Asia Pacific Baptist Youth Conference

I'm currently at the Asia Pacific Baptist Youth Leadership conference, being held in Pattaya, just south of Bangkok. 

There are over 100 delegates here, from 18 countries across the Asia Pacific region. 

I've had many fascinating conversations with new friends who are involved in youth ministry of various forms and sizes - from mega-churches in Korea to small house churches in Vietnam. 

I'm finding it a humbling experience to sit and listen to youth leaders from Burma, Indonesia, Cambodia and Nepal talking about the challenges they are facing. 

It's also tremendously encouraging to hear about new freedoms for churches in Vietnam and growing and vibrant Baptist churches in the Philippines.  My new friend Eric (pictured on the left) leads youth teams on short term mission teams to unreached people groups in the Indonesian interior - amazing!

The theme of this leadership conference is 'Find Your Need, Share Your Gift'. Last night, Rev. Bonny Resu,  General Secretary of the Asia Pacific Baptist Fellowship, reminded us of some of the needs of Asia Pacific region today: a total population of over 4.1 billion people, only 8% of whom are Christian, and most of the unreached people groups of the world.

We have not had to look far to see immediate and urgent needs from the delegates' countries, either.  I've talked to a lady from New Zealand who lost friends in the Christchurch earthquake.  And last night we had an emotional time of prayer with our brothers and sisters from Japan.

So please pray for this leadership conference, as it concludes tomorrow.  Pray for long term fruit as young leaders from many different backgrounds and countries build relationships and networks. Pray that they will return home inspired and equipped to use their gifts fully for God's kingdom among the young people of the Asia-Pacific region.