Global Growth and Challenges
Across continents and cultures around the world, Apostolic Faith congregations continue to see the hand of God work in unique ways in their local communities. With a unified commitment to the Gospel and a reliance on God’s help, workers in every region are pressing forward to reach more people with the message of hope through Jesus.
Following is an overview of our global work, including current challenges, areas of growth, and goals for the future. May the Lord continue to send laborers into His harvest, strengthen existing ministries, open new frontiers, and guide us as we earnestly contend for the faith.
NORTH AMERICA
Churches and Groups: 73
West and Midwest United States: One of the most encouraging recent developments in this district is the growth of Sunday school and youth programs in several congregations. We hope to continue building on that and reach young people who are hungry for the truth.
A door of opportunity has re-opened in Honolulu, Hawaii, where our former small church closed in 2008. About three years ago, one of our ministers moved there with his family, and they have been inviting people to join them for simple church services. They have seen eight people receive salvation since their move to Hawaii, and about twenty-five now attend the weekly gatherings.
An opportunity has recently opened in Barrow, Alaska, centered around descendants of Paul Patkotak, an Inupiat Eskimo who was born in 1891 in a remote village in northern Alaska. In Brother Paul’s youth, he came to Washington to learn English and was saved at our Seattle church in 1913. He became an Apostolic Faith minister and lived in that area for several years, but then returned to his Alaskan home. He prayed earnestly for revival among his native people until his passing in 1980. Last year, some of Brother Paul’s grandchildren showed interest in reconnecting with their grandfather’s church. In April of 2025, ministers traveled to Barrow and shared tracts and magazines that featured Brother Paul’s testimony. Many of his relatives wept when they received them, and the ministers were invited back to hold church services. We are praying for a spiritual harvest in this land where Brother Paul sowed the seed of the Gospel many decades ago.
Though Christianity has been in decline in the United States for some time and many are resistant to the faith, there are also encouraging signs of God working. We are especially asking God to raise up new ministers and pastors in this region.
Southern and Eastern United States: In the last several years, new groups and churches have been added in six cities across this district. A variety of outreach and discipleship efforts have shown success, including kids’ days, Vacation Bible Schools, food distribution, visitations to hospitals and institutions, and more. In addition, a Youth Steering Committee has been helpful in coordinating youth events across the region.
A new collegiate ministry has also been initiated to help young people stay strong in their faith through their college years. The first one launched at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland, where one of our ministers is a professor and was able to sponsor an official Apostolic Faith campus group. The hope is to implement this in other universities as well.
The leaders in this district noted a need for prayer regarding the Century, Florida, campground, which has been unusable for several years. Camp meetings are now being held in a rented facility, and wisdom is needed to know how to proceed in the long term.
Canada: In most of our Canadian branches, the churches are growing and saints are enjoying wonderful services, programs, and special meetings. A new website with online resources is in development, and improvements are being made to the nationwide bookkeeping system. Updated property appraisals are now being done to enhance the churches’ ability to secure funding for property acquisitions.
Our congregation in Headingley, Manitoba, has been thriving in recent years. It began as a small group in 2010, and in 2020, God provided the financial resources to purchase land to build a church. That building was dedicated in September of 2024 and the congregation now numbers over one hundred. More recently, new groups have also started in Regina, Saskatchewan, and Moncton, New Brunswick.
One challenge has been holding national gatherings. The Canada headquarters is in Newfoundland, which is difficult to reach, limiting the number who can attend camp meetings and youth camps. Therefore, the decision was made that beginning in 2026, camp meeting will be held in Headingly (in central Canada), and a second youth camp will be held in Edmonton (in western Canada).
CARIBBEAN
Churches and Groups: 84
Eastern Caribbean: We have twenty-six churches in this district, with headquarters on the island of St. Thomas, USVI. One major challenge throughout the region is the need for ongoing building repairs due to frequent severe weather conditions. However, the saints are thankful for a headquarters church building that is large enough to accommodate the annual camp meeting and other combined special meetings.
Dominican Republic: Our thirty-two churches in this country enjoy vibrant Sunday school and youth programs. They hold regular combined meetings, retreats, and workshops, and in the past year they rejoiced to see over one hundred saved. They set a national goal to double their numbers by having every church member win one soul for Christ.
Haiti: Though we have eighteen churches and a primary school in Haiti, lawlessness in this nation has forced the saints to abandon several of our church locations, and the school is unable to operate. The saints in Haiti are in constant need of prayer for safety and provision.
Jamaica: We have eight churches on this island, all with their own permanent meeting places. In November of 2025, a hurricane destroyed one church structure completely and removed the roof of another. In addition to addressing damages from that storm, there is a plan to add visitor lodging to the headquarters church, a Sunday school facility in Spanish Town, and a women’s shelter in Christianna.
SOUTH AMERICA
Churches and Groups: 12
Of the thirteen countries that comprise South America, we have churches in Brazil, Chile, and Peru. Since most of these congregations are located far from each other, combined online meetings are held to support and encourage the saints.
The primary goals in South America are:
· Equip more congregations with tools for online services
· Hold regular combined online meetings in Peru and Brazil
· Grow the Sunday school work in Brazil and embark on an outreach effort in Sao Paulo in 2026
· Increase evangelism efforts in Chile
· In Peru, improve the infrastructure of our Sunday school building in Iquitos and expand the work in the Lambayeque region
· Continue efforts to start a work in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay
· Hold an annual Pan-South America online service
Camp meetings in South America had to be suspended several years ago, but an annual weekend of special meetings in Chile is set to commence in 2026. There is also hope to eventually build camp meeting facilities on our headquarters church property in Chile. In Peru, we hope to develop the Lambayeque region to serve as a national gathering point.
EUROPE
Churches and Groups: 41
Western Europe: We have seen remarkable growth in this district, which is comprised of six churches and ten groups, as well as three Bible study centers. Most of the churches are in the United Kingdom, but we also have groups meeting in France, Germany, Spain, and Ireland. Plans are also in place to expand to Belgium, Northern Ireland, and Italy. The work is well established in this region, with youth camps, camp meetings, and other retreats being well attended and with many spiritual victories won.
Recently, the Western Europe headquarters in the Bexley neighborhood of London, England, was remodeled to include an expanded platform area, new offices, multipurpose rooms, a kitchen, an elevator, and a grand organ. The updated building was dedicated in September of 2025, and two new UK churches were also dedicated in recent years.
Key challenges include that many of our congregations have outgrown their current rented buildings or are yet to secure a permanent place of worship, and there are language and cultural barriers throughout the region. A new camp meeting site may also soon be needed as the current location cannot accommodate all who wish to attend. The saints in Western Europe are focused on encouraging more spiritual development, especially among youth and young families, and expanding use of digital tools for evangelism.
Scandinavia: Our work in Scandinavia began in 1912, making it one of the oldest areas of our work. Yet, Christianity has been in decline in this part of the world for decades, making evangelism very difficult. Old-timers in the Scandinavian work have passed on, and much of society there now seems uninterested in the Gospel.
However, the light continues to shine out. Today we have two churches in Norway and one in Denmark. Camp meeting is held each year at a rented site in Norway, and people from throughout Scandinavia attend, as well as delegates from other parts of the world. The headquarters church in Stavanger publishes and distributes a monthly newsletter in Norwegian and also broadcasts devotional messages on local radio stations. They are praying that the Lord will ignite the youngest age groups to take a stand for the Gospel.
Romania: Our work in Romania has seen remarkable growth since it began in 2000 with a single Sunday school. Today we have twenty-two churches there and the saints enjoy an annual camp meeting. More recently, it has been exciting to see new congregations established in the southern region as well as successful missionary efforts in the northeastern part of the country.
One challenge stemming from this rapid growth is a need for more ministers and trained musicians in the new locations. There is also a need for pastors in several congregations where the current leaders are approaching retirement. Leaders in Romania are focused on helping the newer locations become established and obtain permanent places of worship. In particular, they are working to complete church building projects in Capu Dealului and at a campground site.
AFRICA
Churches and Groups: 2537
West and Central Africa: We have 164 churches in the twelve French-speaking countries of this district, and 932 churches in the six English-speaking countries, with the majorities of those (842) in Nigeria. Combined weekly attendance at these churches is usually over 100,000.
Camp meetings are held in seven countries, plus nine across Nigeria alone, with the largest gathering attended by over 20,000 at the headquarters in Faith City. Expansion of the campground there has been underway for over twenty years, with major progress in recent years. The semi-completed tabernacle was used in 2024 at the 80th anniversary of the work there. Outside of Nigeria, a new church was recently built in Sierra Leone, and a campground water project in the Democratic Republic of Congo was completed.
Major obstacles in this region include prevailing lawlessness and violent religious persecution against Christians, especially in Nigeria. In addition, the economic situation has left many members living in impoverished conditions or leaving rural areas in search of work. This puts a strain on the churches they leave behind. Yet, the work continues to grow as young people are leveraging technology for “e-evangelism.” There is also hope to expand to eight more countries in this region, to find creative means of evangelism in places where Christian outreach is prohibited, and to address economic concerns in areas affected by poverty.
Southern and Eastern Africa: Our 770 churches and groups, spanning twenty-four countries in this district, have seen great success in evangelistic outreach efforts. New branches have been established and more resources are being offered online. Our members there have been able to build churches, campgrounds, and schools in various locations, and further construction will occur as resources allow. They hope to eventually expand to every country within the region. In addition, leaders here have oversight of the work in Pakistan.
One obstacle to achieving these goals is a lack of funding. To address economic needs, our leaders are attempting to generate sustainable income sources through a business development trust. Another challenge has been numerous administrative delays and legal hurdles that slow church registration in new areas, especially in Tanzania, Angola, Rwanda, Malawi, Mozambique, and Lesotho. Economic instability, poverty, unemployment, and language barriers are also obstacles to overcome. Despite these challenges, the commitment to the faith across this region remains strong, and leaders are working to improve international collaboration and sharing of digital resources for evangelism and discipleship.
ASIA
Churches and Groups: 115
East Asia: We have about thirty churches located in Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines, with a combined total of about 1,000 members. In Japan, less than 2% of the population are Christian, making evangelization difficult. A different challenge exists in the Philippines, where Catholicism is predominant. In addition, economic conditions there cause many members to leave the country to find work. Economic conditions in South Korea are good, but an extreme cultural work ethic hinders many from attending church.
Despite these challenges, positive developments are taking place in the region. At our only church in Japan, a new pastor was recently appointed after that role had been vacant for a few years following the retirement of their longtime pastor. In addition, the Kawasaki church building was beautifully renovated and re-dedicated in 2024. In South Korea, our saints are engaged in translating curriculum, tracts, and other literature for the church members there. In the Philippines, a new Fellowship Hall was recently renovated at the headquarters church where camp meetings are held.
Major goals across the district include continuing evangelistic efforts, training the next generation in doctrinal unity and church practice, preparing new ministers and pastors, and building unity and cooperation across cultural and national barriers. Leaders are also praying for wisdom about how to pay off the debt for the new building in Japan, acquire lodging for camp meetings in the Philippines, and find a location for camp meeting and youth camp in South Korea.
India: Our work in India began in 2006 and now includes eighty-one churches and groups spread across the western state of Maharashtra and southeastern state of Andhra Pradesh.
In the southeastern region, Vacation Bible School (VBS) has proven to be an extremely successful outreach over the years. The combined attendance at VBS in one year is sometimes close to five hundred, and many of the children give their hearts to Jesus. Another successful effort has been holding luncheons for widows and widowers. This is done to support individuals from the local congregation, but everyone is encouraged to bring a non-Christian guest. The luncheon includes a meal along with a time of singing, exhortation, and prayer, and a recent event was attended by over one hundred.
In the western part of India, there is a strong appetite for Christianity, but poverty and government restrictions have been restraining factors. Potential new strategies for this area include establishing schools (the majority of the population do not speak English) and training pastors. We hope to develop online Bible study curriculum to ensure uniform practices throughout our churches, and provide more Bibles in the Marathi language. We are also exploring the possibility of expanding our work to the neighboring countries of Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.
Major challenges in India have been poverty, the threat of persecution, and legal restrictions on evangelism. Pastors are required to obtain certification to preach, and missionaries are not welcome. In addition, a lack of funding has prevented camp meetings from being held for several years, though there is a deep desire to resume.
Pakistan: Our work in this country began in 2021 and now includes four churches in the northeastern region, with a total of about 730 members.
The population in this country is less than 2% Christian, with most who identify as Christian having a limited understanding of salvation. Evangelism is extremely challenging, and individuals who convert from Islam to Christianity often face severe persecution. However, those who are from generationally Christian families can practice their faith with relative freedom.
Despite the challenges, our evangelistic efforts among nominal Christians and people with no religious affiliation have been remarkably fruitful. During visits by our teams, many have received salvation. Bible distribution has been a vital component of this work; in 2025 alone, over 2,000 Bibles were given away. Our workers are committed to eventually evangelizing all 530 villages in the Toba Tek Singh region and surrounding areas.
Although Christians are permitted to practice their faith in Pakistan, they still face other hardships. They are considered second-class citizens, often excluded from mainstream society, and many live in chronic poverty. Our churches are working to address these challenges through economic initiatives for Christian families. We particularly request prayer for families trapped in generational bonded labor in brick-kiln factories due to crushing debt.
We are currently in the process of legally registering our work in Pakistan. In May of 2024, land was purchased in Faisalabad for a headquarters church and office. A groundbreaking ceremony was held in March of 2025, and construction is underway on the perimeter wall and a small office, which are essential for completing the registration process.
AUSTRALIA
Churches and Groups: 4
Australia has six states and one main territory, and we currently have churches in four of those areas. A major challenge has been the price of real estate; Australia is the second least affordable nation in the world for housing. This has made it difficult to own a church facility where people can meet in person regularly. However, we have secured permanent places of worship in Sydney and Melbourne, with the latter acquisition made debt-free through wise investments and with God’s help. In addition, a new group was launched in Brisbane in October of 2025, and another new group in Adelaide is anticipated in the coming year.
The believers in Australia enjoy an annual camp meeting in Sydney, as well as combined youth retreats and special meetings in other locations. There is an intense focus to develop the youth in the Gospel. To do that, a new initiative was implemented which sponsors young people to attend an out-of-country camp meeting. The saints are also focused on evangelism. With the aim of winning Australia for Christ, they are looking to expand the work to Tasmania and the Northern Territory.
