Calling for spiritual clarity in the face of modern cultural upheaval, Chris Swanson addressed leaders from across Latin America during a recent evangelical gathering in Uruguay.

Swanson, a regional director for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA), told attendees that societal challenges related to life, family, and faith stem from spiritual battles, not merely political or cultural disagreements, the Christian Post reported.

Swanson delivered his message during the Ibero-American Congress for Life and Family in Montevideo, where political officials, Christians, and activists from more than 15 nations gathered to support biblical principles in public life.

Spiritual Perspective Over Cultural Activism

Serving as BGEA’s director of crusades and development for Latin America, Swanson brought both professional and personal experience to the platform. Born and raised in Argentina, he has worked closely with churches throughout the region for decades and emphasized the enduring relevance of Scripture in modern challenges.

Quoting Ephesians 6:12, he urged listeners to understand that spiritual forces, not cultures or individuals, represented the true battlefield. “Culture is the battlefield, but war is spiritual and begins in the heavenly realms,” he explained, challenging participants to anchor their activism in a faith-based worldview.

Swanson pushed back against well-meaning activism that lacks a Scriptural foundation. “Our convictions must be born of the Word of God,” he said. “Good intentions or popular opinion are not enough. What we stand for must be revealed truth.”

Urgency in Prayer and Leadership

During his keynote, Swanson used examples from the Book of Acts to point out the importance of committed and expectant prayer. Referencing Acts 12, he noted the Greek term “ektenōs” — meaning to stretch to one's limit — as the kind of prayer attitude needed in today’s society.

Swanson said that too often, people pray without believing in the possibility of real outcomes. “We pray, but we don’t think anything is going to happen,” he explained. He referenced Peter’s miraculous prison release and the disbelief of the praying believers as a call to more faith-filled preparation.

Linking that same passage to a broader call, Swanson said the angel’s instruction to Peter to rise and dress should serve as a metaphor for the Church to awaken from spiritual inactivity. “God is waking up his people with pats on the side,” he added, referencing the biblical account.

Call to Renewed Purpose and Evangelism

He reminded political and church leaders present that their current efforts, while admirable, could fall short without spiritual grounding. “We are here because we are already doing something. But maybe God is telling us to do more,” Swanson said.

The founder of BGEA, Rev. Billy Graham, established the organization over 70 years ago to train pastors, respond in crises, and share the Christian gospel worldwide. Swanson reemphasized that purpose by urging everyone to keep their focus on evangelism above all else, regardless of vocation or platform.

“While you’re in Parliament, in a café, or an interview, make disciples,” he told attendees. According to him, the central task of Christians should remain unchanged regardless of context.

Unity, Vision, and the Next Generation

Swanson's message was part of a broader appeal at the Montevideo congress to reinforce unity among Christian leaders throughout the Ibero-American region. The goal of the gathering was to align efforts under a shared vision rooted in biblical values.

In addition to prayer and public witness, the conference emphasized the importance of raising future leaders grounded in a Christian worldview. Swanson expressed concerns that detaching public life from its spiritual foundation leads to a loss of direction and influence.

“Our struggle is against the spiritual forces of evil,” he said, insisting that failing to recognize that truth causes believers to lose not only focus but also spiritual authority in their work.

Final Reminder of Christ-Centered Mission

Swanson concluded his address by reminding attendees that Jesus Christ remains the sole source of eternal truth and guidance. He called on them to continue proclaiming that message with conviction and clarity.

“Be concerned with proclaiming Jesus and Him alone as the way, the truth, and the life,” he said. Swanson also cited the protection promised in Scripture to those who live in reverence of God, referring to the angel of the Lord surrounding such individuals.

Encouraging church and political figures alike, Swanson ended with a reminder that circumstances may change, but the Christian mission remains steadfast because “God remains sovereign.”