The International Brethren Conference of Mission 8 (IBCM 8) was held in Kuala Lumpur from the 19th to the 24th of June 2023. The conference was attended by about 1,200 delegates from brethren churches representing 120 countries. The daily programme started with worship and messages by the two keynote speakers, Nate Bramsen from the USA and Ramez Attalah from Egypt. After lunch, there were networking sessions, followed by a variety of electives for delegates like me to attend. In the evening sessions, we were shown videos of the Lord’s work in Africa, followed by the Youth Panel where youth leaders from various countries discussed a variety of challenges faced by youth in the church.
There are many things that I took away from the conference, I would just like to share two which I think sums up the conference: Word and Worship.
Worship
It was such a phenomenal sight to see and hear God’s people from different languages and countries united in singing praises to the King of kings. One of the worship leaders remarked that this is what heaven will be like as stated in Revelation 7:9-10.
After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”
Word
The four-point summary of the sermon by the keynote speaker Ramez Attalah:
1. I am the Bread of life – Jesus is my sustainer. “When a door is closed, look for a window to go through”.
2. I am the Light of the world – Jesus is my guide. “Don’t underestimate what God can do with anyone dedicated to Him.”
3. I am the Good Shepherd – Jesus is my pastor. “In leadership, character is much more important than competence”.
4. I am the Way, the Truth and the Life – Jesus is my anchor. “In all circumstances God works for your long-term good”.
With Jesus as our sustainer, guide, pastor, and anchor we are ready to face the challenges of the world and live lives that reflect His glory.
Deacon Ryan Loveday