For the year 2026, the USGA would like to designate “Come and See” (Jn 1:46) as the annual theme for all local churches to follow.

This theme is to guide all local churches to focus on evangelical work in the new year.  As the great commission that was entrusted to the church by our Lord Jesus, we must preach the gospel and make disciples of all the nations (Mt 28:19~20).

With this proposed theme, we would like the local churches to focus upon the following areas, including but not limited to:

1. Encourage and motivate each and every member of the congregation to make a personal effort to bring at least one friend to church throughout the year 2026.

2. Ideally, the church should aim to hold monthly evangelical services on a regular basis. At minimum, these services should be conducted at least once per quarter to maintain consistent outreach efforts.

3. Encourage and facilitate the presence of a choir to provide musical support and spiritual reinforcement during evangelical services, as their ministry can help strengthen this important spiritual battle through worship and song.

The USGA would like to inform you and draw increased awareness to the weekly Spanish Bible Study held on Zoom every Wednesday.

The objective of this Bible study is to provide pastoral support using Spanish through the study of the Bible and our church doctrines.

The information to sign in is as follows:

Schedule

United States

• 5PM – 6PM (PST)
• 6PM – 7PM (MST)
• 7PM – 8PM (CST)
• 8PM – 9PM (EST)

Method: Zoom

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81758332506?pwd=U2RLeGlkOXRYekduaTdCV054Q0FRUT09

Meeting ID: 817 5833 2506

Password: 127794

We sincerely welcome members and friends who want to listen to and learn more Spanish to join!

May God continue to guide the Spanish Ministry!

 

Preface

“ ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of armies.” (Zech 4:6b, NASB)

Planting and Watering—God Gives the Growth

The history of the church in Japan began in 1926, when 44 Japanese individuals residing in Taiwan accepted the gospel. In 1946, the gospel was brought back to Japan following the conclusion of World War II in August 1945. The believers scattered around Japan forming various places of worship; however, due to a lack of pastoral care and the passing away of early church workers, the holy work remained stagnant. But, “a bent reed He will not break off, and a dimly burning wick He will not extinguish.” On October 1, 1953, the Tokyo Church was established, branching out from the church in Taiwan as its mother church. Japanese publications were circulated, the truth was learned, and the foundation of faith was formed. In May 1997, Omurai House of Prayer was established, followed by the Tokyo Sumida Church in 1998. In April 2015,  Yokohama Church and Chiba Church were established consecutively. Preachers, elders, leaders, and council members planted and watered, and God gave the growth (1 Cor 3:6-9).

Accomplishments and Works—Established by God

Thanks to God’s guidance, in November 2010, the Temporary Japan Coordination Board was established and draft regulations were formed under the auspices of the International Assembly in order to strengthen the organization of the church. On January 10, 2011, the first National Church Conference (NCC) was held in Japan, the establishment of the Japan Coordination Board was approved, and pastoral efforts towards the houses of prayer in Kawaguchi and Kansai were strengthened.

On July 28, 2024, the NCC voted to establish the Japan General Assembly. In September, the chairperson of the International Assembly visited Japan to care for its holy work.  On November 28, 2024, after review and approval of the proposal from the NCC,the Japan General Assembly was formally established. On December 22, 2024, the Japan Coordination Board held a joint meeting of holy workers and delegates to elect council members for the General Assembly.

According to the handbook of the International Assembly, if a country or region has five or more churches or houses of prayer, with more than a total of 1,000 members and the ability to be self-reliant, self-supporting, and self-propagating, a General Assembly may be established under the direction of the International Assembly.

Equipping the Saints for the Work of the Ministry

In November 2024, the International Assembly approved the establishment of the Japan General Assembly. During the NCC, 15 members were selected to serve as the Committee Chair, department heads, regional representatives, head of the theological seminary program, and legal representative. 

On November 17, 2024, an orientation workshop was held at Yokohama Church for the newly elected GA council members and local church leaders, during which they were encouraged to work together in the ministry and be good stewards of the multifaceted grace of God.

On December 22, 2024, the NCC elected a chair and vice-chair of the conference, along with coordinators and members of joint committees. These committees and positions were established in order to improve the organization and management of the church, to divide and conquer the work so that the holy work may flourish. As the Scripture says, “to [equip] the saints for the work of the ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love” (Eph 4:12, 16).

Succession of Servitude—a Weighty Mission

On January 12, 2025, a special service was held to commemorate the establishment of the General Assembly of the True Jesus Church in Japan. Everyone gathered together to witness the history of the church in Japan—78 years filled with God’s grace. The special service was led by Preacher Elisha Kobayashi, with Deacon Kenji Kinoshita interpreting. Preacher Aaron Wang led a prayer in understanding, and Deacon Tomutomi Kinoshita read passages from Scripture. Former Head of the Japan Coordination Board, Deacon Isaac Lee, spoke, saying: “The Lord Jesus is the Lord over history. When the seed of the gospel first spread to Japan, it endured the harsh winter but was also nourished by the spring rain, and blossomed and bore fruit in the gentle breeze. The Spirit of God moved generations of people. With the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit, we journeyed through Sumida and Arakawa, built homes in the plains, pitched tents along the cherry blossom-lined streets, and stood in awe at the crossroads of Abeno, Osaka. Every step is a testament to the work of the Holy Spirit. Generations come and pass, yet Jesus Christ has no beginning nor end—He is eternal and unchanging. Vessels used by God in their generation have become inscribed in history. Those who are remembered by God receive eternal life. We look into the future with hope, relying on the pillar of cloud and fire, unhindered by wind or rain. May God continue to guide the holy work in Japan and glorify His name in this vast land.” The Japanese choir also presented hymns, including “True Jesus Church” and “God Abides,” which deeply moved and inspired the listeners.

The first chair of the General Assembly, Elder Sengi Kinoshita, expressed: 

“With a heavy heart, we take up the burden of holy work as small vessels. Japan is a tough ground for the seed of the gospel. It has been 78 years; 50 years ago, God prepared fellow workers from abroad for the holy work of the present day. Through His grace and mercy, the tough ground was nourished by the sweet rain and allowed the seeds to take root, blossom, and bear fruit. We hope to press onward towards the goal, reaping thirty-, sixty-, even a hundred-fold, rising up and walking through the land, standing firm in the land, with Japan in our hearts, looking towards the world, establishing the faith of the next generation and guiding the Japanese people to the truth. May we accomplish the commission that God has entrusted to us today with all our heart and strength, not by might, nor by power, but by His Spirit, that the glory of the church in Japan may be greater than it was before, glorifying the name of the Lord.”

Then Elder Fuming Tse, who was sent by the International Assembly to assist the holy work in Japan, gave an encouragement saying: 

“Today Japan has established its General Assembly, and my heart is touched and  filled with gratitude. God has done a new thing for Japan—in 2019, the holy work plan for Japan included pastoral care, evangelism, and training, as well as five future visions: establish a gospel outreach base, planning the expansion of local churches, establish holistic church organization, revising regulations and bylaws, and establish the Japan General Assembly. Today, hope has been fulfilled; these beautiful dreams are a reality. Achievements, works, establishments—all of these come from God. He will show us great and mighty things. Looking into the future, churches will be established in the mountains of Kanto, Shinkoyasu, Kobe in Kansai, and more. God will lead, open the way, and accomplish wonderful things. May God increase the nation and extend all the borders of the land (Isa 26:15) so the church in Japan will rebuild its walls and extend its boundaries (Mic 7:11). May the Japan General Assembly be well-connected with other general assemblies and the International Assembly, a city of peace and prosperity (Ps 122:6-7).

Building on the Past and Ushering in the Future

Looking back, the ministry of the church in Japan underwent a period of stagnation. However, in this time of difficulty, every generation of elders, preachers, and holy workers were united in heart and mind to prosper the gospel and advance the holy work. God promised us:

“Enlarge the place of your tent;
Stretch out the curtains of your dwellings, do not spare them;
Lengthen your ropes
And strengthen your pegs.
For you will spread out to the right and to the left.
And your descendants will possess nations
And will resettle the desolate cities.” (Isa 54:2-3)

May God’s grace be abundantly poured out upon the churches of Japan. May God’s love inspire the believers in all places; may God’s spirit greatly move us today; may He begin a good work in us so that we may prosper the gospel with one heart and mind. May God open the door of evangelism in every corner of Japan, so that the gospel may greatly flourish (Col 4:2-3; Acts 19:20), and may He increase the nation and extend all the borders of the land.

USGA has received the attached 2nd contribution request from San Diego House of Prayer for support and intercession for the ongoing purchase.
The letter contains details of and an update on the project in both English and Chinese.

Feel free to reach out to San Diego House of Prayer if you have any feedback or suggestions.

Thank God for your love, support and prayers.

MYANMAR MISSION COMMITTEE (MMC)

Report for 2024

All praise be to God for protecting our members in Myanmar! 

Since the coup d’état in Myanmar in February 2021, God has been guiding and protecting our members in Myanmar despite the many challenges that they have been facing.

The political situation in Myanmar remains volatile, with periods of intense clashes between the military and civilian resistance forces especially in the Northwestern Myanmar region, where some of our churches are located. The conflicts are currently moving closer and closer to major cities, such as Mandalay and Yangon.

Livelihood remains a challenge for the vast majority of our members due to inflation and disruption to economical activities in Myanmar. To add on to their woes, conflicts along the various trunk roads have limited supply flow of items within Myanmar.

In view of the difficulties faced by our members in Myanmar, MMC has continued to assist some members with food aid, medical aid, and education aid for students. 

Due to the volatile situation in Myanmar, more than ten of our youths have gone overseas to work, not only to earn a living for their families but also to avoid the ongoing military conscription. They are scattered in countries such as China, Oman, UAE, Cambodia, and Singapore. In addition, four of our church members’ families from Taungzalat and Sawbuayesin Church have temporarily shifted to Mizoram, India for refuge.

Regular church services continue to be conducted in all of our churches in Myanmar.

Taungzalat and Yangon Church

These are churches in major cities and towns. Myanmar has two local preachers, and both of them are based in Taungzalat/Yangon. Other than the local preachers delivering the sermons, our ministers from Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia have been assisting in spiritual convocations and sermon delivery to the members of these two churches through the Zoom platform. For these two churches, youth services and REU classes have been ongoing on a weekly basis.  

Sawbuayesin Church

This is a church in a village, situated about 75 km away from Kalay town. We have a congregation of 58 members. Due to the location of the village along a main trunk road to India, which is surrounded by many military camps, our local preachers have had limited access to the village over the years. 

We thank God that our members are gathering on a regular basis for service and RE lessons. Although the village was targeted and bombed by fighter jets on two occasions over the last year, our church and our members were protected from harm.

Natkyikong Church

This is a church in a village that is near Kalay town. The church has a membership of 18 members. Weekly Sabbath services are conducted by the preacher who is based in Tuangzalat Church. The members are also able to travel to Tuangzalat Church for spiritual meetings and church events.

MMC would like to take the opportunity to thank our brothers and sisters worldwide for your unceasing prayers and concern for the church in Myanmar. We humbly ask for continued intercession for our brethren in Myanmar.
Amen!

USGA has received the attached 2nd contribution request (English and Chinese) from Garden Grove church for support and intercession for the ongoing construction.

Within the letter are links to some photos and details about the project.

Feel free to reach out to Garden Grove church if there is any feedback or suggestions.

Thank God for your love, support and prayers.

Pastoral Affairs

Preachers from Sabah GA (Pr. Simeon Resin, Pr. Yairus Insing, Pr. Manasseh, Pr. Efraim Yuam, Pr. Barnabas Gimbadong) and Indonesia GA (Pr. Timotius Mida) assisted us in pastoring Malay-speaking members. Biannual spiritual meetings for Malay-speaking members in 4 regions were conducted in April/June and October with the themes “To Pluck Up & Break Down; To Destroy & Overthrow; To Build and Plant (Jer 1: 10)” and “Go on to Perfection (Heb 6:1)” respectively.   

For Indian members, Pr. Andrew Nickelson of the India Coordination Board assisted the work in Malaysia from 12 February to 12 March 2024. Besides the usual visitation and pastoral and evangelical works, he was fully involved in the translation of our church hymns into Tamil, working  with youths in Kajang Utama Church (Indian believers’ church). An evangelical service and spiritual meeting were held and live-streamed for members and truth-seekers in Sri Lanka.

IA sent Preacher Jeon Hong Hee from Korea to assist local preachers and ministers in the annual regional spiritual meetings in four regions. The theme was “Facing the Unpredictable Future.” 

Evangelical Affairs

Pulpit and hymnal evangelical services as well as gospel tea fellowships were held in local churches twice last year. National Evangelical Seminar on “Comparative Church Doctrines on Salvation” was conducted online on 11 August 2024 with 144 individual participants and 10 churches that hosted the seminar physically at their church premises.

Pioneering work in 7 localities of indigenous people in Perak state and amongst Myanmar Christians in Kuala Lumpur are ongoing. 104 people were baptized in 2024. 

Youths Affairs

• Regional Youth Exco Spiritual Nurture & Review meetings were carried out in 4 regions. The youths were encouraged with the topic “Overcoming Weaknesses in Service”.  Sessions on work progress review and the regional youth workplan for 2024 were held.
• Online youth training in the truth: 

1. National Youth Apologetics Training – Soteriology (1) & (2) by Dn. Isaiah Phan.
2. National Hermeneutics – Special Hermeneutics by Dn. Isaiah Phan.
   

• Tertiary Camp and Working Youth Fellowship:

1. National Tertiary Camp 1 – “From Your Hand We Have Given You” by Pr. Nahum Lim & Pr. Chien Jui Pin (Taiwan). 62 students attended.
2. National Tertiary Camp 2 – “Let A Double Portion of Your Spirit Be Upon Me” by Pr. Nehemiah Ooi & Pr. Isaac Pang. 96 students attended. 
3. National Working Youth Fellowship – “Be the Salt and the Light in the Workplace” by Pr. Nehemiah Ooi & Pr. Isaac Pang. 90 people attended. 

Education Affairs 

Bible Camps & Trainings:

Training Affairs

Courses that were conducted:

1. Youth Theological Training Course (2023) – Chinese & English Class. Turnout was 1st Year: 43 students; 2nd Year: 33 students and 3rd Year: 48 students.
2. Youth Theological Training Course (2023) – Malay Class. Turnout was 1st Year: 13 students; 2nd Year: 11 students and 3rd Year: 10 students.
3. Theological Training Course for Secondary School Graduates (2024). Pr. Chien Jui-Pin lectured on 1 & 2 Samuel Pr. Nahum Lim lectured on “Intermediate Hermeneutics”. The Central District Youth Committee shared their campus fellowship experiences. 18 students attended. 
4. Adult Theological Training Course Online (2024-1).  Pr. Chien Jui-Pin lectured on “Acts of the Apostles” and Pr. Hosea Hoo on “10 Commandments (2).”
5. Youth Theological Training Course Graduate Voluntary Programme – 5 brothers and 7 sisters registered for this program. Instructors were Eld. Joshua Phoong, Pr. Habakkuk Hee, Pr. Isaac Pang & Pr. Nahum Lim.

True Jesus Church Philippines 40th Anniversary

Praise the Lord! 2024 was a historic and memorable year for True Jesus Church in the Philippines as it marked the 40th anniversary since her establishment in 1984. Since her humble beginnings, the church, under the guidance of God, has grown to over 2600 members, with 14 churches and 15 prayer houses in various parts of the country. While 2024 was a time to give thanks to God for the past 40 years, it was also a reminder for members to be vigilant in their faith and to never take anything for granted.

When the COVID-19 pandemic started in 2020, the whole world was in lockdown and the Philippines was no exception. As much of the divine work in the Philippines was done by overseas workers, a lot of work came to a stop. This negatively affected the faith of the members. Later, when travel was allowed within the country, local workers started to conduct services and visit members again. However, overseas workers could not enter as the borders were still closed. Hence, many large–scale events could not be held. 

Nevertheless, thanks to the mercy of our Lord Jesus, 2024 was a year of revival for the divine work in the Philippines. As the borders were fully reopened and life began to return to normal, many activities were planned and conducted to rebuild the faith of the members. 

From June 4-17, 2024, the Philippines Short–Term Theological Course (PSTTC) was successfully carried out after a hiatus of 5 years. There were 65 participants, and a total of 36 participants received the Holy Spirit. Shortly after PSTTC, the Philippines Religious Education Teacher’s Training Course (PRETTC) was also carried out, with 36 participants joining the event. We thank God that another 36 teachers successfully completed the training course and are now qualified to become RE teachers. 

As for the ordained ministers, two events were held for them. An Ordained Ministers Seminar was held from March 23-24, 2024 and an Ordained Ministers Conference was held from August 10-11, 2024. These two events aimed to provide spiritual renewal for the ordained ministers, motivating them in their service to the Lord. 2024 also marked the dedication of Cebu Church on September 28, 2024. 

To commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the church in the Philippines, many churches conducted thanksgiving services throughout the month of December. These services gave members the opportunity to give thanks to God for His continued care for His church in the Philippines. Members also reflected on their own faith and strengthened the bonds among church members through fellowship activities. The theme for the thanksgiving service was “Arise and Shine” (Isaiah 60:1). This was a reminder and encouragement for the members to remain steadfast in their faith and to rise up despite the many challenges in their daily lives. 

Pastoral work will be strengthened in 2025 with more activities and events planned to help members grow even further in their faith. 

We request that members all around the world continue to pray for the development of the divine work here in the Philippines. 

May God continue to lead His church in the Philippines. All glory be given to God!

We thank God for His guidance and your prayers that the 50^th National Church Conference (NCC) held at Ontario Church, California, during November 1-2, 2025 went smoothly.  During this conference, eleven new U.S. General Assembly (USGA) Council members were elected.  Based upon the USGA Bylaws, the new Council then elected the Directors for the five departments as well as the Chairman and the Executive Secretary of the USGA.  They are as follows:

• Chairman of the USGA: Pastor Raymond Chou 周瑞霖
• Executive Secretary of the USGA: Deacon Horn Hsieh 謝宏志

• Evangelical Department:

Director: Pastor Steve Hwang 黃世明

Assistant Director: Deacon Alan Chuang 莊伯倫

• Pastoral Department:

Director: Deacon Richard Pang 彭天雄

Assistant Directors:
Deacon Alan Wang 王永昌
Pastor Andrew Wang 王啟亮

• Training Department:

Director: Pastor Raymond Chou 周瑞霖

Assistant Director: Deacon Patrick Wong 黃明輝

• Literary Ministry Department:

Director: Deacon Stephen Ku 谷慕霖

Assistant Director: Brother David Liou 劉曉恩

• Administration Department:

Director: Deacon Horn Hsieh 謝宏志

Assistant Director & Treasurer: Brother David Liu 劉得維

 

The USGA Council also appointed the following personnel to the following positions during its meeting held on November 2, 2025.

Regional Coordinators:

• East Region: Deacon Mark Du 杜耀宏執事
• Central Region: Deacon Patrick Wong 黃明輝執事
• Northwest Region: Deacon Joseph Chen 陳岳忠執事
• Southwest Region: Deacon Alan Wang 王永昌執事
• Hawaii District: Pastor Samuel Kuo 郭霈信傳道

True Research Committee (TRC):

• Pastor Derren Liang 梁得仁傳道, Coordinator
• Pastor Chun-Hung Chou 周俊宏傳道
• Elder Jonathan Chou 周惠嘉長老
• Pastor Raymond Chou 周瑞霖傳道
• Pastor Enoch Hou 侯弘哲傳道
• Deacon Shawn Chou 周碩軍執事
• Pastor Steve Hwang 黃世明傳道
• Deacon Stephen Ku 谷慕霖執事
• Pastor Samuel Kuo 郭霈信傳道

The term for the above personnel is three years, starting from November 2, 2025 through the last day of the 53rd NCC in the year 2028.

The new USGA Council members will do their best to serve all the churches in the USA in accordance with God’s will. If you need any assistance from the USGA, please do not hesitate to contact the above personnel or the USGA office at usga@tjc.org.

Please always remember these sacred workers in your prayer, asking our Lord to abide with them, filling them with His Holy Spirit, so that they may carry out His sacred work in accordance with His will.

“Arise! Walk Through the Land!” was the theme of the first session of the 14th World Delegates Conference (WDC), held at the Taiwan General Assembly from March 22–23, 2025. During the same weekend, the International Youth Ministry Committee (IYMC) also convened. Prior to the WDC, the Truth Research Committee (TRC) met on March 18–19, followed by the Holy Work Symposium on March 20–21.

To prepare for this global event, the Taiwan General Assembly held four planning sessions. All coworkers and theological students from various departments were organized into 12 teams based on their roles and responsibilities, each with detailed plans for execution.

Thanks to the Lord’s guidance and the coworkers’ coordinated efforts, all preparations and tasks for the conference were successfully completed. North Taichung church helped by preparing daily snacks and evening refreshments for the international delegates, featuring a variety of authentic Taiwanese treats. They also hosted a three-day hospitality program for accompanying family members, making all feel warmly welcomed.

The WDC gathered a total of 74 official delegates from around the world. Including TRC and IYMC members, observers, and family members, the total attendance reached approximately 140. During the conference, 16 new EXCO members were elected, including Preacher Wang Ming-Chang, who was appointed as the 14th IA EXCO Chairman.

The opening ceremony took place on the evening of Friday, March 21, and featured presentations by the Psalms & Wisdom Philharmonic Orchestra, the West District Dajia River Choir, and the North Taichung Adult Choir. The conference concluded on Sunday, March 23, with a closing ceremony accompanied by songs of praise from the Psalm & Wisdom Philharmonic Orchestra, Luzhou Choir, and the Psalm & Wisdom Singers, marking the end of six days of fellowship and discussion.

Throughout the conference, delegates praised God in their native languages while singing the same hymn melodies—a moving and powerful experience. Even during prayer, though the phrase “In the name of the Lord Jesus, we pray” was spoken in various languages, the spiritual tongue that followed sounded like one language, leaving a deep impression.

In addition to updates on the development and challenges of various churches around the world, participants offered valuable insights in support of the theme “Arise! Walk Through the Land!” The following is a summary of key reflections:

I. Current Challenges in Global Evangelism and Pastoral Ministry

1. Faith Challenges Among Overseas Chinese Believers

There’s a saying: “Wenzhou people dare to do anything, Cantonese people dare to eat anything, and Fuqing people dare to go anywhere.”

God has used the Chinese people to spread the gospel of the True Jesus Church to 74 countries. While early missionaries were mainly from Taiwan (and earlier from China), many churches began in Fuqing Chinese communities across the five continents and gradually developed into local congregations.

Most early Chinese immigrants did not move overseas to spread the gospel but to seek economic opportunities. Since they shared a common language, the gospel was more easily received, leading to the establishment of meeting points by God’s grace. This diaspora pattern resembles that of Jews in the apostolic era—though Jews were exiled due to persecution, both communities share a strong commercial acumen and adaptability.

Today, in fulfillment of the prophecy that “lightning comes from the east,” the base of the global gospel is now in Taiwan, from where we shine light to the world and spread the gospel to the ends of the earth. However, many new Chinese believers overseas still prioritize making a living, leaving less time and energy for spiritual growth.

To expand local churches, it is crucial to equip Chinese believers abroad with stronger foundations in faith so they can become dedicated workers and support pastoral ministry in pioneering areas. Nevertheless, the challenge of building a firm faith foundation remains significant for many.

2. The Challenges of Preaching Without Gold or Silver

Evangelism has extended into economically struggling regions—such as Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, and India in the Eastern Hemisphere, and much of Africa and Latin America in the West, covering more than 50 countries. In contrast to mainstream Christian denominations, some Buddhist or Taoist groups attract followers with material aid. As a result, preachers often face questions of resource sufficiency.

In some pioneering regions, dozens may be baptized in a single year, yet due to remoteness and scattered locations, it may be a year or longer before a minister can return. By then, many newly baptized believers may have left the church, drawn away by financial or material support from other groups.

In recent years, certain splinter groups—heretical—have lured away our members with abundant financial incentives, reaping the harvest sown by our preachers. With limited manpower and lack of time to train local ministers, these believers’ foundations are often like foundations built on sand without the knowledge of the truth, making them vulnerable and unstable.

There have even been cases where locals were eager to be baptized, but ministers found they lacked correct understanding of the truth. When told they needed to study further before receiving baptism, some responded, “If you don’t baptize us now, we might not be here next time.”

Such urgency stems from harsh conditions—war, famine, disease, and financial uncertainty leave them uncertain about tomorrow. While the church today is better funded, financial-based evangelism brings lasting complications. Striking a balance between using and abstaining from material support remains one of today’s key questions.

3. Shortage of Ministers and Language Barriers

Although English is a global language, most TJC believers are ethnically Chinese, so Mandarin remains widely used. Ministers of local GAs or CBs who are bilingual in Mandarin and English are able to serve in a wider range of pioneering areas. Conversely, those without either language face serious limitations in mission assignments.

For example, Singapore CB has only four full-time preachers, but because they are fluent in both Mandarin and English, they are frequently dispatched abroad. Often, preachers from Taiwan GA are sent to Singapore to support short-term pastoral work. In contrast, some GAs lack workers who are proficient in Chinese and English, making it difficult for the country’s manpower to support diverse overseas missionary efforts.

Besides language, a major challenge is the global shortage of full-time workers. Many countries that have long assisted the IA in its overseas missions, such as Taiwan, have seen their preachers aging and retiring. However, the number of churches continues to increase, making it difficult for local preachers to meet internal demand. Moreover, sending preachers abroad to support the ministry often puts local manpower under pressure.

II. Strategic Reflections on “Going Throughout the Land”

1. Religious Education in Pioneering Areas

Among overseas Chinese immigrants, early marriage and spousal separation due to work are common. Many parents leave their children in China while working abroad, depriving them of parental care and instruction. The parents usually go overseas to earn a living. To sustain themselves or start businesses, some borrow heavily, working long hours without Sabbath awareness.

In some pioneering areas, local churches are established, but without long-term pastoral care, many new believers fall away quickly due to external influences.

If evangelism is about “broadening” the boundaries, then religious education is about building “deep” into the truth. With deep roots, the church can endure. Many of the converts who receive the truth initially are adults. Their original religious beliefs and values will still affect their thinking and judgment after believing in the Lord. If local children accept the gospel and cultivate the truth in their hearts through religious education, they can practice the teaching of “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” In time, they will become local young workers, serving as future preachers in their native tongue who are better equipped for internal training and external evangelism.

Families who are in the Lord should be encouraged to live together and invest in religious education, helping them withstand this morally challenging age. Of course, developing religious education in a pioneering area requires that a large number of teachers join the ministry. Therefore, believers can be encouraged to start by establishing a family altar. In the early stages, each country can cultivate youths to have the willingness to participate in long-term RE ministry in pioneering areas, and to assist the local church in conducting family altar with each family as a unit. Over time, these children—nurtured from a young age—can become essential local workers.

2. Training Local Ministers and Religious Workers

During the Holy Work Symposium, many countries emphasized the need for ministers to improve their language skills. In Spanish-speaking Argentina and French-speaking parts of Africa, language barriers make communication difficult. Relying on translators can significantly affect ministry effectiveness.

The Korean GA requires its ministers to learn both Mandarin and English. Similarly, Indonesia GA encourages its ministers to study Chinese, which helps them attend theological courses in Taiwan GA and equip themselves with spiritual strength. But in over 50 African nations, training local ministers remains urgent and vital for training in the truth and long-term pastoral care. 

3. Integrating Global Mission Resources

Pioneering areas in the Eastern Hemisphere include Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, and India. In the West, efforts span over 50 countries in Africa, Latin America, much of Europe, and Russia. The Western field is far broader in scope.

Eastern countries currently able to send missionaries include Taiwan, Korea, Japan, West Malaysia, Sabah, Singapore, and Indonesia. New Zealand and Australia also provide stable support. In the West, only the U.S., U.K., Canada, and a few European countries offer external mission aid.

To fulfill the vision of “going throughout the land,” the Eastern and Western Hemisphere Department of World Missions under the International Assembly may also consider deeper cooperation and resource integration across hemispheres.

Conclusion

The call to “Arise! Walk Through the Land!” is not only a promise God made to Abraham—it is His promise to the True Jesus Church today. Therefore, our reliance on the presence of the Holy Spirit is essential. We believe that the Lord will fulfill His promise through this gathering of frontline preachers of the true church from around the world, who stand united in the Lord, relying on the power of the Holy Spirit and the truth of the Bible, and grasp God’s promise that the true church will rise.

The conference has come to an end, and the coworkers in the Lord from around the world have set out again, looking forward to their next meeting at the Sabah GA in 2027.