“True life is found on mission with Jesus.” The words rang loud and clear at Arise Malaysia, where hundreds of young people had gathered to discover God’s heart for the world and respond to His call.
From 30 April to 2 May 2026, over 600 youths and young adults from 80 churches met at DUMC to listen and learn from leaders in missions, the marketplace and ministry.
Arise Malaysia is part of Arise Asia, a movement established in 2023 challenging Asia’s young believers to go where there is no Gospel.
Since 2023, Arise Asia has engaged nearly 13,000 people, resulting in 1,800 commitments across 34 cities and 11 nations. Arise Malaysia is the 12th nation and 35th city.
In his welcome address, Arise Asia founder David Ro said that in the past two years, he has witnessed the sweeping winds of change across Asia as more people rise up and answer the call of missions.
“You will find no greater joy than in a life fully given to God,” he charged. “Each of us has a race to run, but we want to run in the direction that God is leading. He has a purpose for this world; He wants to [see] the Gospel brought to every person.”
How worthy is Jesus of your life?
In the opening plenary, Luke Harniess of Youth With A Mission (YWAM) shared his journey from law to a life of missions.
Having spent nine years in Argentina and nearly a decade in East Asia, the father of three declared that true, abundant life is found on mission for Jesus.
“Life is not about what we can get from the world, but what we can give to the world. We were made to love, enjoy, and live for Jesus,” Luke said. The confronting question is: Who is Jesus to you? How worthy is He of your life?
“Jesus has an incredible plan and purpose for your life. It starts in [your heart] and then it becomes a mission,” he concluded.
The second day saw Jemima Ooi of Love in Action Missions Global (LIAM Global) speak on the power of a surrendered life.
A full-time missionary serving primarily in East Africa, Jemima’s call is in serving refugees, genocide survivors and families living in active-conflict zones.
The youths also took part in World Cafe, a dedicated time for participants to exchange ideas, share knowledge, and brainstorm ways to activate missions where they are and beyond.
The missional life is where you are
On the afternoon of the second day, a panel discussion featured three Christians from various walks of life moderated by Pastor Andy Yeoh of Generations Church and Arise Malaysia’s Qarlene Rishiqa.
Heidy Quah of Refuge for the Refugees, Pedro Salgueiro of YWAM, and J, a missionary called to serve in Central Asia, shared what missions looks like for them and their diverse cross-cultural experiences (read more here).
Participants were also treated to a wide selection of workshops, with speakers including pro-bono lawyer Larissa Ann Louis, Pastor Andy Yeoh, content creators Dan Khoo (DanKhoo Productions) and Adele Chow (Sevenvault), Lydia Lee (World Vision Malaysia), Carmen Tam (SIM), Pastor Crystal Tan (Rumah Sembahyang Glad Tidings), Lyon Chua (FES), Chai Tze Kwang (Scripture Union) and Wong Chiew Hock (Campus Crusade for Christ).
Topics covered included global missions, integral missions and the marketplace, social media, school/campus missions, and the indigenous and vulnerable communities.
“Vocation is what you do, but the why makes it a calling. You spend a third of your life at work (not counting overtime), so it comes down to whether you find joy and can see God’s hand in your work,” Larissa shared.
In a joint workshop by Scripture Union, FES and Campus Crusade for Christ, participants heard that the most effective way to bring God’s love into Malaysia’s schools and campuses is for them to reach out to their friends.
Lydia spoke on a biblical understanding of poverty, sharing the international Christian humanitarian organisation’s approach to community transformation and poverty alleviation.
“If we want to do mission, it’s not about what we can offer, but what the needs are. Then, include their voices in developing solutions, connect them with partners, challenge unjust systems and adapt along the way,” she said.
“Here I am. Send me!”
As Arise Malaysia drew to a close, Josh Yeoh of Antioch21 challenged the youths to respond to the divine invitation presented before us as believers.
“Divine invitation must always be met with human intention… will you give God your yes before you even know what’s happening?” he asked boldly.
The founder of Penang House of Prayer (PenHOP) taught from the book of Daniel, encouraging youths to understand what true faithfulness looks like: building habits in private, strengthening your faith when nothing ‘exciting’ is happening.
“We think faithfulness is defined in a moment, a defining moment or a deep-feeling moment, but Daniel teaches us that the moment doesn’t decide who you are, it reveals who we are,” he asserted.
Luke then took the stage and closed the session with a poignant reminder: There is no demographic that is not precious to Jesus.
“Mission starts when we see Jesus for who He is, when we value who He values and we love who He loves,” he concluded.
Throughout the three days, one message reverberated across the plenaries, workshops, mealtimes and worship sessions: God loves people. As believers of Jesus Christ, the Gospel is in our hearts and hands. The question now is, will we go where there is no Gospel?
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”
And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” – Isaiah 6:8
Arise Asia 2026, themed FOR THE JOY, will be held in Manila, the Philippines in July. Learn more here. Read more on the panel here.
Additional reporting by Jimmy Lim. All photos provided by Arise Malaysia.
