Faith Facts

• Pastor Wayne Chen, former missionary to Papua New Guinea’s Biem people, delivered the keynote address at Arise Asia 2026 Congress in Manila
• Approximately 4,000 young Christians from 50 countries gathered under the theme “For the Joy,” drawn from Hebrews 12:2
• Chen urged young believers not to settle for worldly pleasures but to pursue the greater joy found in Christ and gospel mission

A seasoned missionary who spent years bringing the gospel to one of the world’s most unreached regions delivered a stirring challenge to thousands of young Christian leaders: don’t trade eternal joy for temporary pleasure. Pastor Wayne Chen, director of Radius Asia and former missionary to the Biem people of Papua New Guinea, addressed approximately 4,000 young Christians gathered in Manila on Monday night for the opening session of the Arise Asia 2026 Congress.

The conference drew attendees from 50 countries, all united under the compelling theme “For the Joy,” taken from Hebrews 12:2, which reminds believers that Jesus “for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Chen’s message cut to the heart of a generation facing unprecedented distractions and worldly temptations. Drawing from his own experience among the Biem people—a remote tribe that had never heard the gospel—he challenged the young leaders not to settle for lesser joys when God offers something infinitely greater.

“Don’t settle for a smaller joy,”

Chen urged, reminding the audience that the sacrifices required in Christian mission and faithful living pale in comparison to the eternal reward.

The Arise Asia Congress represents a significant gathering of emerging Christian leaders from across the continent and beyond, focusing on equipping the next generation for gospel ministry. The event comes at a critical time when Christianity is experiencing explosive growth in parts of Asia while facing increasing persecution in others.

Chen’s testimony from Papua New Guinea provides a powerful example of the joy found in obedience to the Great Commission. His work with the Biem people required immense sacrifice—living in remote jungle conditions, learning an unwritten language, and spending years translating Scripture for people who had never heard the name of Jesus.

Yet his message to the young Christians gathered in Manila wasn’t about the hardship, but about the incomparable joy of seeing lives transformed by the gospel. His challenge resonates with biblical teaching throughout Scripture that calls believers to count the cost but also to recognize the surpassing worth of knowing Christ.

The Hebrews 12:2 theme serves as a reminder that Jesus himself modeled this principle, enduring the cross “for the joy set before him.” That joy included the redemption of humanity and the glory of accomplishing the Father’s will—a joy so profound it enabled him to endure unimaginable suffering.

For young Christians facing decisions about career, relationships, and life direction, Chen’s message offers clarity: the world’s pleasures are fleeting, but the joy found in serving Christ and advancing His kingdom endures forever. This counter-cultural message challenges the comfort-seeking mentality that often characterizes modern Christianity in the West.

The gathering in Manila represents the kind of mobilization needed for the gospel to reach the remaining unreached people groups worldwide. With thousands of young believers being challenged to pursue greater joy through gospel mission, the conference could mark a turning point for a generation willing to sacrifice temporary comforts for eternal rewards.

As persecution of Christians intensifies in many parts of Asia and secularism advances in others, conferences like Arise Asia serve as crucial training grounds for believers who will need deep conviction and genuine joy to sustain them through coming challenges.

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Faith Facts

• Berlin pride festival attacker Abdul Ballout had documented ties to the Islamic State terror organization and was known to authorities before the attack
• Despite being court-ordered to attend a deradicalization program, Ballout remained a threat and carried out violence against civilians
• The incident raises critical questions about European immigration policies and the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs for radicalized individuals

The suspect accused of targeting innocent people at Berlin’s pride festival had documented connections to the Islamic State terror organization, according to reports. What makes this attack even more troubling is that authorities were already aware of Abdul Ballout’s dangerous ideology.

Court records reveal that Ballout had been ordered to attend a deradicalization program specifically designed for individuals at risk from Islamism and right-wing extremism. Yet despite this intervention, he allegedly carried out a violent attack on civilians celebrating in Berlin.

The failure of Europe’s deradicalization efforts is once again on full display. Programs meant to rehabilitate individuals with extremist ideologies have repeatedly proven ineffective, leaving innocent people vulnerable to attacks that could have been prevented.

This incident highlights a pattern seen across Europe where known threats slip through bureaucratic systems designed more to appear compassionate than to actually protect citizens. American Christians should take note of these failures as our own nation debates immigration and security policies.

The attack comes at a time when European nations are grappling with the consequences of immigration policies that have allowed radical ideologies to take root in their communities. Traditional values of national security and citizen protection have too often been subordinated to political correctness.

Ballout’s case demonstrates the real-world consequences when governments prioritize rehabilitation programs over the safety of their own people. The victims of his attack deserved better protection from their government.

As Americans, we must remain vigilant about similar threats in our own communities. Faith-based organizations and law enforcement must work together to identify and address radicalization before it leads to violence, while maintaining our constitutional protections and Christian values of redemption balanced with justice.

The Berlin incident serves as a sobering reminder that evil exists in our world and that wishful thinking cannot replace sound security policies. Our prayers go out to the victims and their families as they recover from this senseless act of violence.

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Faith Facts

• Father Chad Ripperger, exorcist for the Archdiocese of Denver, warns Americans about intensifying spiritual warfare in modern society
• Former Navy SEAL Shawn Ryan’s three-hour interview with the exorcist reveals critical insights about demonic activity and protection
• The priest emphasizes suffering, prayer, and sacramental life as essential weapons against evil forces targeting families and faith

A gripping three-hour conversation between former Navy SEAL Shawn Ryan and Father Chad Ripperger, an exorcist with the Archdiocese of Denver, has captured the attention of millions of Americans seeking to understand the spiritual battles facing our nation. The interview, released last week, marks Ryan’s second sit-down with the experienced priest who has spent decades confronting demonic forces on the front lines of spiritual warfare.

Father Ripperger’s insights come at a time when many Christians feel increasingly besieged by forces hostile to traditional values and religious freedom. His message carries particular weight given his extensive experience performing exorcisms and counseling those afflicted by demonic oppression.

The exorcist’s central message to believers is both sobering and empowering.

“Be willing to suffer,” Father Ripperger emphasized, explaining that spiritual growth and victory over evil often require enduring hardship for the sake of Christ and His truth.

This call to embrace suffering stands in stark contrast to the comfort-seeking culture that dominates modern America. Father Ripperger explained that demons specifically target those unwilling to bear discomfort for their faith, exploiting weakness and complacency to gain footholds in lives, families, and communities.

The priest outlined how spiritual warfare has intensified in recent years, with demonic activity becoming more brazen and widespread. He attributed this escalation partly to the breakdown of traditional family structures, the rejection of Christian moral teaching, and the proliferation of occult practices disguised as entertainment or self-help.

Father Ripperger provided practical guidance for Christians seeking to protect themselves and their families from spiritual attack. He emphasized the critical importance of regular prayer, especially the Rosary, and frequent reception of the sacraments. These spiritual disciplines, he explained, create protective barriers that demons cannot easily penetrate.

The exorcist also warned about the dangers of seemingly innocent activities that can open doors to demonic influence. He specifically mentioned certain forms of media, New Age practices, and the casual treatment of sacred things as potential entry points for evil spirits.

Throughout the conversation, Father Ripperger stressed that Christians must understand the reality of the spiritual realm. Demons are not metaphors or psychological constructs but actual fallen angels with intelligence and malicious intent. Recognizing this reality is the first step toward effective spiritual defense.

He encouraged believers to live lives of radical faithfulness, maintaining close relationships with God through prayer and sacramental participation. This spiritual foundation, combined with moral uprightness and trust in divine providence, provides the strongest defense against demonic attack.

The interview also addressed the importance of community and accountability among believers. Father Ripperger noted that isolated Christians are more vulnerable to spiritual assault than those firmly connected to a faithful church community and strong Christian friendships.

Ryan’s platform has given Father Ripperger’s message unprecedented reach beyond traditional Catholic circles. The former Navy SEAL’s audience includes many veterans, patriots, and Americans concerned about the moral and spiritual direction of the nation. This crossover appeal has sparked renewed interest in ancient Christian teachings about spiritual warfare among people who might not otherwise encounter such content.

The exorcist’s call to embrace suffering resonates particularly with those who have served in military or law enforcement roles, where sacrifice and hardship are understood as necessary for protecting others. Father Ripperger drew parallels between physical courage and spiritual fortitude, encouraging Christians to show the same bravery in defending their faith that warriors display in defending their country.

As cultural hostility toward Christianity increases and traditional values face relentless attack, Father Ripperger’s message provides both warning and hope. He reminded viewers that despite the reality and intensity of spiritual warfare, Christ has already won the ultimate victory. Believers who remain faithful, even through suffering, share in that triumph.

The interview serves as a wake-up call for American Christians who may have grown complacent about the spiritual dimensions of the challenges facing our nation. It reminds us that the battles over life, family, and freedom are not merely political or cultural but fundamentally spiritual in nature.

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