On Sunday, June 8, 2025, churches of the World Olivet Assembly (WOA) around the world celebrated Pentecost with joyful worship, prayer, and thanksgiving for the gift of the Holy Spirit. From Asia to Africa, Europe to the Americas, member churches gathered to remember the day the Spirit came upon the early church-and to renew their commitment to live by the power of the Holy Spirit today.
WOA churches marked this special day not only with celebration, but with deep reflection. Pentecost is not just a holiday or a tradition. It is a reminder that the church began through the work of the Spirit and can only grow by the same power. Ministers across the world preached about the Triune God-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit-and how God's full plan of salvation is revealed through this holy truth.
In John 14 Jesus promised to send another Helper-the Spirit of truth who would live with believers and teach them all things. This Spirit, who is one with the Father and the Son, is not far away. He is the God who walks with His people. As preached from John 14:16, "I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper to be with you forever." This promise is still being fulfilled today in the lives of believers everywhere.
Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, but this salvation is not only a past event. The Holy Spirit continues to work today in the sanctification of believers, helping them live holy lives and become more like Christ. The Spirit brings new strength, deeper understanding of God's Word, and power to overcome sin. As one pastor shared, "The Spirit doesn't leave us as we are. He teaches us, changes us, and prepares us to be true witnesses."
The work of the Spirit was also seen in the mission field. Many WOA churches used Pentecost Sunday as a time to recommit to the Great Commission, knowing that Jesus commanded His followers to make disciples of all nations in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). The Spirit is the one who empowers believers to go, to speak, and to endure. Without the Spirit, there can be no true mission. But with the Spirit, everything is possible.
From testimonies in Europe to revivals in Africa, and from prayer gatherings in Asia to the summer church planting initiative in the Americas, WOA leaders reported that the Holy Spirit moved in powerful ways across the globe. Many have seen Pentecost brought new fire and focus to their churches. "We saw again that the Spirit is not a distant idea. He is the living presence of God with us. He leads us. He teaches us. He sends us," said a leader in Latin America.
The celebration of Pentecost 2025 also served as a strong encouragement toward WOA's world mission goal for this year. Leaders and members alike renewed their commitment to evangelize unreached nations and build churches in all regions of the earth. They believe this is not by human strength but by the leading and power of the Holy Spirit.
"The Son came to reveal the Father. The Spirit came to reveal the Son. And now, the Church is sent to reveal God's love to the world." Just as Jesus did not leave His followers as orphans, but gave them the Spirit, the church today moves forward with that same power.
The World Olivet Assembly continues to walk in faith, depending on the Spirit for everything-from the justification of the sinner, to the sanctification of the believer, to the planting and growing of churches in every nation. Pentecost reminds the church that God has not left us alone. The Helper is here. And with Him, WOA churches move boldly toward the global mission goal of 2025.