We often use the phrase “out of sight, out of mind” as a way to describe something we easily forget or don’t give much thought to. I was humbly reminded of that reality this past weekend at CONPLEI. God is doing so much in the world that is unseen and unknown even to those who champion the Great Commission.
On Aug. 28-31, I had the privilege of joining along with SAM staff at CONPLEI in Porto Velho, Brazil. CONPLEI stands for the National Council of Indigenous Evangelical Pastors and Leaders. This conference was a gathering of over 1,500 people from over 80 different Indigenous tribes, and 40 missions organizations. It was an amazing testimony to all God is doing among the Indigenous tribes of Brazil and throughout South America. There was so much to take away and reflect upon from this conference. Here are a few “takeaways” from our time there.
First, the gathering of CONPLEI was a reminder that the Kingdom of God is so much bigger than we can fathom. God is indeed saving people from all tribes, tongues, nations, and languages– just as He promised. While we are quick to affirm this biblically, it hits differently to see the fruits of it in person. God is doing a great work among the Indigenous of South America, and it’s only a small taste of all God is doing throughout the world. While CONPLEI helped improve my sight a bit, it’s only a drop in the bucket when we think of the entire world!
Second was a sobering reminder that while many tribes have come to faith, have established churches, and are engaged in Kingdom work, there still exist entire tribes without access to the gospel. We should celebrate the many who have been reached and are being discipled, but we must also recognize that the need still exists for gospel advancement and scripture translation among many groups. CONPLEI reminded me of the urgent need for God’s people to be mobilized to see the gospel’s impact reach further into places it’s never been. The Great Commission continues!
Takeaway 3
Finally, it was encouraging to see how Gospel ministry remains a priority. The fruits from the first and second waves of missionary work are something to celebrate. What a blessing to hear testimonies of the impact of past and present missionary work as missionaries from North America, Brazil, and other nations have sacrificed much to see the gospel advance among the Indigenous of South America. We know the Great Commission is a stewardship for all Christians, and CONPLEI was a visible demonstration that the Indigenous church also embraces this stewardship to go and make disciples of all nations. As the Indigenous peoples are mobilized, this third wave of Indigenous missionary work will be a critical part of seeing the gospel take root among the unreached. Praise God!
It’s impossible to know all that God is doing throughout the world. Gospel ministry is often “out of sight, out of mind” yet, I’m grateful that God allowed me the opportunity to expand my sight a bit more at CONPLEI. To see the joy and faces of over 80 Indigenous groups has given me more clarity on the vastness of God’s kingdom. God is building his church and advancing his kingdom in the great cities and most remote communities of the world.
As wonderful as CONPLEI was, it only gave me a longing for that great and final day which John points us to in Revelation 7:9 “After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes, and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb…”. On that day we will see in full and know in full.
Until then, may the waves of gospel ministry continue for the good of the nations and glory of God!
Adam Polk serves as the Lead Pastor at Redeeming Grace Baptist Church in Callaway, MD.
He is married to Jennifer and they have five children: Cody, Rachel, Collin, Rylee, and Sophia.
Adam has served on the SAM Board of Directors since 2024.
