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Throughout its 2000-year history, the Church has been plagued by disunity among believers. Given this, the presence of a 12-member delegation of Orthodox Christians was a welcome sight among the thousands of attendees of the Fourth Lausanne Congress.

Invited as “Special Guests” by Lausanne, the 12 hailed from Russia, Albania, India, Kenya, Egypt, Greece, the US, and the UK. Their distinctive appearance—several priests wearing cassocks and long beards—reflected the deep history and unique traditions they represent. With an estimated 300 million Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Christians worldwide, this group of 12 symbolized a much larger story.

It is an important one, says Dr. Jim Ramsay, TMS Global president and CEO. “The initiative by Lausanne to invite this delegation is a significant step in acknowledging Orthodox Christians as an integral part of global Christianity. We’re thrilled to see Lausanne embracing diverse Christian traditions.”

The Rev. Cal Samuelson, Ph.D., a theologian focusing on Orthodox Tawahdo Christianity of Ethiopia and Eritrea, is a board member of the Lausanne-Orthodox Initiative. “Cal is in a unique position,” Ramsay reflects. “He grew up in an evangelical community, yet he is studying some of the deepest literature in Orthodoxy that goes back to the beginnings of Christianity.”

For Samuelson, the Lausanne Congress was filled with moments of deep connection between traditions that have historically seemed disconnected. For this reason, the single most powerful takeaway from the Lausanne Congress for him was the emphasis on togetherness and the body of Christ’s need for one another.

Similarly, as TMS Global prepares to step into a new strategic plan, President Ramsay is also most excited about togetherness—about partnering with leaders from all over the world. “Christianity has always been global, but to have the possibilities we now have--of truly working globally in real partnership (not just on paper) is thrilling. When we are all together, learning from each other, I look around and think: These people are just amazing. Why am I in this room?”

We thank God for our CCW community, several of whom are thought leaders in mission. And we thank God for you--for your faithful prayers and support. What an honor it is to partner with you and the entire TMS Global community as we serve alongside the worldwide body of Christ to accelerate Jesus’ mission together!