From World Cup to World Mission
This week, many people around the world have been watching the World Cup. Flags are flying, fans are cheering, and nations are hoping their teams will advance further. The 2026 World Cup expanded to 48 teams, with the top two teams from each group and the best third-place teams advancing to the round of 32 then now in the quarter-final. But as Christians, when we see the nations gathered, we are reminded of something far greater than competition: the mission of God to redeem people from every nation, tribe, people, and language.
The World Cup gathers the nations to compete. The Great Commission sends the church to the nations with the gospel. Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19a). For the world, the nations may appear as teams on a scoreboard. But to God, the nations are people made in His image, people whom He loves, and people for whom Christ died.
That is why Mission Night is so meaningful. We are not simply coming to hear reports or watch pictures from another country. We are gathering to see how God is working beyond our own familiar surroundings. Through COCM, we will hear how God continues to work among Chinese-speaking communities and students abroad. Through the Panama short-term mission sharing, we will hear testimonies of how God opened doors, touched lives, and used ordinary brothers and sisters to serve others in Christ’s name.
As we watch the nations on the world stage, may our hearts be stirred again for God’s kingdom. Panama matters. The UK matters. Greater Lowell matters. Our neighbors matter. Our children and youth matter. The people sitting beside us at church matter. And the Lord is still calling His church not merely to watch from the stands, but to join His mission.
So I encourage everyone to come to Mission Night, listen with an open heart, encourage those who went, and ask the Lord: “How do You want me to participate in Your mission?” May we see what God is doing among the nations, and may we joyfully offer ourselves for His glory.
