A Summit to Remember

I remember the New Delhi Summit of 2077 vividly. Back then, New Life Assembly thrived with faith and hope. The congregation looked to me for guidance in a world teetering on uncertainty. When Development—or Dev—was approved as a parallel Universe of Existence, it was celebrated as a new dawn. The news spread like wildfire, and the world began to shift rapidly.

The Exodus of the Elite

The rich were the first to embrace Dev’s promise. They abandoned their mansions, businesses, and responsibilities, fleeing to what they called paradise. Dev was a utopia—free from hunger, war, and suffering. Their departure left power in the hands of those who stayed behind. Chaos quickly replaced the semblance of order.

A Nation Unravels

In Nigeria, deserted by its leaders, power fell to the young and untested. Their promises of a fresh start soon crumbled under the weight of ambition. Guerilla groups emerged, led by young men with dreams of overthrowing the new regime. Hope and change became veils for greed and the pursuit of power. Their goal was clear: amass wealth and escape to Dev.

A Failed Transition

The System had created a structure for transferring power peacefully, but only on paper. The old leaders eagerly left, while the new ones clung to the promise of control. Beneath progressive facades, corruption festered. They hoarded resources left behind by billionaires fleeing to Dev, with no plans for society’s progress. Power struggles, violence, and territorial battles ensued.

A Crumbling Society

From my church, I watched as our vibrant community disintegrated. Bustling streets turned into war zones. Infrastructure collapsed, and shortages of essentials became the norm. People resorted to bartering and local currencies to survive. Yet, amidst the ruins, resilience began to take root.

Seeds of Renewal

Communities adapted, growing self-reliant and reviving traditional practices. In Africa, local food production flourished. Europe fragmented into smaller, self-governed states. In the United States, new states formed under local militias and progressive groups. Socially, the exodus dismantled hierarchies, paving the way for cooperative societies and communal living. In Asia, ancient philosophies gained prominence, offering stability.

Spiritual Resurgence

Religion transformed as the exodus deepened. Many leaders and devout followers saw Dev as a test of faith and chose to stay. This sparked renewed fervour and new spiritual movements. In the Middle East, theocratic governance took hold. In the West, eco-religions and nature-centric philosophies flourished, promoting harmony and sustainability.

A New World Order

The exodus reshaped global priorities. With industrial magnates gone, Earth’s pollution levels dropped. Climate activists pushed sustainable practices, leading to a resurgence in renewable energy. Solar, wind, and hydroelectric power became primary sources. Communities turned to sustainable agriculture, striving for self-sufficiency.

Education Reimagined

Formal institutions collapsed, giving way to community-led education. Knowledge-sharing networks emerged, focusing on practical skills and sustainability. Grassroots governance and cultural revival flourished globally. Traditional leaders guided development in Africa. Indigenous communities in South America reclaimed traditions, while Asia combined ancient wisdom with modern technology.

Reflections in the Rubble

As I sit in my crumbling church, I reflect on the world we lost. Empty pews and cracked stained glass whisper stories of a vibrant past. Despite our challenges, we’ve discovered resilience and renewal. The so-called dystopian present contrasts sharply with Dev’s utopian promise. But we have something that satisfies the core of humanity we have – hope!. Hope remains.

Humanity’s Strength

Outside, makeshift homes and gardens dot the landscape. Neighbours share scarce resources, their faces etched with hardship and determination. We’ve learnt deep truths about ourselves and how these struggles force us to find better versions of ourselves. We’ve learnt peace through hardship, choosing tools over weapons to rebuild together. The human spirit endures, finding meaning in struggles, simplicity and more recently, unity.

A Glimmer in the Darkness

As the sun sets, the stars emerge, reminding me of light in the darkest times. The passing of time and endless turns of day and night give us hope. This world is our home for a reason. We are its caretakers, shaping its future with hope. The wave of desertion has taken much, but it also offers a chance to escape the busyness and rebuild.

A Legacy to Build

Standing before my small congregation, I feel a profound purpose. We are humanity’s last stand, entrusted with this wounded world. Together, we walk this path with faith and hope. We want to leave a legacy of love and resilience for future generations—if they choose to stay human.