Intro to Global Mission Conference 2025
Blessed are the peacemakers,
Jesus – Matthew 5:9
for they will be called children of God.
Like every Global Mission Conference at this church, your participation is irreplaceable and vital. Peace-making, especially, is not a spectator sport. Most of us don’t see ourselves in an active conflict zone, yet each of us plays an indispensable role in the ministry of reconciliation that Jesus, our peace, has passed on and entrusted to us.
Everyone who draws breath “takes the lead” many times a day. We lead with actions that range from a smile to a frown; with words that range from blessing to curse; with decision that range from faithful to fearful… I am responsible for my impact on the world whether I acknowledge it or not.
Parker Palmer, “Leading from Within”
The logo we created to reflect the call to peace-making is based on Isaiah 2:3-4.
3“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the temple of the God of Jacob.
He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths…
4He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples.
They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks.
“They will beat/ pound/hammer”… these are verbs of exertion and effort. Though the ultimate source of peace and judgment comes from the Lord, we learn His ways because we are the ones to walk in His path, transforming, taking up the Word, and pressing into peace.
I hope that the words shared in our content and by our speakers before, during, and after the conference will help us learn and lament the conflicts around us, recognize the weapons inside us, and take up the work for peace alongside the friends of ours whom God has equipped and what He is already working out globally.
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change
Reinhold Niebuhr, Serenity Prayer
the courage to change the things I can
and the wisdom to know the difference.
Grace & peace,
Quincy Bergman
Global Mission Pastor
Prayer Practice
Learn and Lament
If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
Romans 12:18
El Roi, the God who sees,
We come before You with hearts burdened with the conflicts and wars that trouble our world. We acknowledge that we do not fully understand the complexity of what is happening and all that is involved. We lift the following conflicts:
Becoming aware of global conflicts
We, as the people of God, can shoulder grief and pain because we walk alongside the One who bears our broken ways and those of the entire world.
In seeking to weep with those who weep, the following are several active, major international conflicts as of March 2025. We acknowledge that some conflicts receive considerable publicity, while others receive very little. We humbly submit this list to you, many related to the present work of our church’s global partners.
2nd Nagorno Karabakh War:
In September 2023, Azerbaijan regained control of Nagorno-Karabakh, leading to the mass exodus of over 100,000 ethnic Armenians. The region’s self-governance ended, sparking humanitarian concerns and international calls for stability.
Cameroon Conflict:
The Anglophone Crisis in Cameroon began in 2016 as protests over marginalization turned into an armed separatist conflict. Over a million people have been displaced and thousands killed, while schools and infrastructure remain heavily impacted.
Gaza War:
Beginning on October 7, 2023, hostilities escalated between Israel and Hamas-led Palestinian groups in the Gaza Strip. The conflict has led to substantial loss of life and widespread destruction, with ceasefire agreements being fragile and humanitarian concerns mounting.
Middle Eastern Crisis:
Since 2023, the Middle East has experienced heightened instability, including conflicts involving Israel, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Iran-backed militias. These interconnected disputes have exacerbated regional tensions and humanitarian challenges.
Myanmar Conflict:
Since the 2021 military coup in Myanmar, ongoing conflict has displaced over 3.5 million people and caused more than 75,000 deaths. Around 55,000 civilian structures have been destroyed, and 17.6 million people require humanitarian aid. The crisis has led to severe food insecurity and limited access to healthcare.
Sudanese Civil War:
Since April 2023, clashes between Sudan’s military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have resulted in over 20,000 deaths and displaced more than 14 million people. The conflict has caused a severe humanitarian crisis, particularly in the Darfur region.
Ukraine Conflict:
Since February 2022, Ukraine has been engaged in a conflict following Russia’s annexation of Crimea and support for separatist movements in Eastern Ukraine. The war has resulted in significant casualties and displacement, with ongoing international efforts seeking a peaceful resolution.
Yemeni Civil War:
Ongoing since 2014, Yemen’s conflict involves Houthi rebels and forces loyal to the internationally recognized government. The war has led to a humanitarian crisis, with millions facing famine and disease.
Peace-Making in Canada
While Canada is a place of safety and opportunity for many, it also carries a history of conflict and displacement, particularly with Indigenous Peoples.
Being a Peace-Maker means acknowledging this reality with humility and hope. We invite you to explore the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action as part of this journey.
We don’t become mature human beings by getting lucky or cleverly circumventing loss, and certainly not by avoidance and distraction. Learn to lament. Learn this lamentation…Take up your cross. It prepares us and those around us for resurrection.
Eugene Peterson, “Leap Over a Wall”
Let’s Pray
How long, Lord? Will You forget us?
How long will You hide your face from us?
How long are we to feel anxious in our souls,
With grief in our hearts all day?
How long will conflicts persist?
We do not understand.
But we trust in Your faithfulness;
Our hearts shall rejoice.
We will sing to the LORD,
Because You are good.
Amen.
