news and events

AWF Call for Prayer: Syria

May 19, 2013

He looks older than last time when I met him. Edward Awabdeh (left on the picture) is President of the Syrian Alliance Churches. We meet in Beirut where he teaches course at the Alliance Theological Institute. "I am proud of our Churches", he remarks. In all their own  misery they try to offer help to those in greater need. This concerns especially the many displaced people within the country. "Look at the medical doctor who leads the congregation in Homs. The church-building and his clinic lie in a combat-zone, so he can't go there. But the Church meets nonetheless every Friday, at two different locations. During the weekends he and his  team visit villages in the surrounding area." Another example is the church in Tartus, in an area dominated by Alevites. Many move to this part of the country because it is relatively calm. But they come empty-handed and the church tries to help them meet basic needs.

 

Celebrating God’s Faithfulness in Burkina Faso

May 7, 2013

Over 3100 people from many different tribes and tongues gathered at the celebration of the 90th anniversary of the Alliance Church and Mission in Burkina Faso. “A little foretaste of heaven” is how Andrew Schaeffer describes it. Musical groups and the districts took turns singing in their native languages. 
Many workers from abroad who ministered in the country rejoiced with the members of the National Church. During the closing service a new National Board was announced and prayers were offered for the new committee. New Church president is Rev. Thomas Traoré who succeeded Rev. Job Dao, who will continue as board-member.
Hundreds of people had gathered along the Boulevard on Saturday for a morning parade, nearly all wearing the 90th anniversary green panya. It was a wonderful testimony of Alliance growth over the years. Each church carried a sign, noting their name and the year they were founded. Today there 700 Alliance Churches, two Bible schools, 500 pastors in ministry for 90 thousand believers in Jesus Christ. The National Church runs primary schools, three High Schools                                  

Beehive Lima

March 17, 2013

Beehive Lima

Peru is an Alliance-Beehive these days. 40 years ago a revival took place which led to more than 60 Alliance hatches, just in the capital Lima. This will be celebrated this month and creates an occasion for meetings of leaders from across Latin America; leaders of missions organizations, churches and theological institutions. There will be times of prayer, sharing and project-planning. All this is based on a deep desire to be available for the work of God's Spirit. Please pray that the 'beehive' will not just 'buzz' but will also produce 'honey', that is good news for the nations.

Picture shows one of the Churches in Lima.

The Philippines: Typhoon “Pablo”

January 22, 2013

The Philippines. “Pablo” update by Bishop Reniel Nebab, President of the Alliance Church in the Philippines:

 On December 4, 2012, typhoon “Pablo” hit the provinces of Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley. The tropical cyclone with winds of  200 km/hr devastated the villages along its path, ripped off roofs from buildings and homes, uprooted trees, flattened banana plantations and rendered hundreds of families homeless. Hardest hit were Cateel and Baganga in Davao Oriental and New Bataan in Compostela Valley. In Andap, New Bataan, a flash flood tore down houses, killing many people who were still in their homes, not even sparing the people in evacuation centers and in vehicles crossing the river. To date, over a thousand people died and about four hundred more are still missing but are already feared dead.

 Above: A banana plantation turned into a wasteland by typhoon “Pablo”.

On December 13, 2012, several leaders of CAMACOP, my wife Ana and I, visited the area including some churches that were destroyed by “Pablo.” We first went to Andap where one of our pastors, Pastor Adang, was swept away by the raging flood waters of the river. Pastor Adang is still missing, and is feared dead.  To the right: This was once a coconut farmland with several houses

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Leaders in Argentina ask forgiveness

October 12, 2012

During the national Assembly of the Alliance Churches in Argentina, leaders knelt before representatives of the original inhabitants of the country. They acknowlegded that in the past atrocities had been committed against the Mapuches by the majority of the population. Humbly the national Church president Felix Gimenez and  others washed the feet of Mapuches Mauritius and Rosa Antilef as a symbol of their determination to collaborate in humble partnership. (See article in El Chubut)

Church in Jordan helps Refugees

August 24, 2012

"Today we had a special day for children of Syrian refugees", writes Alliance pastor Nour from the Jordanian border town Mafraq.  Approximately 180 children sang Christian songs, heard a Bible story and the gospel was preached. Volunteers handed out  350 meals to the  children and their parents. Although the Alliance Church coordinates the project, other denominations participate as well. Every week volunteers visit approximately 60 Syrian families to listen and share God's love with them. Pastor Nour adds:  "I am encouraged and blessed by the support we receive from sister Churches through the AWF."
Many Syrians continue to flee their country. The Alliance Church in the border town Mafraq helps refugees with mattresses, blankets, food and other necessities. Donations for this project are welcome! For bank-account details click here and mention "Refugees ME"
Please pray for this project and don't forget those who remain  in Syria.

Syria: Turmoil and Gratitude

July 14, 2012

David Hearn new leader Canadian C&MA

July 7, 2012

David Hearn has been elected as new president of the Canadian C&MA during National assembly in Winnipeg.

David Hearn currently serves as District Superintendent for the Canadian Pacific District, a position he has held since 2005.  He has held leadership positions nationally and at the District and local church levels since 1984. He has served on the national Board of Directors (1994–2000). David and his wife Agnes have been married 31 years and have three daughters.

Wildfire Rages, Church close to fire line in Colorado...

June 27, 2012

Colorado Springs, Co. – As of 8 a.m. Wednesday, June 27, a devastating wildfire in and around Colorado Springs, Colorado, has now consumed approximately 15,000 acres, with little hope of containment over the next several weeks. More than 50 homes have been destroyed, along with the Flying W Ranch, one of Colorado Springs' most beloved tourist attractions. The fire continues to rage toward more populated areas on the west side of the city and to the north into national forest lands. Tens of thousands of Colorado Springs residents have been evacuated, some of whom are staff at the C&MA's National Office. The office itself is within a few miles of the fire and could be expected to evacuate in the event that high winds will further fuel its advance. Front Range Alliance Church has been evacuated and lies dangerously close to the current fire line. For updates on the situation  go to the News page on the USA Alliance website

Syria suffers; pray for the Church and the country.

March 21, 2012

The situation of the 16 Alliance churches in Syria is difficult. As the country is going through this period of violence, let's not forget them in our prayers. The leader of the Syrian Alliance Churches writes: "We appreciate your prayers. The last explosion in Damascus was close enough to the Church that some of the windows were shattered. Also, in Aleppo the explosion was right next to where some families from the church live.  Thank God,  miraculously, no body of our people in both cities was hurt though there was a serious damage in some of their apartments. The church people are trusting the Lord for their safety and for the future.  Thank you for joining us in prayer"
 

Mourning and Hope in Guinea

February 16, 2012

It is February 11, 2012.The coffin with Dr. Isaac Keïta’s body is placed in front of the platform in the People's Palace in Conakry. He was just 62 years old. On the platform, his five children, all in white, the color of hope. They talk about their father, literally: "We are proud of him! He didn’t leave us much money or property, but something more important: the word of God and awe for the Eternal One." Then they sing about the faithfulness of their heavenly Father.

Hope from Haiti

February 6, 2012

When I met him for the first time he was surrounded by displaced people living in tents amid the ruins caused by the earthquake which hit Haiti in2010. Then the 72-year-old pastor led a prayer service after thanking us for the new camp-toilets which were placed with funds received from Alliance people. Under dreary circumstances, his eyes twinkled full of hope.
Last week I visited Haiti again. Eighteen months have passed and I meet the same pastor, who is now 74. He invites me to take a look at the new church building. Well, building ....  All I see is a foundation and some layers of bricks. But he and his wife see what it will become. With enthusiasm they tell how the building will be used by the congregation. Being Dutch I ask: "Do you have funds to finish it?" He answers: "No, but we still have some cement and we rely on God", and his wife says: "Amen!". When we say goodbye, his eyes twinkle with hope again.
Back in Europe, the newspapers report about the euro crisis and the unemployment-rate. Serious problems, certainly. But I came back with hope, from Haiti. I was inspired by an older couple that focuses optimistically on the future, because they trust in Go.

Dr. Isaac Keïta united with his Father in heaven

January 25, 2012

The global Alliance Family lost one of its most remarkable leaders: Dr. Isaac Keïta. He served in many important roles, as president of the National Church in Guinea, as Director of the Theological Seminary of West Africa in Abidjan and as African Coordinator of the Alliance World Fellowship.

Let's pray for his wife Rachel and their children. Personally I am grateful that I had a chance to spend time with Isaac, not too long ago. He was doing better and we looked forward to have him as one of our main speakers during our Quadrennial Convocation in Toronto in May this year. But God had other plans. Pray for the staff at the Seminary. Laura Livingstone writes from Abidjan: "We are all struggling to understand the incomprehensible, Isaac’s last hours were difficult and that has left its mark on those who were with him. The seminary has an enormous celebration tomorrow inaugurating a new Master's  program officially with guest coming from several other countries.  They are now trying to sort out how to manage that. Pray that He will be honored and we will be comforted. Soli Deo Gloria".

Alliance: Pray that God will comfort, strengthen and bless and let's thank him for Isaac's life.

Yours in Christ,

Arie Verduijn
President
Alliance World Fellowship
 

Typhoon hits cities in Philippines

December 19, 2011

A tragedy develops after a typhoon hit the Philippines. We asked national Alliance leader, bishop Reniel Nebab, to give an update and just received these lines: Two cities, Cagayan de Oro and Iligan, have been hit by the typhoon  and as a result flash floods occurred and hundreds lost their lives. About 700 people have died and many more hundreds are missing. Some members of Alliance churches have also become victims, about 500 families.  Some of the homes of these people have been destroyed by the floods. Our big church in the city of Cagayan de Oro is helping to reach out to the victims. Our calamity fund is now depleted as we used it for victims of typhoons in Northern Luzon this year in September and October. We are looking for  financial resources to help in relief operations. Thank you for praying. Blessings, Reniel

Jubilee of Unique Ministry in India

November 1, 2011

On October 6, Jivan Sandesh Ministries (JSM) inaugurated a Year of Jubilee, celebrating God’s faithfulness over the past 50 years. What started as a Radio ministry developed 25 years ago into a Discipleship Training Program. Then, 20 years ago Marriage Enrichment Ministries were added and many couples were blessed by attending the seminars. JSM continues to be an influential instrument for God’s kingdom, reaching Indians all over the country.

Evangelical Ceremony on National TV in Bosnia

October 20, 2011

In September protestant churches organized an evangelistic and cultural event called “Meeting Miss Irby”, commemorating the death, 100 years ago, of this remarkable lady.  Miss Irby was a protestant missionary who came to the Balkans 150 years ago. Churches in the Bosnian capital used the occasion to act in accordance to her passion: they shared the love of Christ with their fellow-countrymen. 

Worship in Hebrew and Arabic

October 12, 2011

What about a celebratory service in a Messianic Congregation in Abraham's residence Beer Sheva, where the worship service is led by a Palestinian pastor with songs in Hebrew and in Arabic? Moreover, a pastor from neighboring Jordan participates in the festivities, commemorating 100 years of Alliance work in the city. Pastor Yousef Hashweh, his wife and a sister are on their very first visit since their family fled from here in 1948.

Funerals and New Life in Christ

August 26, 2011

“We are experiencing a wonderful move of the Holy Spirit amongst the Hmong” reports pastor Roger Lang from Brisbane, Australia. The Hmong form an ethnic group originating from the mountainous regions of Vietnam and China. Many came as refugees from Vietnam to live in Australia where God uses funerals to touch them with His plan of hope.

Latin-America: Challenges and Growing Global Engagement

August 13, 2011

"This was the best Regional Conference ever" was a remark made by several participants. From all  over Latin-America they took part in in the annual event, this time in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Much time was dedicated to study some of the challenging topics facing the Church today, like "The Prosperity Gospel Movement" and "How can we live a healthy spiritual life".

Emerging leaders lead many to Christ

August 2, 2011

After three years of praying and planning, last month the first APAC Emerging Leaders event was held in Bangkok, Thailand. It was a very rewarding event and life changing for all participants. 28 delegates came from eight countries . Sadly, two delegates from Myanmar were not allowed to board their plane because they couldn’t pay a high fee that was required at the airport. 282 persons prayed to receive Christ.

The sudden death of a child of God

July 12, 2011

The sudden death of a child of God

July12 , 2011

Once an old preacher said: “The sudden death of a child of God means for that person a sudden glory”.
 This was the case of pastor Pierre José NIOSI SEKE-dia-LUTUMBA when he died suddenly on July 4.  During a mission trip on the plateau of the Bateke tribe he got sick. When he arrived in a hospital in Kinshasa he went within 4 hours into the glory of our Lord Jesus. 

 

Serving where missions is forbidden

July 5, 2011

As a family of Alliance Churches we gather support for workers who proclaim the love of God in countries where it is forbidden to win people for Christ. It is humbling to read how grateful these ‘hero’s’ of the faith are for the encouragement they receive from our support. The following is an extract of a short message we just received from such a worker, whose country of residence we are not free to mention.

Emerging Leaders Event

July 4, 2011

It is a dream come true: getting young leaders together from different countries in the Asia-Pacific Region for missions. Under the leadership of AWF's Regional Coordinator, Roland Lumawag (picture), this idea developed and got the support of national Alliance Churches.

Emotional Celebration in Vietnam

June 28, 2011

The 100 years Celebration of the Vietnamese Alliance Churches was a blessing to all who atttended.  An Asian observer reports:  One of the most encouraging and emotional parts of the event was the  historical report from the president and a message from a former Vietnamese missionary.

Alliance Church in Vietnam Celebrates 100 Year

June 20, 2011

The Tin Lanh (”Good News”) Church of Vietnam celebrates 100 years of ministry this month. In 1911, a team of three Alliance international workers, led by Robert A. Jaffray, entered Vietnam, then known as French Indochina, with the purpose of establishing the country’s first evangelical church. This church was formed in 1927 and by 1940 was comprised of 100 self-supporting churches. In 1968, Communist forces invaded the Banmethuot Leprosy Center, killing five Alliance workers and a volunteer layman.

Second term for Indonesian Church leader

May 20, 2011

Iraqi Christian murdered

May 20, 2011

Christians in Iraq have requested prayers following the brutal murder of a 29 year old Christian man in Kirkuk. Ashur Issa Jacob was kidnapped Friday (13th of May). His family received a demand for a large ransom. However, on Monday, May 16, his body was found. Ashur leaves a wife and three children. Christians in Iraq report that incidents of violence against Christians are continuing, though many go unreported.

Philippines: Church Planting Program

May 12, 2011

The National Alliance Church in the Philippines intends to plant 1500 new Churches from now until 2015.

CAMACOP, the national Alliance Church of the Philippines gathered for its bi-annual Genaral Assembly at the Benguet State University. Bishop Reniel Nebab addressed the delegates, saying: "As the Alliance in the Philippines, let us continue to make Christ number one in our denomination. We must make the CAMACOP a Christ-centered denomination in the coming years until Christ Himself, the Lord of the harvest, returns." The number of delegates at the General Assembly  2011 was 1655.

 

Brazil sends missionaries to Portugal

May 12, 2011

Missionaries from Brazil arrived in April 2011 to work in Portugal. Pray for Danilo & Elaine, who live and work in the area of the city of Porto.

60 Jarai baptized in Cambodia

April 5, 2011

60 Jarai believers were baptized in Ratanakiri province this week. Pray that they will persevere in their faith in the midst of many challenges. There are foreign companies trying to take away the land of the local people in unfair ways.

Many people threatened in Côte d'Ivoire

March 28, 2011

Many people leave Côte d'Ivoire because the situation is only worsening. Pray especially for the many workers from neighboring countries who live for years in the country but are now targeted by armed militants. Pray for Dr. Isaac Keïta and his team who are heading the Theological school (FATEAC) in Abidjan. Dr. Keïta and his family are from Guinea and are forced to consider leaving for their home country. The same is true for several students at the institute.

Call for prayer from Japan

March 12, 2011

Pastor Ryozo Ito, President of the Japan Alliance Churches, let us know:
"We don’t have any Alliance Church in the area... but pray for the Christian Churches that are there. Even in Yokohama and Tokyo the earthquake was strong. I’m so encouraged by your concern about what’s happening in our country."

Demonstration against Messianic Jews Postponed

March 1, 2011

"Shalom to all, the ultraorthodox demonstration for tonight, was postponed to about two weeks from now. Please keep praying, especially for salvation amongst the orthodox." Yo-Yakim Figueras, Pastor, Arad (Hasdey Yeshua)

See also item on February 16

Crisis in Cote d'Ivoire intensifies

February 28, 2011

Dr. Isaac Keïta, AWF Regional Coordinator for Africa writes from Abijan: Please pray for Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast). Tensions rise between those who support President Ouatta who won the presidential elections and President Gbagbo who stays in power and accuses Mr Ouattara of fraud. Many people (thousands and thousands) are leaving some sections of the city of Abidjan to move to another towns or to be refugees in Liberia, in Ghana or in Guinea. People are constantly being killed, and life is getting harder and harder since all the banks are closed. Life in Côte d'Ivoire has become very expensive. Kids cannot attend school in security. Today, many schools remained closed.

Right now, one cannot leave the country easily, because traveling by road is insecure and only a few airplanes are allowed to enter the country.

Tension between United Nation's Armed Forces, who protect Mr Ouattara and the young "Patriotes", backing Mr. Gbagbo, is going up every day. We really do not know where we are going and how we are going to make it? But God knows, and He is able to change that situation and to bring the country back to peace.

Demonstration against Messianic Jews

February 16, 2011

March is the anniversary time for the ultra orthodox to have their big demonstration to protest the existence of Messianic Jews here in Arad, Israel. This has become an annual event and as usual it will take place in front of my house. Through out the year there are numerous smaller demonstrations in front of all the homes of the believers of Arad. For the Orthodox Jews of Israel this annual event has become a platform for them to voice their disagreement even hatred of Messianic Jews. We pray that G-d would have mercy on them and would reveal to them the TRUE identity of their own Messiah whom they so desperately wait for. Read the full text by sister Polly in Arad.

Congo-Kinshasa: FACTEB Recognition

February 8, 2011

FACTEB, the Theological Seminary of the Congolese Alliance Church, is now officially recognized by the Congolese government. Due to the recent civil war, education became so messy that all institutionshad to re-apply for accreditation. This accreditation is an important step forward for the Seminary.

Many Christians leave Baghdad

February 8, 2011

Iraq
Due to terrorist attacks and continued threats against Christians in Baghdad, the Alliance church has seen a large exodus of members, seeking safety for themselves and their families. Pray that as they go, they will model the persecuted church in Acts, which ended up spreading the gospel all over the world. Pray, too, for pastor Ghassan (photo)  as he continues to lead a smaller group. Pray for encouragement, strength, and protection from those seeking to harm him.

"I would prefer to be blind…"

January 18, 2011

Soldiers, blinded by gas during the 1st World-War. A sad and intriguing picture of 'blind leading the blind'. I thought of it while reading Blindness by Nobel prize winner José Saramago. He tells the story of an epidemic of blindness afflicting nearly everyone and the social and moral breakdown that follows.

African Alliance Youth Conference

January 18, 2011

Young people from many African countries will gather in Côte d'Ivoire to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the National Youth Movement and to be taught by renowned speakers. 

Youth event in Spain

January 18, 2011

A 3rd Almeria Youth camp in Spain is scheduled for August 5-19.

New Union of Russian Churches

January 18, 2011

Approximately 700 Churches were represented at the First Congress of the All-Russian Commonwealth of Evangelical Christians (ACEC) held in Moscow in April. 

In the name of Allah / In the name of Jesus

January 18, 2011

We traveled 2500 km by road in West-Africa. A lot of things happened.

Dr. Roger Lang 'AWF Ambassador'

January 18, 2011

Together with other organizations the AWF participates in the International Training Alliance, which offers so-called Leadership Matters Courses. 

AWF Quadrennial Convocation 2012 in Canada

January 18, 2011

For the first time Canada, the native country of our founder, A.B. Simpson, will host the Quadrennial Assembly of the AWF. 

Revision of the AWF Constitution

January 18, 2011

The Executive Committee of the AWF is working on a revised version of the constitution.

Chinese Global Gathering

January 18, 2011

The Chinese Canadian Alliance organizes a Joint Mission Conference (JMC-2009) July 1-5, 2009. It takes place every four years and generally draws over 1,200 persons. 

Meeting Point

January 18, 2011

Who is who in the AWF-Family?

Two short term AWF Outreaches this summer

January 18, 2011

This summer the Alliance World Fellowship Europe (AWF-Emerald) organises a missiontrip in the South of Spain and a Worktrip in Israel. You, or maybe your fellow churchmembers, are invited to join. Below you can find the flyers for both shortterm project.

Prophets of Profit

January 18, 2011

My father was a shoemaker and owned a small shop in which my mother worked as shop-assistant. Raising their nine children meant they had to work hard to pay all the bills. Common sense urged them to live according to a plain principle: you can’t spend money not yet earned.

DR Congo Alliance Church sends workers to 6th Region

January 17, 2011

The Alliance Church in Congo reached a new milestone in its long and eventful history. Two couples are ready to leave for Guinea, West-Africa.