For 7 years now, since its foundation, IAFB Europe has been celebrating the Annual District Convention. It is the most-awaited gathering of all IAFB Europe Churches in one city hosted by one of its members to empower, equip and revive all believers present. This year, from the 1st to the 3rd of November, it was held in Naples, Italy hosted by Temple of Hope under the leadership of Reverend Ferdinand Ganela. The theme was “Overseas Filipino Witnesses: From the Cross, Through the Church, To the World” with keynote speakers from across the globe: Evangelist Rick Fritz from Ohio, USA; Dr. Paul Kim from Seoul, South Korea and Rev. Raymond Yeo from Malaysia.

The aim of the event was to bring to light the precious sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, the urgency of the Great Commission and the remaining task to take Jesus to the nations. Nov. 1, 2019 commenced with the Missions Emphasis where Rev. Raymond Yeo spoke about the cross and the importance of witnessing. The delegates were also encouraged by the testimonies of the Asia Pacific Missionaries who heeded the call of the Lord to go forth to preach and minister in the said region concluding with the kick off ceremony for the 2020 Asia Missions. Followed by it was the Acquaintance Night for all delegates and guests. It was only the first day of the Convention but already the Spirit moved mightily in the midst of the people after Evangelist Rick Fritz preached about being filled with the Holy Spirit and its power in order for us to become effective witnesses to the world. Many of the delegates received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit for the first time. IAFB Europe also welcomed the new Pastors: Pastor Deborah Delizo, Pastor Joy Bernales, Pastor Rosemarie Notarte and Pastor Rene Bonete. It was, indeed, quite an eventful night as the First Born Souvenir Book, with the teamwork of the BEATS Ministry and Editor in Chief, Sir. Arvin Bacalla, was also unveiled for the very first time.

In the morning of the second day, Dr. Paul Kim conducted a lecture and training on the Holy Spirit and Missions hereby unlocking the ears of the people for the heartbeat of God.  After that, the delegates were also given the chance to showcase their God-given talents during the Talentadong Kristiano portion organized by the Messengers of the Cross. Among the spoken word by Temple of Hope Naples, Interpretative Dance by Hosanna House of Praise Bilbao, Skit by Tabernacle of Glory Barcelona, it was the Sabayang Pagbigkas by Jesus Christ Servant Church that bagged the Champion Award with their dynamic presentation to advocate against spiritual indifference and to encourage everyone to start sharing the Gospel. The talent search was superseded by the General Assembly meeting for the growth of the organization.

The second night, Voice of Zion Ministry held their first concert stirred to take JESUS TO THE NATIONS through songs and worship with the exhortation of Rev. Raymond Yeo on reaching out to the world. With the atmosphere set on the supremacy of Christ and highlighting the state of the world, the concert culminated with the Prayer for the Nations where each of the over 150 delegates were given a piece of paper inscribed with one specific country to be prayed for. With that single yet prophetic gesture, IAFB Europe greatly impacted the World Missions with a serious and corporate intercession for many countries oppressed by war, poverty, unbelief and other forces of darkness. The anointing and power were palpable within the four corners of that place. Faith was generated and victory was ensured.

Sunday worship service took place the next morning. The Pastors were given tokens of appreciation from the District and the privilege to sing a song of encouragement for every believer. Evangelist Rick Fritz, thereafter, delivered the message of the Lord and admonished everyone to GO and obey  Him with boldness and grit. He opened the altar for the guests and souls were won as they accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior. It was also in that service that Reverend Rodridgo Notarte was installed and commissioned. 

But, one cannot simply go to Naples and attend the Convention without having a taste of the Original Neapolitan Pizza. So after the morning activities, Temple of Hope threw a Pizza Party. It added joy and vivacity to the already merry and victorious Convention. After that short break, Temple of Hope also celebrated its 9th Church Anniversary with Dr. Paul Kim preaching on the ultimate purpose of sharing the Gospel.

The ripples of God’s glory poured out during the different sessions of the Convention are still crashing into waves in many cities today as the delegates took the fire they received back into their home churches. Testimonies of revival, refire and regeneration are being heard in the assembly and people are encouraged more than ever to, indeed, become Overseas Filipino Witnesses: From the Cross, through the Church, to the World. Thanks be to God for the spiritual triumph and for the lives of the workers of the Kingdom who prayed, contributed and helped organize the 7th IAFB EUROPE DISTRICT CONVENTION. 

John 20:21- Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”

Soli Deo Gloria!