Go Beyond

Valletta, Malta

Something historic happened this past week on the isle of Malta — The Global Congress for Life. This was a gathering unlike any other in the history of the world. And although unnoticed by the world, the deliberations of those who gathered on the island nation will reverberate to every corner of the planet.

Malta’s fascinating history is a rich tapestry woven with the threads of the gallantry, courage, and exploits of the Knights of St. John — courageous individuals who dedicated their lives to the fortification and defense of the island. They built fortresses and watchtowers along the coast as well as palaces, hospitals, theaters, and more.

The work of these champions safeguarded life for the people of Malta who previously had been vulnerable to invasions that resulted in their deaths or enslavement. All of that changed, however, when the Knights of St. John arrived. Everything changes when champions arrive on the scene and enter into the arena.

Five years ago, God gave a vision to my friend Kurt Dillinger, the founder and president of Life International — an organization dedicated to venturing into the global arenas where the sanctity of human life is threatened. And that threat is real.

Abortion is just one way in which the sanctity of life is violated. By some estimates, a human heart will beat more than 35 million times per year. And yet, for every heartbeat that keeps us alive, the heartbeat of a preborn child is silenced. Abortion does not kill a potential human person, it kills a human person with great potential — a bearer of the image of God.

Thus Kurt’s vision — to assemble delegates from every nation in Malta, much like the knights of old, and to equip them to stand as champions in the arenas where the sanctity of life is violated. Champions from 155 nations heeded the call to participate in the historic and strategic Global Congress for Life.

Every day of the congress, the champions spent time in prayer, in the study of the Scriptures, sharing personal stories and strategies of their respective engagement, and forming new and meaningful relationships and stronger networks. The congress was a reminder to all that we cannot do the work alone. We need each other.

Those who arrived battle weary were strengthened and encouraged. Those who felt alone were enriched by new friendships. All developed a greater resolve to continue to work on behalf of the voiceless, helpless, and vulnerable — and to build watchtowers and fortifications to protect the sanctity of human life.

Over the course of the congress, I gleaned insight into the characteristics of a champion. I returned home from Malta inspired by the people I met — their stories, their tears, their scars, their vision, their setbacks, and their resolve. Every person I met demonstrated the following characteristics of a champion.

First, a champion sees the bigger picture. Seeing the bigger picture is essential to strategic engagement. Understanding the violations against the sanctity of human life in all of its expressions guides our understanding of the scope of the challenge.

Second, a champion knows what is at stake. Whether the destruction of a child in the womb, bullying on a school yard, trafficking human beings for sex or labor, mass shootings, or other assaults against the sanctity of life, a champion understands that because the stakes are high neither silence, cowardice, nor walking away is an option.

Third, just like the Knights of St. John, a champion moves in the direction of the threat. A friend who retired from active duty as a Marine once told me that you can always recognize who the Marines are in a battle. “Marines,” he said, “always run toward the fight rather than away from it.” The champions who gathered at Malta are indeed moving in the direction of threats to the sanctity of life.

Fourth, a champion must be willing to risk it all. This, of course, speaks of sacrifice. One delegate to the congress told me, with tears in his eyes, how he continues to invest his dwindling personal resources to protect life in his nation. “Our enemy,” he said, “is passionate and uses every means possible to convince the world of lies. Are we more passionate than the enemy in regard to convincing the world of truth about the sanctity of life?”

Finally, a champion is relentless. Giving up is not an option because there is too much at stake. And so, though weary, a champion presses ahead, often one painful step at a time, but always in the strategic direction of preserving life. The Global Congress for Life was like an IV of encouragement for many of the delegates. All returned to their homes with greater resolve to make the Father’s heart for life known.

And now, the Global Congress for Life is in the history books. And while the congress is over, it launched a new beginning by fostering greater unity and collaboration to advance the purposes of God in regard to the value of all human life. Lives will be saved as each champion continues to take ownership of making known the Father’s heart for life in their respective geographical contexts.

And as for Kurt’s dream to equip and inspire the nations to embrace the Father’s heart for life, I have no doubt that his dream will outlive him. Mark Batterson, lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, DC, said this in his book entitled “In a Pit With a Lion On a Snowy Day” —

“God-ordained dreams … have the ability to survive any and every circumstance, and they stand the test of time. Even when you die, your dreams do not. Long after you are gone, your dreams have the potential to impact nations and generations.”

I am grateful for the privilege I had to travel to Malta to spend time with champions for life from around the world. And I am grateful to serve a church that embraces the Father’s heart for life and invests both human and financial resources in strategic initiatives around the globe to promote the sanctity of life.