The Challenges for World Evangelization in the 21st Century 
Rev Dr John Leung - Executive Director of CCMA

We are living in an increasingly fragmented, pluralistic, and multicultural 21st century. If we are to remain relevant in the globalized communities, mission organizations and the local churches need to reinvent ourselves. If we want to be the salt and light of this world, we need to step out of the comfort zone and be proactive about witnessing for the Lord. What is so unique about these changes and how should we respond to them? 

First of all, the globalizing effect upon the demography in missions is most striking. Because of the increased readiness and availability in traveling, the world is now a globalized village. No longer do we need to go to China to reach the Chinese for the Chinese are at the front door of many Westernized countries! A recent observation at a New Zealand University showed there was a majority of Asian-looking students in this institution! It was reported in the Chinese newspaper [Sing Tao Chinese Newspaper 6-7th March 2004] that close to 80,000 students applied to study in Australia in 2003. In the Pacific Basin nations, the change was even more impressive as we see laborers and professionals from China being sent to assist these developing nations. Furthermore, this is not a static export of people from one region to another because the demographic shift will renew itself in cycles of 2-5 years depending on the course the students took or the duration of the contracts with the governments. This is a timely opportunity to be the Lord’s witnesses and to show we care about them. We love as the Lord loves us first. This is a golden opportunity to proclaim the Gospel through friendship evangelism. That is why we need to be more integrated and coordinated as a unifying force under the Lord- be it at a local church level or in partnership with a mission organization such as CCMA. 

Secondly, it is about the impact of globalization upon the missional receptivity of these new immigrants. In the increasing fragmented, pluralistic, and multicultural context, the newly arrived crave for some form of continuity with the past at the same time has the need to adjust to a new life style. It is not just about adjusting to the new culture but also about being free to choose. There is an increasing likelihood of being confused amidst the diversities of different cultures and puzzled by the wide variety of religions and belief systems in a globalized world. As we need to be tolerant in a multi-cultural society, the local churches and missional organizations such as CCMA, have a pivotal contribution to lead these people to Christ. This is not a matter of choice to just proclaim Christ crucified, but as Christians we must shine as a plausible alternative in the darkness lest the darkness overcome us. 

The last point I want to highlight about world evangelization in the 21st century is upon the harvesters and the sowers of this era. Generally speaking, we prefer to be more hands on in our approach in missions. For us to be jacks-of-all-trades in missions is a physical impossibility if not an undaunting burden. Hence, the tendency towards limited commitment rather than a life-long dedication and tendency towards a team approach rather than fighting the lone battle with the Lord. 

These, of course, will have direct bearings on how we plan the resources provided by the Lord. At CCMA, we are taking these things into consideration when we develop the strategies on how to motivate and mobilize Christians from all walks of life to be Christ’s ambassadors in the 21st century. The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. At CCMA, we are restricted by both human and financial resources. What we have is the will to do so as well as your supportive prayer which in the past has been most helpful, and we look forward to continuing to be in partnership in the Gospel with you through CCMA. Let us continue to trust in the Lord; for He is faithful and good to His promises as He commissioned us to be His witnesses, and He will be with us always.