AWF Global Mission Leaders: A Harmony of Hearts and Hands for Global Impact

In a spirited convergence of minds and hearts, the AWF Global Network of Mission Leaders convened in Monrovia, Liberia, November 5-8, 2023, for a gathering that transcended geographical boundaries to weave a tapestry of missional cooperation.

Rev. Jura Yanagihara, the president of the Alliance World Fellowship (AWF), opened the meeting with a warm welcome, setting the stage for an insightful exploration of new projects and collaborative initiatives to advance the gospel worldwide through the Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA). The gathering was attended by 35 mission leaders and pastors representing 16 countries from different corners of the globe.

The meticulously crafted workshops became a crucible for empowerment, covering topics crucial for effective mission work. From building trust and confidence in partnerships to exploring the transformative potential of the Alliance Church of All Nations (CAN) Network, the sessions delved into the intricacies of member care, best practices, mission mobilization, and the future of inter-regional initiatives.

Brother Eoghan Cosgrave and Dr. Jessie Ritchey took center stage, illuminating the theme of “Trust and Confidence Building for Partnership.” Their insights emphasized the role of healthy relationships as the bedrock of robust partnerships. Cosgrave, the mission mobilizer for the EMERALD (Europe and the Middle East) region, and Ritchey, an Intercultural Consultant and Trainer, navigated the complexities of integrating member care into partnerships, infusing cultural sensitivity into their compelling presentation.

Cosgrave’s passionate introduction of the CAN network extended the vision further, urging participants to embrace diversity and disciple individuals from various backgrounds. Participants saw in his vision the diaspora not only as a target for evangelism but as an integral part of the church’s future.

Rev. Ken Graham, AWF coordinator of the APAC (Asia Pacific) region, emphasized the importance of global unity in mission success. In presenting the draft documents of the Partnership Agreement, Graham highlighted the necessity for communication rules in high-risk projects and clarified guidelines for emergencies. His conviction is that “through global partnerships, we will be successful in missions moving forward together.”

In his presentation on Mission Mobilization, Rev. Jan Wolsheimer, director of CAMA Zending, the Alliance Mission sending agency based in the Netherlands, emphasized the concept that “the Church doesn’t have a mission, but God’s mission has a Church.” His practical steps and tools were aimed at empowering individuals within the church for missions, fostering purpose and unity.

The meeting ended with Jura Yanagihara leading a brainstorming workshop on proposals for new missionary partnership projects, reinforcing a collective commitment to fulfill the Great Commission.

Sister Lydie Ozoumet expressed her perspective on the meeting, saying: “I thoroughly enjoyed the gathering; it proved to be incredibly enriching with its focus on association and exchanges, fostering a sense of fellowship among our brothers and sisters.” Serving as the national mission leader of the C&MA in Gabon, Ozoumet highlighted the significance of the discussion themes and the positive connections made during the event.

Pastor Iván Bonilla, the leader of the missions department of the C&MA in Colombia, shared his sentiments by emphasizing the warm and cooperative atmosphere of the meetings. According to Bonilla, the sessions provided a conducive space for open communication and mutual support, enabling participants to feel valued and engaged. He noted that the overall experience was marked by a spirit of camaraderie and effective cooperation among the attendees.

Amid the workshops and discussions, participants savored Liberian cuisine and fostered bonds of friendship and fellowship. Gratitude was extended to the Church of Believers (C&MA) of Liberia and President Roosevelt Z. Liberty and his team for their dedicated service in making the event a blessed and memorable time.

Now, more than ever, the mission of the AWF is to facilitate cooperation among the worldwide Alliance movement as it works toward the fulfillment of the Great Commission to reach the nations with the good news, uniting hearts and hands in the pursuit of a shared vision.