Guadalajara: A Hub of Fellowship, Learning, and Global Missionary Cooperation

In a spirit of collaboration and unity, national church presidents and mission leaders of the Alliance World Fellowship (AWF) gathered in Guadalajara, Mexico, September 25-27, 2024. Representatives from Latin America, North America, Africa and Europe shared strategies, celebrated innovative initiatives, and built meaningful partnerships to advance God’s mission globally.

One of the event’s highlights was the formation of new partnerships, such as the agreement to support the Casa Samuel Missionary Training Center in Paraguay, with commitments from the AWF Latin American Region, Chile, Canada, the U.S., and Paraguay to expand cross-cultural training programs. Canada, Bolivia, and Cuba will also partner to bring the gospel to unreached groups in the highlands of Bolivia.

Participants were inspired by creative approaches to missions in the 21st Century. Cecibel Suárez, the Missions Coordinator of the Alliance of Ecuador, shared how Ecuador has seen lasting results from its initiatives. These efforts include promoting cross-cultural service, recruiting missionaries, educating congregations, raising financial support, and cultivating a strong prayer culture in local churches. “The fruits we see today reflect years of intentional mobilization,” Suárez explained.

Canadian missionary Blake Penson said, “Learning from Ecuador’s experience in strengthening ties between the national missions department, districts, and local churches was both inspiring and motivating.”

Dr. Jessie Ritchie, a mission mobilizer from the U.S. C&MA, gave a powerful presentation on holistic care for missionaries. Ritchie urged participants to prioritize emotional and spiritual care before sending workers into the field, then while they serve and after they return. “It’s not just about the results we expect but understanding the stress workers face when adapting to new cultures. Our role is to care, listen, and affirm their value, so they are strengthened to fulfill their calling,” Jessie emphasized.

Ritchie’s message resonated deeply, reminding everyone that the success of missions depends on fostering a sense of family more than relying solely on strategies or goals.

Eoghan Cosgrave, the Missions Mobilizer for AWF EMERALD (Europe & Middle East) Region, led participants in practical exercises on establishing effective agreements. One of the key outcomes of the gathering was the formation of new partnerships. Cosgrave stressed the importance of shared vision and clear logistics, saying, “Successful cooperation starts with well-planned agreements where both parties align on expectations, especially in terms of timelines and logistics.”

AWF President Dr. Jura Yanagihara emphasized the vital role of cooperation between national churches in strengthening missionary work. By sharing resources, knowledge, and manpower across regions, these collaborative efforts, including initiatives like Business for Transformation and Relief and Development, greatly amplify the impact of each church’s contribution. “This ensures that the message of Christ is spread more broadly and effectively,” Yanagihara explained.

The gathering provided opportunities for networking and learning. Working groups allow participants to exchange practical ideas, explore new strategies, and discover ways of supporting one another’s efforts. Pastor Erwin Sotomayor of the C&MA of Chile described the experience as “a blessed time where we exchanged ideas, learned from each other’s mission strategies, and gained new insights.”

Ronald and Lisa Ramsey, U.S. CAMA Services directors, shared their excitement about the connections made. “It was such a joy to meet new leaders, reconnect with familiar ones, and hear how God is working in their countries,” they said.

The event also celebrated the richness of Mexican hospitality, with participants enjoying local foods and fellowship that deepened the sense of unity.

“The meeting also means to enjoy what God is doing through others. It is a joy to see that God is faithful and will open doors at the perfect times. It was nice to hear humble hearts willing to serve,” said Heather Hahn, a missionary of the C&MA Canada serving in Mexico.

Throughout the gathering, participants were reminded that missions thrive not through isolated efforts but as a global family united in purpose. Mike Sohm, AWF’s Senior Advisor, underscored the importance of strategic and biblical planning, challenging everyone to align their efforts with God’s mission.

The meeting was marked by deep koinonia—Christian fellowship and unity—as participants listened to stories of what God is doing in their regions. Through mutual encouragement and shared learning, the group focused on strengthening their missions work and ensuring the care of workers in cross-cultural fields.

As the event concluded, attendees reflected on the growth they have witnessed through partnerships and their shared desire to fulfill the Great Commission. The gathering of AWF’s Global Network of Mission Leaders proved that through unity, learning, and cooperation, the Alliance family is empowered to bring lasting impact to the world.

We pray that each national church continues to be a force in missions, working together as one family in the Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA). We praise God for the growing global cooperation that advances his Kingdom.