World Evangelical Alliance Representatives Visit, Enjoy Fellowship with WOA Leadership in Dover

WEA leaders visiting WOA
WEA leaders visiting WOA
WEA leaders visiting WOA
WEA leaders visiting WOA
WEA leaders visiting WOA

In recent weeks, several representatives of the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) visited the World Olivet Assembly (WOA) at its headquarters in Dover, NY and enjoyed times of fellowship and sharing with WOA leaders. 

First, Bishop Efraim Tendero, former Secretary General and now Global Ambassador of the WEA, together with his wife and youngest daughter came to Dover, NY, as part of their travels through the United States. WOA General Secretary Pastor Mark Spisak together with other WOA leaders and staff welcomed them warmly and hosted them for two days. They enjoyed catching up and sharing about developments over the past years since Bishop Tendero's last visit and the growth of the denomination across the different regions. Bishop Tendero shared about his new role of visiting and mentoring national Evangelical Alliances as well as the vision to strengthen discipleship programs in churches around the world as part of WEA's Decade of Disciple-Making initiative.

Two weeks later, WOA was privileged to host WEA's Deputy Secretary General for Ministries Rev. Dr. Brian Winslade from New Zealand and Mr. John Girgis, WEA's Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York. The two leaders visited Dover for the first time and were given a tour of the land and facilities. Pastor Spisak shared about the vision of WOA and its passion for mission, and also the desire to unite with others in the global body of Christ through the WEA. He shared about the long-standing relationship between WOA and WEA for more than fifteen years and expressed his hope and prayer that God would continue to bless and strengthen WEA as it serves and represents some 600 million evangelicals in 143 countries.

In addition to enjoying times of sharing and meal fellowships, Dr. Winslade who has served as a Baptist pastor in the United States, Australia and his native New Zealand for more than 40 years also preached for the Wednesday evening service at the local WOA church in Dover.

"We were so grateful that we could welcome the three WEA leaders who were our first international guests since the beginning of the pandemic last year. We have a very high regard for the unique calling of the WEA that has worked for the unity among evangelicals since 1846," commented Pastor Spisak. "We are conscious that this task is not always easy but it is very close to Jesus' heart. In fact, it was one of the main topics he prayed for in his last prayer as recorded in John 17: that we as his followers may be one, so that the world could see and believe in him."

"We continue to pray for Bishop Tendero, Dr. Winslade and Mr. Girgis that God would bless them richly, that He would protect them, guide them and give them strength and wisdom for their work," he added.