“Until All Have Heard”: A Call That Echoed Through the 9th Asia Pacific Alliance Women’s Conference in Hanoi, Vietnam

From October 29-November 1, 2025, Hanoi, Vietnam became a sacred meeting place as women from across the Asia Pacific gathered for the 9th Asia Pacific Alliance Women’s (APAW) Conference and Prayer Journey. They came with different languages, cultures, and stories but with one shared purpose: to seek God together and renew their commitment to the Great Commission.

As Alliance women arrived in Hanoi, a quiet expectancy filled the air. Delegates traveled from across the AWF Asia Pacific Region, stepping into a space shaped by prayer, worship, teaching, cultural celebration, and a fresh missions vision. The conference also marked a historic milestone with the official launch of APAW Vietnam.

The opening night set a remarkable tone. Ten government leaders from Hanoi, led by the Chairman of Religious Affairs, entered the hall bearing five large bouquets. Their warm welcome represented a rare and meaningful moment of honor, moving many women deeply and signaling an atmosphere of openness and respect.

When worship began, the room came alive with praise in many languages—a powerful portrait of unity. Women from Indonesia, India, the Philippines, South Korea, Cambodia, Mongolia, Japan, Thailand, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, and one participant from the United States stood shoulder to shoulder. Many Vietnamese women attended for the first time, eagerly connecting with sisters from across the region.

The conference theme, “Until All Have Heard,” drawn from Matthew 24:14, shaped every gathering and conversation. Rev. Ken Graham, AWF Asia Pacific Regional Coordinator, opened with a devotional focused on the centrality of Jesus Christ in the Fourfold Gospel. “The driving force of our mission is not the lostness of man,” he reminded the delegates, “but the command of Christ.” His words grounded the conference in its true foundation.

Teaching sessions throughout the week challenged hearts and deepened understanding. Conference speaker Bao Her, AVP for Alliance Missions of the U.S. C&MA, spoke on prayer and missions, raising the question of why unanswered prayers matter in missionary work. Later, addressing leadership, she asked, “How does a God-fearing person become a fearless leader?” Her answer resonated: “By standing at the center of God’s will.”

On the second day, the Prayer Journey led participants to Ninh Binh. Traveling by small boats through underground rivers and along mountain paths, the women prayed for communities still waiting to hear the gospel. When rain fell steadily from late morning to mid-afternoon, no one turned back. They returned soaked but strengthened, sensing God’s presence in both the journey and the prayers lifted along the way.

One of the most stirring moments came during the Missions Night Celebration. Lecturer Le Tuyet Thanh, a missionary serving hill-tribe communities, issued a heartfelt call to take the gospel to every nation. Her message stirred many hearts toward renewed obedience. The evening also featured the joyful “Taste of the Nations,” where women dressed in traditional attire shared local dishes and exchanged stories of ministry, hardship, and God’s faithfulness.

The conference was further enriched by the presence of thirty-two Hmong hill-tribe women from mountaintop churches in Sapa—many attending an international gathering for the first time. Their testimonies reflected deep faith, perseverance, and a powerful witness to God’s work in remote communities.

Another meaningful milestone was the launch of His Word, Our Prayer, Vol. II, a devotional rooted in Psalm 119. Forty printed copies were distributed, and a digital version was shared so women throughout the region could continue growing together in prayer.

The conference concluded with a communion service. The room fell into reverent silence as women shared the bread and cup. They left strengthened, connected, and ready to carry the message of Christ wherever God leads them.

The impact of the gathering was tangible. Unity across nations was strengthened, prayer partnerships were renewed, and missions support expanded. APAW Vietnam was officially organized during the conference, and a fundraising auction of two paintings raised $1,000 USD each. An additional missions offering of $3,083 USD was collected during Missions Night to support ministries in Hanoi.

Looking ahead, the APAW network plans to partner with the World Computer Network Institute (WCNI) of South Korea to support students in Ho Chi Minh City through a one-week computer education program. Prayer partnerships, mentoring circles, and collaborative ministries will continue as women prepare for the next APAW Conference and Prayer Journey in Chiang Mai, Thailand, in 2026.

To those who could not attend, participants shared a simple message: you were present in prayer. Your role in God’s mission matters. Together, as Alliance women across the Asia Pacific Region and beyond, the journey continues—until all have heard.