United in Christ, sharing the gospel

Nearly six out of every ten people in the world’s 8.2 billion population live in Asia and Oceania. Yet only 8 percent in this vast region know Christ as their Savior, leaving more than 4.5 billion souls in spiritual darkness. Jesus’ words ring true: “I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest” (John 4:35).

“That All May Hear and Believe” was the theme of the Asia-Oceania Convention of the Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference (CELC), held June 9-13, 2025, in Bali, Indonesia. The CELC is a worldwide fellowship of Lutheran church bodies committed to the teachings of the Bible as expressed in the Lutheran Confessions. Since its start in 1993 with 13 churches, the CELC has grown by God’s grace to 34 member church bodies today.

Geraja Lutheran Indonesia hosted the gathering, welcoming participants from 14 countries representing 17 groups that included current and prospective CELC member church bodies. They were joined by WELS mission workers and several WELS and Evangelical Lutheran Synod (ELS) administrative representatives, bringing the total attendance to 72.

WELS has 17 missionaries serving in 18 countries throughout Asia and Oceania, with team members based in Thailand, Hong Kong, the Philippines, and Australia. Our partners in some countries cannot be named publicly for security reasons. That reality makes gatherings like this convention especially precious as a rare and safe opportunity for church leaders to worship, pray, study God’s Word, and encourage one another in person.

During the convention, WELS Missionary Joel Nitz asked our international partners what blessings they experienced through their time together. Three key overlapping themes stood out:

Encouragement in Christ

Meeting others who share their faith brought participants much-needed encouragement. Many work in places where there are very few Christians, and being together reminded them they are not alone in the work God has given them. Time spent in God’s Word, praying, and talking openly about the joys and struggles of gospel ministry gave them renewed strength.

• “I experienced great encouragement. We are so small. Here I see our unity in the Word on a larger scale.”
• “In [our country] we have so few believers; [there is] no fellowship like this.”
• “It was comforting to see we have the same struggles, big and small, but also to see how God provides for our ministries.”

Building connections

Many valued meeting others who serve in gospel ministry across the region. They traded contact information, hoping to support each other in prayer and stay in touch. Some talked about studying the Word together or sharing resources to help one another as they continue serving in their own countries.

• “It was a good opportunity for networking for our ministries in Asia.”
• “The conference helped me see the need for patient endurance. I would like to keep meeting and following up on ideas.”
• “We hope the connections from this conference will continue.”

Sharing ministry practices

Participants gained practical ideas by listening to those who face similar challenges. They enjoyed hearing how others in different countries teach the Word, plan worship, and reach out to their neighbors. These conversations gave them new ideas and fresh motivation for their work. Many hope to keep learning together through online classes, follow-up chats, and by sharing helpful materials.

• “I learned about planning, studying the Word, and the hardships others face.”
• “Each country has something to offer. I learned how I can help others and they can help me.”
• “Hearing how others handle challenges encouraged me to keep serving and look for solutions.”

These days in Bali were a compelling reminder that God’s workers are not alone in the harvest. United in Christ, our mission partners returned home encouraged and equipped to continue sharing the good news of Jesus. We pray that God will bless their ongoing work so that all may hear and believe.

Written by Prof. Lawrence Olson, Administrative Committee member for the Asia-Oceania Team