Thankfully, the videos from Cape Town 2010 are now available. See HERE.
In the video below, Doug Birdsall, Executive Chair of the Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization, speaks to 4200 leaders from 198 countries. He begins with the theme of the week, “God was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself,” and reminds us that this is God’s initiative, centered in Christ, and global and cosmic in scope. I also appreciated his sharing of the words of encouragement from Dr. Billy Graham: “Keep evangelism at the center. Keep your focus on Christ. Make the Scripture your foundation. And, pray, pray, pray.” I hope that Graham’s exhortation is embraced this week in Cape Town and in the days to come for the Lausanne Movement.
According to Birdsall, this meeting is the most diverse gathering of Christian leaders in 2000 years. Over 100,000 people are in 700 global link sites watching the event in 96 countries–a first in history due to technology. Forty percent of the participants are in their 20s-40s, one-third are women, 1200 are missionaries/church leaders, 1200 are pastors/denominational workers, 1200 are scholars/academics, and 600 are in the marketplace.
Cape Town 2010 Opening Celebration – Doug Birdsall from Lausanne Movement on Vimeo.
This is an excellent presentation and challenge. Birdsall (see here for bio) is a man of great heart for the gospel and passion for the Church. He did a great job reminding us of the command to love God and love neighbor. Preach Jesus and help others–this is a great biblical message! It is my hope that we will hear and apply such truths as we engage in the Great Commission.
Now, check out the video.