Generations Gathered Together

REFLECTIONS FROM MANILA WITH NXT MOVE

At a combined age of 140, we were delighted to be the “grandparents” of the NXT Move community — representing the older generation with joy. Having lived in Asia for almost 40 years, it thrilled us to have the gathering in Manila. Asia’s significance for the future of Christianity cannot be overstated: 4.8 billion non-Christians, more than the rest of the world combined, and a median age of just 32.

We’ve always seen NXT Move as our tribe. Many in this community are like our spiritual children; the relationships here are precious.

Fellowship from the First Moment

This became real immediately. In the jeepney from the airport to the hotel, we met a young woman from Europe and a young Filipino pastor from Mindanao. Conversation flowed, and before long we were praying over the internet for his 15-month-old daughter. This kind of fellowship continued throughout the week — in coffee lounges, at meals, and in worship. The gathering felt like a meeting of “sons and daughters,” new friends and dear old ones alike.

Our relationship with the East Asia team grew stronger with each roundtable, dinner, and shared moment. We made connections for the long-term and watched others join in, expanding the reach.

A Theme of Reproduction

From Tuesday’s opening session, we sensed a theme of reproduction — over 200 people sowing seeds together from diverse backgrounds as a Kingdom family. We were proud to introduce younger friends from Hong Kong, eager to see what God would do. The opening worship was stunning; “The Church” band set the atmosphere for what was to come. The Visioneering theme resonated with a vision we’d brought from our church about “uncharted waters.” We also carried an urgency: the time is now.

Ric Sun’s family moved us deeply. What began as “Why did they bring the kids?” became a beautiful glimpse of the future. John, as a father and grandfather, taking communion for the gathering was profoundly significant.

Highlights Throughout the Week

Wednesday’s worship and devotions opened hearts for repentance and more. “NXTworking” was alive and well — tables connecting, sharing, and growing. Evenings at Filipino, Japanese, and Korean restaurants became a rhythm of fellowship.

Thursday’s prayer room was a highlight. We prayed for healing, encouraged those in seasons of change, and saw answers by morning. Gen Z led a spontaneous worship session that was amazing to witness.

Friday’s leadership breakout was significant. We shared about intergenerational importance using the 4×100m relay image. Then our host spoke two words — “New Breed” — the same words we’d received in a prophecy in 2006. After nearly 20 years, we’re still looking for how God will unfold this vision.

Open-table discussions on Friday afternoon were rich: six generations, from Boomers to Beta, learning from one another.

Saturday morning built on the week — powerful worship, prayers for Asia and Oceania, and praying for young families with tears and unity. We even prayed for the band as the Holy Spirit released words for new worship songs.

A Cornerstone Has Been Placed

As we reflect on the week, we’re reminded that NXT Move isn’t only about the next generation — it’s about partnership across generations. This theme resonates with a prophetic word we received in 2006, calling us part of a “New Breed” that God would raise up for worldwide impact.

You are part of the new breed that God is raising up around the world… You will chase lasting impact in His Kingdom. You are not just pastors, but are pathfinders who will train and raise up people who will change the world.

Seeing that prophecy echo in Manila — through the young leaders we met, the intergenerational relationships formed, and the visions shared — was deeply moving. The seeds planted decades ago are bearing fruit in ways we could hardly imagine.

Manila was more than a gathering; it was a tangible unfolding of God’s plan. We leave with hearts full of hope, believing that what has begun will continue to grow. The foundation is laid, the baton is being passed, and the “New Breed” is rising.