The Asia Covenant Conference is a gathering of churches from the Evangelical Covenant denomination that meets every few years.
Christians gather to share reports of their ministries and how God has worked in their countries.
The conference takes place in a different host country each time. This year, Japan played host. The conference took place at the National Olympic Memorial Youth Center in Shibuya, Tokyo, November 1-3, 2017.
Delegates came from several countries: Thailand, Philippines, India, Nepal, Taiwan, China, Japan, and the U.S.
In addition to giving conference reports, the foreign guests enjoyed cultural activities. They experienced a koto concert, and some participated in a traditional tea ceremony and kimono photo session. Many also joined a Tokyo bus tour.
Every Asian group prepared a table booth with free snacks from their home countries. Some performed a song or dance during their report.
Most of the sharing and worship was conducted in two languages, English and Japanese.
The conference ended with prayer for the nations represented.
The Japan Covenant Churches were pleased to host our international guests and worship God together with them. We look forward to the next conference, India 2019.
ACC 2017 video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzriQiMGyoE
Prayer topics from the guests:
Hindustani Covenant Church, India
- Disaster victims in India. HCC’s ability to respond to their needs.
- Young men and women to undertake responsibilities for God’s kingdom.
Thailand Covenant Church
- New Thai king to rule righteously.
- Churches planted in every district and village by 2020.
Covenant Church of Taiwan
- Transition to next generation of pastoral staff.
- Wisdom and courage to respond to societal issues (e.g. LGBTQ).
Jesus Covenant Church, Philippines
- Earthquake threat of “The Big One,” predicted 7.2 magnitude.
- Ongoing commitment to evangelism and discipleship.
India For Christ Ministries (IFCM), India
- Severe persecution of believers and mission workers in India, including killings and anti-conversion laws.
- Child welfare programs and medical ministries of IFCM.
Covenant Churches in China
- Freedom to gather, worship, and share the gospel.
- Problems in family relationships and gender identity.