“The temple of the LORD will be firmly established among all the islands of Oceania, and all nations will stream to it!”
In the last days the mountain of the LORD’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and all nations will stream to it.(Isaiah 2:2,NIV)
》 Continent Profile
Population | Approximately 43 million people
Area | The combined land area of the countries in Oceania is approximately 520,000㎢, while the surrounding ocean area covers about 165.25 million ㎢.
》 About Oceania
Oceania is a region made up of thousands of islands scattered across the Pacific Ocean, including Australia, New Zealand, and the island groups of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. Although the region spans a vast area, the majority of it consists of ocean. English and various indigenous languages are widely spoken, and Christianity is the dominant religion due to past missionary influence. Rich in cultural traditions, Oceania places strong value on community, nature, and ancestry. The region includes both independent countries and territories connected to larger nations. Today, it faces major challenges such as climate change and rising sea levels, along with growing attention from major global powers.
Oceania’s total GDP is approximately $2.1 trillion. Australia’s economy is largely driven by natural resource exports along with strong financial and service sectors, which together account for most of the country’s GDP. New Zealand, by contrast, is centered on agriculture, tourism, and services. Meanwhile, the small island nations across the Pacific heavily depend on tourism, fisheries, and foreign aid, making their economic structures vulnerable. Rising sea levels and frequent natural disasters caused by climate change have placed mounting pressure on these island economies. In addition, their export-dependent markets face potential instability due to slowing global growth and changing demand from major trading partners such as China and the United States. Overall, while Australia and New Zealand maintain relatively stable growth, many of the Pacific islands are widely considered unable to achieve sustainable development without continued international support and cooperation.
》 Scripture Focus
| Isaiah 2:1-5, 16-18(NIV) 1 This is what Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem: 2 In the last days the mountain of the LORD’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. 3 Many peoples will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the temple of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.” The law will go out from Zion, the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. 4 He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore. 5 Come, descendants of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the LORD. 16 for every trading shipand every stately vessel. 17 The arrogance of man will be brought low and human pride humbled; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day, 18 and the idols will totally disappear. |
》 Prayer Points
1. The island nations of Oceania are known as beautiful vacation spots, but during World War II, they were major battlegrounds in the Pacific War. This is because the region holds great strategic value in maritime trade and military security. Recently, the United States and China have been competing to expand their influence over the Pacific Islands, placing the region back under global geopolitical tension. If military conflict arises, island nations along with countries like Australia and New Zealand could face direct threats. Amid the power struggles of major nations, the people of the islands live in fear for their livelihood and safety. Let us remember the word of the LORD: “Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.” Let us pray that the threat of war will disappear from the Pacific region, and that true worship of God alone would be restored across Oceania.
2. The island nations of Oceania are facing a crisis of rising sea levels caused by global warming. Some experts warn that within the next 80 years, the islands could disappear beneath the sea. Many islands are already suffering from extreme weather events, with serious threats to survival due to shortages of drinking water, food, and record-breaking storms and natural disasters. Many residents are leaving the islands in search of safety. For these nations, climate change is a matter of survival. But with small populations and limited fragile economies, it is extremely difficult for them to respond on their own. As a result, they are actively appealing for support from the international community. In response, many countries are using development aid and diplomatic strategies to expand their reach and influence in the Pacific. The island nations of Oceania must respond wisely so that they are not exploited in the midst of this global competition. Another major concern is the problem of marine debris is also severe. Known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, plastic and vinyl waste—often broken down into microplastics—is damaging the ocean ecosystem and threatening human life. Though environmental organizations continue cleanup efforts, the impact remains serious. Let us repent of our greed and selfishness and pray that we may unite to help resolve this crisis. Let us pray that, instead of nations seeking only their own interests, the LORD’s righteous judgment will stand, and that many will wholeheartedly support these vulnerable island nations.
3. Let us pray for the churches and missionaries in the island nations of Oceania. They seem to have lost spiritual vitality due to a lack of leaders, nominalism, and secularism. Island nations tend to be highly isolated and inward-looking. While residents may be open to foreign cultures, they are often not deeply committed to any particular faith or ideology. Many islands are known as glamorous tourist destinations, but in reality, there is little interest in philosophy or inner life, and many people are spiritually thirsty. Given the diversity of ethnicities and cultures in these regions, missions require a sensitive and well-informed approach. Fellowship and unity among missionaries are essential. Let us pray that the churches and missionaries in Oceania would unite through the Word and prayer. May they stand firm as the church of Jesus Christ on each island, leading many souls to the Lord. Let us also pray that those who may appear outwardly comfortable but are inwardly thirsty will cast away all idols and exalt God alone.
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