From Seeds of Sacrifice to a Global Family: Celebrating 50 Years of the Alliance World Fellowship

The Alliance World Fellowship celebrated 50 years of global mission, unity, and faith. From its humble roots in Congo to its growth into a worldwide movement, this milestone highlights how God’s faithfulness continues to shape the future of the global church.

What does it mean to celebrate 50 years as a global Alliance family? It is a moment of remembrance, unity, and renewed commitment to the mission God has entrusted to his Church.

In a powerful gathering marked by worship, gratitude, and vision, leaders and members of the Alliance World Fellowship (AWF) came together to celebrate this historic anniversary in October 2025. While the Democratic Republic of the Congo holds a unique place in this story, the celebration reflected something much greater: a global family, united in Christ, advancing together in mission.

Where Mission Began—and Continues

More than 140 years ago, inspired by the vision of Albert Benjamin Simpson, the first Alliance missionaries set foot in Africa. There, the gospel took root through sacrifice, suffering, and steadfast faith. The Congo became the first mission field of what would later be known as the Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA).

From those early beginnings, the flame of mission spread—across Africa and beyond—giving birth to a movement that today spans nations, cultures, and generations. As declared during the celebration, this is not just history; it is a divine story of obedience and faith that continues to unfold.

Words of Gratitude and Vision

The gathering opened with words from Rev. Marcel Bunda Bunda, president of the national church, who welcomed the global family with deep gratitude and vision. He also welcomed several key AWF representatives: Rev. Jura Yanagihara, AWF president; Rev. Arie Verdjudin, former AWF president and former missionary in the Democratic Republic of the Congo; Rev. Celestin Koffi, AWF’s outgoing Regional Coordinator for Africa; Rev. Ferdinand Sangoye, AWF’s incoming Regional Coordinator for Africa; Rev. Kenzo Mabiala, honorary president and mentor of the Alliance in the DRC; and representatives from various national churches in the region, including Gabon, Angola, and Congo-Brazzaville.

With a heart full of thanksgiving, Rev. Bunda reflected on God’s faithfulness through the decades, honoring the sacrifices that shaped the Alliance. He noted that this is “a time to give thanks, and a time to renew our commitment to bring the gospel to the ends of the earth.”

A Celebration Marked by Global Leadership and Unity

The presence of global leaders, including AWF President Jura Yanagihara, underscored this shared identity. In his greeting, he reminded the Church that the mission of God begins with people who say “yes” to his call, urging the family to look forward with clarity and conviction.

This unity was expressed through worship, as choirs and groups brought unique cultural expressions to the event. From Kinshasa to Matadi and beyond, each chorus carried the same message: one family, one faith, one mission, even sang the “Jesus Only” hymn in the local language, Kikongo. Kikongo (or Kongo) is a Bantu language spoken primarily by the Bakongo people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of Congo, Angola, and Gabon.

Rev. Darren Harbold, national president of the C&MA of Canada, used the imagery of rivers and waterfalls to illustrate God’s unstoppable work. Just as many streams form one mighty flow, the global Alliance moves forward as one body in Christ. He challenged believers to:

• Step into the unknown in obedience.
• Allow God to shape and refine his Church.
• Remain deeply connected to Christ, the source of all fruit.

His message echoed a central truth: the mission is not finished.

When Plans Change, the Mission Remains

Congo had originally prepared to host the AWF Quadrennial, a global gathering for the entire worldwide family. Although that specific meeting did not take place in the Congo as planned, the spirit of unity remained undiminished. The moment served as a reminder that the mission of God is not limited by locations—it continues wherever his people are willing to serve.

Looking Forward: A Defining Moment

As the AWF marks 50 years, the call is clear: this is a moment charnière—a turning point. It is a time to honor the past while stepping boldly into the future to carry the gospel further than ever before. The story of the Alliance is not finished; its next chapter will be written together.