are laboring in the kingdom. 467 00:46:13,775.0141361 --> 00:46:25,565.0141361 Lord, I pray that you'll strengthen them, encourage them that nothing we do for your namesake is in vain or wasted, but we will stand strong and trust in you and we ask that you will use us for. 468 00:46:26,765.0141361 --> 00:46:32,435.0141361 The Great Commission, Lord, we want to see every single person being discipled from every single nation. 469 00:46:32,435.0141361 --> 00:46:33,725.0141361 For your namesake, Lord. 470 00:46:33,755.0141361 --> 00:46:34,535.0141361 So use us. 471 00:46:34,535.0141361 --> 00:46:35,885.0141361 Lord, thank you so much. 472 00:46:35,885.0141361 --> 00:46:38,585.0141361 We pray for this next generation that you love so very much. 473 00:46:38,585.0141361 --> 00:46:50,735.0141361 You are a God of generations and we pray that for this next generation that you'll raise up Lord, more people who will love you, who will love the things of the kingdom, and so they will then take the gospel. 474 00:46:51,80.0141361 --> 00:46:52,40.0141361 To others around. 475 00:46:52,40.0141361 --> 00:46:54,410.0141361 So thank you so much, Lord, for all that you're doing. 476 00:46:54,710.0141361 --> 00:46:57,290.0141361 You alone deserve all the praise, glory and honor. 477 00:46:57,320.0141361 --> 00:47:00,590.0141361 We thank you and pray this in Jesus mighty name. 478 00:47:00,860.0141361 --> 00:47:02,510.0141361 Amen and amen. 479 00:47:02,510.0141361 --> 00:47:02,511.0141361 Amen. 480 00:47:02,930.0141361 --> 00:47:03,320.0141361 Amen. 481 00:47:03,590.0141361 --> 00:47:05,390.0141361 Seth, thank you so much for your time. 482 00:47:05,450.0141361 --> 00:47:06,920.0141361 Thank you for taking. 483 00:47:07,215.0141361 --> 00:47:11,325.0141361 This opportunity just to share with our audience about what's happening in your region. 484 00:47:11,625.0141361 --> 00:47:20,55.0141361 I'm really trusting that those who are listening in, even up until the end of this podcast are leaving inspired and informed by some of the insights that you've shared. 485 00:47:20,55.0141361 --> 00:47:21,135.0141361 So thank you so much. 486 00:47:21,213.3934283 --> 00:47:22,53.3934283 thank you, Jason. 487 00:47:22,53.3934283 --> 00:47:22,713.3934283 Love you, man. 488 00:47:23,13.3934283 --> 00:47:23,643.3934283 Appreciate it. 489 00:47:24,556.888492 --> 00:47:28,646.888492 Well, I hope that you enjoyed this episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast. 490 00:47:28,926.888492 --> 00:47:34,856.888492 If you did enjoy the show, I want to encourage you to leave us a rating and review and share it with a friend. 491 00:47:35,345.5110278 --> 00:47:36,145.5110278 Till next week. 492 00:47:36,515.5110278 --> 00:47:36,965.5110278 Cheers.