In October last year, I traveled to Yamoussoukro in Côte d’Ivoire (formerly known as the Ivory Coast) to attend the Quadrennial Convocation of Alliance World Fellowship (AWF), which marked AWF’s 50th anniversary. Participating in this convocation of the global Alliance gave me a deeper understanding of what it means to be part of “The Christian & Missionary Alliance” (The Alliance).

       The Yamoussoukro Declaration adopted after the meeting is worthy of serious reflection by all Alliance brothers and sisters. The declaration notes that since its founding by Dr. A. B. Simpson, The Alliance has grown to more than 6.7 million members worldwide. Although this remains a small proportion compared with the world’s population of over eight billion, it is nevertheless a significant number. It is particularly noteworthy that today approximately 90% of Alliance members come from the Global South—including parts of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. By contrast, in Europe and North America, where Christianity once flourished, Alliance members now account for less than 10% of the global total.

       Compared with other Christian denominations, The Alliance has consistently placed strong emphasis on missions. At present, more than 1,700 missionaries are engaged in gospel ministry around the world. The Yamoussoukro Declaration points out that despite ongoing missional efforts, 81.5% of non-Christians worldwide have never personally encountered a Christian. This reminds us that the harvest field remains vast. The declaration also observes that the current global situation is turbulent. Yet, within it lie three major challenges and opportunities:

1. Conflict and humanitarian crises: A significant portion of the unreached peoples live in regions afflicted by war. The church must invest financial and human resources to bear witness to Christ in these areas.
2. Global migration and diaspora: An increasing number of unreached peoples are being displaced from their homelands and arriving in places where the gospel can be proclaimed openly. This presents a significant opportunity for the church to preach Jesus Christ.
3. Ongoing spiritual warfare: The true source of evil is the evil one himself. At the heart of missions must be standing against him in the name of Christ.

       This convocation brought together Alliance leaders from around the world to reflect on how to respond to contemporary gospel needs and to explore ways to integrate resources and experiences more effectively so that God’s gospel work may become more fruitful. For example, over the past decade or more, the number of Christians in certain African countries has grown rapidly, including many within The Alliance. They have received a vision to bring the gospel to other Muslim-majority regions in Africa. Yet, limited resources often prevent them from sending missionaries. At such a time, Alliance communities in places like Hong Kong, which have relatively more resources, could commit themselves long-term to support the missionary calling of the African churches.

        It is evident that if the global Alliance can partner with one another and work in unity, we will be far more effective in bringing the gospel to the unreached, so that God’s name may be exalted among all nations and peoples.

       What role, then, has the Hong Kong Alliance been entrusted with within the global Alliance family? How might we offer our part in the universal work of the gospel? And how can each brother and sister of the NPAC family, as part of The Alliance, participate in this mission?