For the Joy Arise

For the protection of the sharer’s identity, the name “John” is used as a pseudonym.

It was such a privilege for John to share one of the most unforgettable experiences God allowed him to be part of during Arise Asia 2026, held at CCF Main. There were 54 countries gathered with one purpose—to see a new generation rise and answer God's call to take the gospel across cultures. The conference carried the theme "For the Joy" from Hebrews 12:2, with a powerful challenge that echoed throughout the week: "Go where there is no gospel."

One of his greatest privileges during the conference was serving at the Cru GCM-UPG (Global Church Movements – Reaching Unreached People Groups in the Philippines and Beyond) booth.They shared how God is opening doors to reach Muslim communities in Mindanao through campus ministry, community engagement, discipleship, and other creative platforms for sharing the gospel. Many visitors stopped by to ask questions, and he was encouraged by their genuine interest. They wanted to learn practical ways to build friendships with Muslims, share Christ with wisdom and love, and disciple new believers. They were also able to provide ministry resources that they could use as they begin reaching Muslim communities in their own contexts. Seeing many people become excited about God's heart for the unreached was truly encouraging for John and his team.

That one experience from the very first day of the conference left a lasting impression on John. 

When they arrived at the venue, John told his teammates that they should prioritize setting up their ministry booth before checking into their hotel. After spending about an hour preparing the booth, a message suddenly appeared in their group chat informing them that the hotel assigned to their team was already fully booked. He felt confused and concerned. He immediately contacted the hotel coordinator, who assured them that they would resolve the situation after the evening session because several other participants from different countries were experiencing the same problem.

After the session, another coordinator announced that volunteers would assist those without accommodations. They were assigned to another hotel and asked to wait in the lobby. What they thought would take only a few minutes turned into almost two hours of waiting.

As John looked around, he noticed many participants from different nations sitting with them. Most had traveled long distances and were undoubtedly exhausted. Yet something amazed him. Despite the inconvenience, he did not hear complaints or murmurs. Instead, John saw smiles, patience, and genuine joy on their faces.

Then, as they finally boarded the shuttle bus to their new hotel, something beautiful happened. People from different countries began singing songs of praise in their own languages. The bus was filled with worship instead of frustration.

At that moment, the conference theme came alive before his eyes: "For the Joy." Their joy was not dependent on comfort or convenience. It was rooted in Christ and in the privilege of participating in His mission. That simple moment became one of the most powerful sermons he had experienced throughout the conference.

Another unforgettable highlight was worshiping God together with believers from many nations and languages. Standing in one room, hearing voices lifted up in different tongues but worshiping the same Savior, gave him a glimpse of heaven. It immediately reminded John of Revelation 7:9–10, where people from every nation, tribe, people, and language stand before the throne and before the Lamb, declaring His greatness. For a moment, it felt as though they were experiencing a small foretaste of that glorious day.

The most moving moment of the conference came during the final evening session. Kuya David Ro challenged everyone to consider giving their lives for long-term cross-cultural missions—to go where Christ is not yet known and where the gospel has not yet been preached.

As the invitation was given, hundreds of young people stood up and responded with a wholehearted "Yes" to God's call.

It was an emotional and powerful moment for him and the congregation. He stated that he could not help but pray that God would seal every commitment made that night and sustain each person who responded. His heart was filled with hope, knowing that God is still raising laborers for His harvest and calling a new generation to take the gospel to the nations.

John left Arise Asia 2026 with renewed faith, greater vision, and a deeper conviction that God's mission is worth giving one’s life for. The nations are waiting, the harvest is plentiful, and God is still calling ordinary people to do extraordinary things for His glory.

"For the joy set before Him..." may everyone also go with joy—to the places where Christ is not yet known.