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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