Building Projects Together: Mission Leaders Strengthen Global Cooperation in Yamoussoukro

In an atmosphere filled with cultural diversity, color, joy, and fellowship, 46 mission leaders and national presidents from 18 countries gathered for the Global Network of Mission Leaders Meeting, during the AWF Quadrennial in Yamoussoukro. The event reflected the heartbeat of the Alliance World Fellowship (AWF): unity in diversity and cooperation in fulfilling the Great Commission.

AWF President Rev. Jura Yanagihara opened the sessions for the Global Network of Mission Leaders Meeting by reaffirming AWF’s mission to strengthen cooperation among national churches that work together to reach the unreached. Statistical updates on Alliance churches, ministries, and members worldwide inspired thanksgiving for the growing global Alliance family.

Each regional coordinator shared stories from the mission field, celebrating God’s faithfulness in church planting and cross-regional collaboration. After a rich taste of Cote d’Ivoire’s local cuisine, Dr. Jessie Ritchey led the workshop “Caring Across Cultures: Strengthening Member Care for International Workers,” emphasizing love and trust as essential foundations for holistic care. “Trust is earned and built slowly,” she reminded participants, highlighting the role of national leaders and local churches in caring for those serving in cross-cultural ministries.

In small groups, regional representatives discussed how to apply these insights in their own situations. Later, Rev. Ken Graham, AWF Asia Pacific Regional Coordinator, inspired attendees to pursue cooperation grounded in Scripture as he shared a model agreement for partnerships rooted in spiritual unity, shared vision, and a framework of brotherly love for genuine and sustainable collaboration.

Under the theme “Building Projects Together,” participants explored how mission projects can reflect unity in diversity as the Trinity and the body of Christ are described in John 17 and 1 Corinthians 12. Facilitator Dr. Jim Derksen guided leaders through the six life stages of project collaboration—from exploring possibilities to project completion—while addressing challenges of cultural differences such as lack of awareness, understanding, agreement, and adaptation.

Leaders were encouraged to face these challenges by fixing their eyes on Jesus and adopting five Christlike attitudes drawn from Philippians 2 and John 10:

• Humility – stepping down from the “leader’s pedestal.”
• Knowing others – loving with discernment.
• Serving without seeking titles.
• Adapting – “taking the form of a servant.”
• Forgiving before offense takes root.

Rev. Jeremy Warden, National President of the C&MA of Brazil, presented an example of successful interregional cooperation between Brazil, the Latin America Region (CLA), and AWF through sports ministry resulting in transformed lives and new church plants.

The meeting concluded with renewed commitments to collaborative projects. Notably, Chile and Spain signed a cooperation agreement to support and strengthen the Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA) churches in Spain, marking a tangible expression of the AWF’s mission in action.

Reflecting on the gathering, Ecuadorian Pastor Luis Solís described it as “a commitment to the Great Commission and a vision of unity.” Sister Graciela Napoli, the National Missions Leader from Argentina, added, “It was a time of learning, fellowship, and discovering projects that, in God’s time, Argentina will join.”

As the sessions ended, joy and gratitude filled the room—praise to God for the unity, brotherhood, and renewed partnerships that continue to expand his Kingdom through the global Alliance family.