Germany — The World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) had the privilege of worshiping with the American Protestant Church in Bonn, Germany in a meaningful Sunday service that combined Biblical reflection, global mission engagement, and rich fellowship.
The visit marked the first time WEA representatives had been invited to the church, creating a unique opportunity to share the WEA’s ministry and connect with members of the international congregation that represents 40 nationalities.
The service was led by Mark Das, WEA Communications and Membership Officer, who welcomed worshippers and introduced the work of the WEA, highlighting its role in serving, connecting, and representing evangelicals around the world. Dirk Gerlach, Director of Crisis Response, Dr. Jeremy Lim, Organizational Development Director and Hyun Jun Hong, Graphic Designer also joined to represent the invited team.
A Message from Acts 17: God’s Purpose in Every Place
The sermon was delivered by Dr. Peirong Lin, WEA Chief of Staff, from Acts 17:24–28, where Apostle Paul addresses the people of Athens and points them to the Creator God who “marked out appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands.”
Reflecting on Paul’s words, Dr. Lin noted that people are not where they are merely by one’s own decision or by external circumstances. “The God who made the world and everything in it is not distant from us. He has placed us where we are for a reason, so that we might seek Him and serve His purposes.”
Drawing from the experience of many in the congregation who are living outside their countries of origin, Dr. Lin noted that the passage offers a profound reminder of God’s sovereignty and care.
“Many of us are far from what we once called home. Yet according to Scripture, we are not here by accident. God has determined the places where we live and serve. Even away from our home countries, we can be confident that He is accomplishing His purpose through our lives.”
Recognising that it is the creator God who has placed us where we are at, Dr Lin encouraged the congregation to discern how Gospel witness might look like in the context they live in.
She shared how WEA discerned the Gospel Witness in the different locations that they are in. This included strengthening the Christian representation worldwide, advocating for religious freedom, collaborating to engage faithfully with the challenges of today’s world.
For many in attendance, it was their first introduction to the breadth and scope of WEA’s ministry.
Finally, offering her life experiences and how she landed at the WEA, she encouraged the congregation to find opportunities to serve God and His purposes where they are at.
Conversations Over Coffee
Following the service, church members gathered for coffee fellowship, where WEA representatives had the opportunity to engage in personal conversations with attendees. The discussions were marked by curiosity, encouragement, and a shared desire to see the global Church flourish.
One church member reflected: “It was refreshing to learn what the World Evangelical Alliance does. Many of us knew the name but had never heard firsthand about the impact of its work around the world.”
Another attendee connected the sermon directly to their own experience: “The message from Acts 17 was very timely. Living away from my home country can sometimes feel uncertain, but it was encouraging to be reminded that God has placed us here intentionally and that He has a purpose for our lives in this season.”
Several members expressed appreciation for the combination of Biblical teaching and global ministry perspective, noting how the visit helped them see their local church as part of God’s larger work among believers worldwide.
Building Relationships for the Future
Beyond the Sunday service, the visit represented an important step in WEA’s desire to strengthen collaboration across the global church.
The visit concluded with gratitude for the hospitality of the American Protestant Church and the many conversations that followed worship, serving as a reminder that God continues to work through His people across nations and cultures for His purposes.
“In Him we live and move and have our being.” — Acts 17:28
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