In light of the ongoing pandemic and the related travel and meeting restrictions, World Olivet Assembly (WOA) has decided to hold its upcoming World General Assembly (WGA) virtually this year. Regional and national Olivet Centers will serve as hubs for a truly unique interactive experience featuring speakers, seminars and ministry presentations, culminating in the Anniversary Service on October 30, 2020.
The annual gathering that brings together thousands of leaders from churches, fellowships and ministries from across the world serves to highlight the many developments that God has granted in the past year and look forward to the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead. It is a time of fellowship, celebration and worship marked by the diversity of cultures, peoples and languages that all unite for the purpose of building God's Kingdom.
"On one hand, we are obviously saddened not to be able to meet all of our leaders in person, but on the other hand, the current situation has challenged us to think creatively about our WGA and how to connect remotely for such a significant event," commented Rev. Mark Spisak, General Secretary of WOA. "We have already started the planning with our IT experts who are helping our regional and national Olivet Centers to prepare the technical equipment that will not only allow them to participate in this interactive WGA experience, but will have long-lasting benefits for their continued mission in their regions and countries."
"With the pandemic still ongoing and many people suffering from the physical, mental and economical consequences, we are earnestly praying that God would intervene in His mercy and grant relief through the discovery of an effective vaccine," Rev. Spisak continued, and added: "But we are also mindful that for many people the effects will be long-lasting. So it is our desire and prayer that we can be messengers of hope and that the upcoming WGA will help galvanize our efforts to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ who is our Rock and Redeemer (Ps 19:14) in the midst of uncertainty and hardship."
World Olivet Assembly (WOA) is a global gathering of evangelical churches and para-church organizations existing for the advancement of world mission. WOA exists to promote unity within the evangelical church and the greater body of Christ through providing a platform for shared dialogue, ideas and resources. Through its network, WOA wishes to strengthen the church with fresh vision and empower it to pursue God's Kingdom and righteousness with greater fervency and passion.