CONPLEI Reflections
For the past year and a half I’ve had the privilege of serving on the board of directors for South America Mission and had the opportunity to travel to Brazil to attend the CONPLEI congress on Aug. 28-31. CONPLEI is a movement of evangelical indigenous leaders in Brazil seeking to advance the gospel and strengthen churches among tribal communities.
This event took place in Puerto Velho, Brazil and included people from over 75+ indigenous groups/tribes, and 40 organizations. It was an amazing testimony to all God is doing among the indigenous tribes of Brazil and throughout South America. There was so much to take away and reflect upon from this conference. Here’s a few “take-aways” from our time there.
First, the gathering of CONPLEI was a reminder the Kingdom of God is so much bigger than we can fathom. God is indeed saving his people from all tribes, tongues, nations, and languages just as He promised. While we are quick to affirm this biblically, it hits differently to see the fruits of it in person. Seeing tribes and hearing languages I never have heard of was a reminder of just how great God’s kingdom is and this gathering was only a small taste of all God is doing throughout the world.
A second highlight was a sobering reminder that while many tribes have come to faith, have established churches, and are engaged in kingdom work there still exists entire tribes without access to the gospel. It’s important to celebrate the many who have been reached and are being discipled, but the need still exists for gospel advancement and scripture translation among many groups. CONPLEI reminded me of the urgent need for God’s people to be mobilized to see the gospel ‘s impact reach further into places it’s never been. The Great Commission continues!
Finally, it was encouraging to see how Gospel ministry remains a priority. The fruits from the first and second waves of missionary work are something to celebrate. What a blessing to hear testimonies of the impact of past/present missionary work as missionaries from North America, Brazil, and other nations have sacrificed much for to see the gospel advance among the indigenous of South America. Yet, we know the Great Commission is a stewardship for all Christians. CONPLEI was a visible demonstration that the indigenous church also embraces this stewardship to go and make disciples of all nations. As the indigenous peoples are mobilized, this third wave of indigenous missionary work will be a critical part of seeing the gospel take root among the unreached.
It’s impossible to know of all God is doing throughout the world. Gospel ministry is often “out of sight, out of mind” yet, I’m grateful God allowed me the opportunity to expand my sight a bit more at CONPLEI. To see the joy and faces of over 75+ indigenous groups has given me more clarity on the vastness of God’s kingdom. God is building his church and advancing his kingdom in the great cities and most remote communities of the world. As wonderful as CONPLEI was, it only gave me a longing for that great and final day which John points us to in Revelation 7:9 “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…”. On that day we will see in full and know in full. Until then, may the waves of gospel ministry continue for the good of the nations and glory of God!