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<2024: Oceania Summer Bible Conference>

Article Writer: Pastor Ron Ward (UBF General Director)
Event Category: 2024-2025 Oceania and Africa Continental Conferences
Chapter: Oceania and Africa UBF chapters
Date: December 6-15, 2024

"Throughout the year, we have prayed for the salvation of souls on the campus and for world mission, and we are deeply grateful for God’s grace that enables us to fulfill our mission."

“Renewal in Jesus” (Oceania Summer Bible Conference 2024)
The Oceania Summer Bible Conference 2024: “Renewal in Jesus” was held from December 6-8 at the Tops Conference Center near Sydney. Ninety-seven people from Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Korea, and the USA attended. There has been a great increase in the number of young people since two years ago. A spiritual revival is happening in UBF in Oceania! The five messengers were chosen from among the next gens and native leaders: David, Nick, Daniel, Austen, and Michael. Each one delivered a spirited message that was meaningful and relevant and included a moving personal application. Thank God for P. Kevin’s devotion and labor in serving them.

Among many inspiring words and examples, one thing struck me through the message of Daniel, “Jesus is the Gate and the Good Shepherd.” As Daniel considered Jesus’ shepherd heart for people, he remembered his mother’s shepherd’s heart. She met a handsome, intelligent freshman named Zach at the Melbourne U. campus and began Bible study with him. In serving him, M. Deborah has engaged Daniel as her assistant, saying, “Daniel–pray for Zach…Daniel–take care of Zach…Daniel–give a ride to Zach.” They are like a family. It was beautiful to see this kind of coworking between generations. Zach attended the conference and had a bright, beaming face.

M. Joshua asked Derivilla and me to facilitate group Bible studies with the chapter directors and their wives, respectively. We were privileged to serve with the Korea UBF Director, P. Nehemiah, and his wife, Misook. The word of God worked powerfully during the Bible studies as the mature servants of God in Oceania shared their insights, testimonies, and confessions together. Matthew of Papua New Guinea attended for the first time in many years, together with his wife Rebecca–who is in her 30th year as a missionary. Jesus restored Matthew’s joy, calling, and hope.

Four people were baptized during this conference: Mary Jr., Austen, James, and Evan. Mary is the daughter of Daniel and Mary of Sydney, Macquarie Chapter. She is a very lovely young lady, but she suffered from anxiety. Jesus gave her peace and helped her trust his sovereign rule. Austen suffered from anxiety and meaninglessness due to his grandmother’s death and his own health problems. When he came to Canberra UBF, M. Joshua and Hannah served him. He met Jesus personally. He decided by faith to value Christ more than the treasures of this world. James and Evan are from China. They both came to Bible study in Melbourne through Nick and Rudra. Their confessions of Christ were refreshing. God is working mightily to bring Chinese young people to Christ!

There were so many other meaningful events and great programs: gracious life testimonies; an inspiring drama that revealed the transformation of Steven; workshops on the inspiration of the Bible, emotionally healthy spirituality, and marriage, and special songs and dances–especially by the cute children of Oceania coworkers. The singspiration led by Anna and Sarah was joyful and Spirit-filled.

Throughout the conference, I witnessed the beautiful coworking of mature missionaries in Oceania. Though they are separated by distance, they are one in heart and mind for God’s mission. It was a special privilege to have fellowship with them in Christ. Thank God for the hosting of M. Mark and Ruth, assisted by M. Moses and Esther, and all. They worked sacrificially and faithfully to serve all the guests and to make the best environment for the conference. They also took us on special tours, which included the Sydney Opera House, a zoo filled with interesting animals, birds, and insects, and the Blue Mountains. M. Aquila and Priscilla, the first pioneers in Oceania UBF, hosted a final dinner for everyone. Afterward, they invited us to their home, where they run a successful camera repair shop.

At the end of this conference, M. Joseph was raised as the new Continental Coordinator for Oceania, succeeding M. Joshua. We are really thankful for M. Joshua’s service during the last four years. He has been faithful, sacrificial, and diligent. The work of God in Oceania has revived under his leadership. M. Joseph is a man of Christlike character. He is also very intelligent and well-educated, and a good husband and father. His leadership is recognized by all of the coworkers in Oceania. He prays to humbly cowork with them to make a good environment for the Holy Spirit’s work to flourish over the next four years. Our coworkers in Oceania are working hard to obey the Great Commission. Let’s pray that God may raise disciples of Jesus on each campus where they are and establish spiritual leaders for this generation and for the future.

“Living Hope in the Living God” (New Year African Leaders’ Conference 2024)
The New Year African Leaders’ Conference: “He is the Living God” was held at Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, from December 13-15. More than 50 leaders gathered from many nations in Africa, as well as Korea and the USA. The hosts were M. James and Blessed of Zimbabwe. M. James’ wife Petra is in Korea receiving treatment for breast cancer. Nevertheless, M. James prepared the conference with all his heart. We pray for M. Petra’s full recovery. Amen. Blessed welcomed us to the conference and gave a history of the work of God in Zimbabwe. He served throughout the conference in many ways. His dedication, passion for Christ, and stewardship were inspiring to us all.

The opening message by Dr. Livingstone (Africa Continental Coordinator) set a good tone for the conference. He spoke on Matthew 13:44 and declared that Jesus and the kingdom of God are the greatest treasure, and we should be willing to give everything to possess them. He spoke with the spirit of martyrdom. Abia shared the first main lecture on Daniel 6. His engaging message revealed that God is the Living God and the Sovereign Ruler over all things, and that he hears and answers the prayers of his people. He challenged us to make one decision of faith like Daniel to build up our prayer lives, and many responded positively. The last message was the New Year’s message from 1 Peter 1:1-9, which I delivered, titled “A Living Hope.” We learned of God’s mercy to give us a new birth into a living hope. This living hope is in Christ and his kingdom. It is glorious beyond comparison. This living hope brings us alive and gives us strength. After hearing this message, the African leaders set the new year’s direction to have a living hope in the living God in 2025 and to live a life worthy of this hope.

Ministry reports were shared by Dr. Rose of Cairo, Egypt; Meti of Juma, Ethiopia; M. Stephen of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Victor of Namibia; and Salohy of Madagascar. Life testimonies were shared by Gbenga of Nigeria and Midah of South Africa. A special re-commissioning ceremony was held for Victor, recognizing God’s irrevocable calling on his life and acknowledging him as the director of Namibia UBF. The praise and worship, done in the African way, was simply outstanding. I hope that our African brothers and sisters may come to the USA and demonstrate purity and passion in worship.

Dr. Livingstone did an admirable job of leading this conference. He coworked closely with Dr. Oyor, the Deputy Continental Coordinator, who gave inspiring prayer topics and announcements. While addressing directors in a special session, the two of them raised the issue of African UBF missions becoming self-supporting, self-propagating, and self-governing. There was also a special lecture by P. Juma on being self-supporting. We found that African leaders are eager to follow this direction. They are taking steps, one at a time, to do so practically. As Dr. Oyor gave examples of African leaders who are growing in the spirit of self-support and sacrifice, we could see a new history in African missions; we could see the transformation of Africa into a missionary-sending continent.

After the conference, we visited nearby Victoria Falls, one of the seven wonders of the world. The beauty of nature and the power of the falls touched our hearts and led us to praise the Creator God for his marvelous works. It was truly refreshing.

Following the conference was a two-day workshop for members of the Pan-African Cohort:   John (Lagos 1 Director, Nigeria), P. Abraham (Lagos 2 Director), P. Juma (Kenya Director),   Boas (Zambia Director), James (Medilag Director, Nigeria), P. Padiet (South Sudan Director),   Gbenga (Lagos), Blessed (Zimbabwe), Joseph (Yaba Tech, Nigeria), and Duke (Yaba Tech Director). This workshop was led by Dr. Augustine (HQ Ed. Dept. Chairman). He lectured for two full days on “The Holy Spirit” and “Salvation.” The lectures were Spirit-filled. There were also times of engaging discussion. Having this in-person session was costly in terms of time and money, but it was worthwhile. African leaders are growing rapidly in their capacity to serve their chapters, countries, and Africa.

We are grateful to Korea UBF for sending Joseph and Esther and providing generous financial support, along with HQ. Steven is also in the PAC, but he could not attend as he is recovering from a recent stroke. The Lord has been accelerating his recovery in a remarkable way through the prayers of God’s people. We continue to pray for his full recovery.

Other continental conferences coming up:
According to the conference schedules for this season, I will be in Chicago until January 1 and will be able to attend the united Christmas worship service and also have some time with my family. Then, on January 1, I plan to leave for the CIS Directors Conference in Armenia (January 3-5), followed by the Asian Leaders Conference in S. country (January 9-11). After returning to Chicago, I will join the Latin American Directors Conference online from January 16-18. Then Dervilla and I plan to attend the M.E Directors Conference in Egypt from January 24-26, followed by the European Leaders Conference in Lisbon, Portugal, from January 30-February 1. We give thanks to God who has upheld us by his power as God’s people pray for us.

Throughout the year, we have prayed for the salvation of souls on the campus and for world mission, and we are deeply grateful for God’s grace that enables us to fulfill our mission.