The trip from Hong Kong to the 10th Chinese Congress on World Evangelization (CCOWE) in Kuching involved a connection flight in Kuala Lumpur. As the first flight prepared to land, we encountered severe weather. There was strong turbulence and the plane had to circle in the air before diverting to Penang, where it refueled and then flew back to Kuala Lumpur. During the return trip, the original flight to Hong Kong was canceled as Typhoon Signal No.8 was expected to be hoisted. The flight resumed the next morning, but the plane again had to circle before arriving in Hong Kong. When the plane entered the spiral rain bands of the typhoon, it jolted up and down so much so that I felt as if I was taking a pirate ship ride. When I reached Hong Kong, my luggage also did not arrive on the same flight. Although this journey was filled with delays, it gave me more time to reflect on the content of the congress.

       What is CCCOWE? In a pastor’s sharing article dated January 30, 1983, Rev. Philip Teng used five Chinese expressions ending with the character for “movement” or “action” (動) to explain the meaning of CCCOWE. According to Rev. Teng, CCCOWE is basically an evangelism “movement” (「運動」) raised up by the Lord among Chinese churches worldwide. It urges churches everywhere to strive for the Great Commission and faithfully respond to the Lord’s mandate before He returns.

       This vision came from the “stirring” (「感動」) of the Holy Spirit: The idea of holding the first CCOWE 50 years ago gradually took shape during the 1974 International Congress on World Evangelization in Lausanne, where more than 70 Chinese church leaders received this vision together during morning prayer meetings. Rev. Teng was one of the initiators. He also served as Chairman of the first congress and read out the 1976 CCOWE Declaration on behalf of all participants. Rev. Teng pointed out that when someone stands up and makes a call and instantly sparks worldwide resonance and response, it is clear evidence of the Holy Spirit’s stirring.

       CCCOWE is about “taking action” (「行動」). This is why the CCCOWE holds seminars and meetings with the aim of giving rise to practical gospel ministry. Rev. Teng said clearly that the congress itself has limited impact. What truly matters is whether participants return to their churches and earnestly put the gospel mission into practice! The 10th congress this year was attended by about 1,700 Chinese church leaders from more than 50 regions across five continents. Fifteen percent of the participants were under 35. During the five-day congress, participants listened together, discerned the times, interacted face-to-face, and prayed together. However, if the stirring is restricted to the meeting venue without follow-up action, this large gathering will become no more than a fireworks extravaganza.

        CCCOWE also means “mobilization“(「推動」). Churches already engaged in gospel ministry join together and encourage other churches to begin as well. The hope is that Chinese churches will embrace the Great Commission anew in the Lord’s grace, experience renewal, and, under His blessing, perhaps even bring about a “shockwave” (「震動」) of revival across Chinese churches.

        In addition to the above five expressions related to “movement” or “action,” allow me to add two more. CCCOWE is about “flowing“(「流動」). Half a century is not a long time in the history of the church. However, if a congress is held merely as a matter of routine for a long time, it can gradually lose its sense of purpose and forward momentum. May the participants and Chinese churches remain mobile, flowing channels to spread the vision outward.

        CCCOWE is also about “interconnection“(「連動」). In this congress, newly acquainted friends and old friends, young people and senior leaders temporarily laid aside their titles, seniority, viewpoints, and language preferences to humbly seek unity. Such fellowship in walking together is precisely the testimony that the church today must cherish.