Evangelism in Asia the greatest challenge says Christian leader

Evangelism is the greatest challenge facing the Church in Asia, says Rev. Godfrey Yogarajah, whose 7–year stretch as the General Secretary of Evangelical Fellowship of Asia consummated last week.

"We need a fresh vision for Asia in the 21 century – for each of our beloved nations that are made up of individuals, families, communities and a mosaic of races, language, religious traditions and cultures. A vision that is born out of the Biblical world view and honors Jesus Christ, Lord of our nations and Asia," Rev. Yogarajah said in a statement.

Enumerating the list of gargantuan challenges the church in Asia faces, he said, "Asia is the most populous continent on earth and home to 61% of the world population, and 83% of the world's non–Christian population lives in this continent, and hence the un–reached peoples groups is the greatest challenge to the church here."

In addition, poverty and economic challenge, widening gulf between rich and poor, global food shortage, the affluent materialism vs abject poverty, natural disasters, political and cultural nationalism, war and armed conflict, religious fundamentalism and persecution.

"Today there are increasing number of natural disasters, like Tsunami, cyclones, earthquakes and the call to rebuild and restore these nations, the church in Asia cannot ignore. Then there is chaos in South and East Asia due to military rule, war in countries like Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, resulting in thousand of lost lives and destitution," he explained.

About persecution, Rev. Yogarajah asserts "Christians have been persecuted in this century than in all previous centuries put together. One’s patriotism is determined by one’s religious identity and this must be countered."

The Christian leader who will be elevated to a senior in the Religious Liberty Commission of the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) affirmed that the needs and challenges seem endless and overwhelming.

In the recent General Assembly gathering of EFA at the capital, from August 4–6, representatives of all 16 national alliances mooted over the needs of urgent 'Evangelisation' and the issues facing the church in Asia.

The gathering also officially renamed ‘Evangelical Fellowship of Asia’ to ‘Asia Evangelical Alliance’ and even installed Rev. Richard Howell, an Indian, as its news General Secretary.