(UBF HQ-General Director) God's Endless Love in Latin America - Thanksgiving and Prayer Topics from Pastor Ron Ward
- by ubfhq
- May 02, 2025
- 747 reads
Pastor Ron Ward
God has blessed the Latin American International Bible Conference abundantly by empowering messengers and life testimony sharers with His Spirit to glorify Christ and proclaim His Endless Love. The presentation of 50 years of UBF ministry–begun when Dr. Jose Ahn went to Guatemala as a diplomatic missionary without his wife–was inspiring. The praise and worship and special programs–including a variety of Latin dances–were beautiful and joyful. It was really a spiritual, heavenly festival. Missionary Isaac, the Continental Coordinator for Latin America, will report in detail on this conference. Now, I want to share some thanksgiving and prayer topics that come to my heart. May all honor and glory be given to our God and Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.
It was only by God’s grace that this conference could be held. In particular, I believe God answered the united prayer of UBF members in Latin America and around the world. I still remember how the decision was made to hold this united conference. It was at the 2024 LA New Year’s Conference in Colombia. About 85 Latin American UBF leaders gathered in one room to discuss the possibility of having a united conference. It is not easy for that many people to discuss a complex topic that requires so much sacrifice to carry out. Yet, from the beginning to the end, the conversation was Spirit-led. They honestly evaluated the challenges they faced. The barriers were indeed prohibitive. For one thing, it is very difficult for them to get visas to Mexico, due to the strong resistance of the USA government. In addition, the cost of travel within Latin America is beyond the capability of most UBF members. Furthermore, holding a conference of this magnitude requires significant manpower, and all brothers and sisters in Latin America are extremely busy with family life, self-support and ministry activity in their local chapters.
However, in spite of all of the barriers, they decided in one mind and heart to hold a united conference. They wanted to give thanks and praise to God for his great faithfulness and grace during the past 50 years, and to see his vision for the next 50 years together. They made a decision of faith and committed to prayer. They depended on the power of Almighty God alone. When brothers and sisters around the UBF world heard about this, they began to pray wholeheartedly to support this endeavor. We could see God’s answer to prayer through the registration process. At first, it seemed impossible that 650 people would attend this conference. But through persistent prayer, and the powerful work of the Holy Spirit, about 700 people attended this conference.
Personally, I am very grateful to God for 143 participants from North America. Many had not planned to attend this conference. But after being invited by Missionary Isaac at the USA/Canada staff conference, their hearts were moved to attend. From a practical point of view, their attendance helped fulfill the contractual obligation to bring at least 650 people, thus avoiding a sizable financial deficit. But more spiritually speaking, their support proclaims the love of Christ powerfully.
The national rhetoric of the US government has been negative toward the people of Latin America. There have also been political and economic tensions between the USA and Canada as well. But in the body of Christ, there is no such conflict or tension. Americans and Canadians together supported brothers and sisters in Latin America with all their hearts and strength. This was expressed in Elder Jim Rarick’s representative prayer at the conference. Focusing on Christ and his endless love, he expressed our love in Christ for one another. Proclaiming this love, which transcends national arrogance and prejudices and erases all doubt and fear, shows the world that Christ is alive among us. It is a gospel message to the people of our times. I pray that we may continue to dwell in the endless love of Christ, love Christ, and love one another deeply from our hearts. May his endless love prevail in this dark world and reveal his glory to all people.
Prayer to Finish the Task of Reaching All Latin American Countries
As we conclude this Latin American International Bible Conference, let’s pray with a great vision for the next 50 years of UBF ministry–to reach all nations in Latin America which do not have UBF ministries: Costa Rica (Spanish), Cuba (Spanish), Haiti (French/Creole), Suriname (Dutch/Native). And among English-speaking countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago. May our Lord raise Christ-centered, Bible fellowships on each campus in Latin America!
Pray for Canada, the USA, and the World Mission Congress in Korea
Now it is time to turn our prayer and attention to other upcoming summer conferences. Canadian coworkers are preparing a united conference of all chapters to be held in Calgary, Alberta, Canada from July 24-27. The theme is “A New Thing” (Is 43:19). The messengers are: Philip Wong on Isaiah 43:18-19 (A New Thing), David Jumeau on John 3:1-16 (New Birth), John Koo on Luke 22:17-30 (New Covenant), Ernest Chan on John 13 (New Command), Samuel Mukwedeya on Romans 6 (New life), David Chang on Revelations 21:1-8 (New Heaven and New Earth), and Joshua Kirkland on Matthew 28:19-20 (closing message).
The USA will have regional summer Bible conferences. Please contact your regional coordinator for details.
Korea UBF will hold a World Mission Congress on May 17, 2026. Please pray for the renewal of the world mission vision among the Korean young people and for a new generation of mission leaders to arise.
